Let’s wrap up March with one more green recipe. When I’m asked for recipes these days, green smoothie requests are near the top of the list, so here’s one to add to your repertoire.

I promise you that smoothies are quite versatile (forgiving, even) so feel free to make substitutions or additions to the recipe below. You can’t really make a mistake with this.

Incidentally, if you’re turned off by the idea of drinking something so GREEN, my suggestion is to put it in an opaque cup with a lid, and drink it through a colored straw! You’ll never even notice the color…just the vibrant fresh flavor.

Grab ‘n’ Go Green Smoothie
Serves: 1

Ingredients:

2 cups baby spinach leaves
1 banana, cut into slices
2 kiwi, cut into chunks
1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
1/4 cup apple juice
2 tbsp honey
¾ cup crushed ice (less or more as desired)

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients except the ice in a blender and blend until smooth. Add ice in small increments until desired thickness is reached.

My homage to March Madness continues with another snack idea.  Time to upgrade your standard fare to something a little healthier and more interesting while you’re glued to the TV  wondering if you’ll be a billion dollars richer come April thanks to Warren B.

Win or lose, at least you’ll be well fed!

Spicy Garlic Edamame

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

1 lb. frozen edamame (in the pods)
1 Tbsp. olive oil
¼ tsp. red pepper flakes
2 minced garlic cloves
lime juice
salt

Directions:

1. Boil edamame pods till tender (about 5 minutes). Drain well on paper towels.
2. In a skillet, heat the olive oil and red pepper flakes over medium heat.
3. Add the edamame and toss in the oil till crispy on the edges. Remove from heat and add garlic; swirl till fragrant. Add a dash or two of lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
4. Serve warm as a snack or a side dish.

I don’t know about the rituals in your house, but in mine, March Madness is a pretty big deal. Which means I’m heading into a week chock-full of basketball. Which means snacks. Because really, who can watch a NCAA game without snacks? This year, the action begins just after St. Patrick’s Day so I’m killing two birds with one stone and offering up a GREEN snack. I’m nice like that. So here it is – a delicious little guacamole that can fit the bill for that lepruchaun party you know you want to throw or for your March Madness extravaganza.

And yes, I am aware that guacamole is not Irish, but then again, neither was St. Patrick. Did you know?

Game Day Guacamole
adapted from Food Network

Yields: 3-4 cups

Ingredients:

6 ripe avocados (halved and pitted)
2 tomatoes (seeded and finely chopped)
1 ½ limes, juiced
1 medium sweet onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
2 serrano chiles, minced
1 handful fresh cilantro with stems, finely chopped
Extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Scoop the avocado from the outer shell using a large spoon, and mash with a fork.
2. Add the lime juice, onion, garlic, and chiles.
3. Add a drizzle of olive oil plus salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
4. Garnish with chopped tomato and fresh cilantro. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
5. Serve with tortilla chips.