Green Monster Ice Pops: Healthy, Lactose-Free Summer Recipe

Fathom contributor Christine Chitnis recently authored Icy, Creamy, Healthy, Sweet, a health-conscious, lactose-sensitive recipe book of summery treats. We like the sound of frozen smoothie pops that taste like a beach day in the tropics.

When it comes to getting my daily greens, I'll try just about anything. I love big, crunchy, straight-from-the-garden salads, but I also love blending produce for smoothies. Sweet, creamy, and refreshing, a green smoothie works in ice pop form.

The recipe is simple, great for summer, and lends itself well to experimentation. I like spinach for its subtle taste, but Swiss chard and kale also work well. I love the sweetness of freshly made pineapple juice, though you can substitute ready-made juice too.

You can also toss in your favorite fruit or whatever you find in season at your farmer's market. If you're serving to kids, play up the green color and they’ll be slurping daily servings in no time.

GREEN MONSTER POPS

Makes 10 pops

INGREDIENTS

1/2 pineapple, peeled, cored, chopped (or 1 c. pineapple juice)
1 c. full-fat coconut milk (one 13.5-oz. can)
1 c. mango, peeled, cored, chopped
1 1/2 c. baby spinach
2 bananas

PREPARATION

1. Put chopped pineapple chunks through a juicer. Measure 1 cup of pineapple juice (or use store-bought juice). Add to blender with bananas, mango, coconut milk, and baby spinach. Blend until smooth.

2. Pour smoothie mix into pop molds, insert sticks, and freeze for 3 to 4 hours until hardened.

COOK COOL, STAY HEALTHY

Buy Icy, Creamy, Healthy, Sweet by Christine Chitnis.

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE

A Roman Master's Recipe for Porchetta
Comfort Food: A Recipe for Lithuanian Table Bread
Making Matcha, Japan's Exquisite Espresso Alternative

From Icy, Creamy, Healthy, Sweet by Christine Chitnis, © 2016 by Christine Chitnis. Reprinted by arrangement with Roost Books, an imprint of Shambhala Publications, Inc., Boulder, CO.