Here’s a great way to get your busy on-the-go kids to eat their fruits and vegetables – fruit skewer kabobs and a “Mean Green Machine” pineapple smoothie recipe!
It’s mid-springtime here in Northern California, and that means that the weather is already H-O-T! My boys have been spending nearly every waking moment in the pool, and though I love that they’re keeping cool and getting a good amount of outdoor physical activity, it can be SO hard to get them to come indoors for meals or snacktime! 
They’ve also been having a blast taking pictures and videos with their new underwater camera (we’ll be posting a review later this week!), so that makes it even harder to drag them away from their fun in order to eat. These guys are like fish in the water!
My solution for getting them to take a healthy snack break is to make it quick, easy and portable! These fruit skewer kabobs are perfect because I can serve the boys poolside without slowing them down with any plates or extra utensils.
These guys will eat any kind of fruit on a skewer, but they’re especially fond of melons, pineapple and strawberries. If only I could get them to devour veggie skewers with the same enthusiasm!
Since those veggies can be a bit harder to convince my kids to eat while we’re on the go (carrots are usually the only raw veggies that they’re willing to snack on), I found a fantastic way to pack some power greens into their favorite smoothie. This “Mean Green Machine” smoothie includes 4 cups of spinach, and my boys love it!
What You’ll Need:
- 2 6-oz. cans Pineapple Juice
- 4 cups Baby Spinach
- 2 cups Frozen Pineapple Chunks
- 1 Granny Smith Apple, cored and quartered
- Handful of Ice
Instructions:
- Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.
This smoothie is packed full of good-for-you ingredients like 100% not-from-concentrate pineapple juice, and it’s also a great source of Vitamins C, A & E! DOLE Pineapple Juice is available in a 46 oz can or 6 oz 6-pack of cans, and right now you can save with this $1.00 off #coupon for any 46 oz or 6-pack of DOLE Canned Pineapple Juice (for a limited time only.) It’s a great pantry staple to keep on-hand so that you’re ready to whip up a Mean Green Machine smoothie anytime!
These smoothies are definitely get-out-of-the-pool-worthy! I love knowing that I’m giving my kids a healthy dose of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, and they love that they’re getting served a cool frozen drink poolside! My oldest son said that the combination of Mean Green Machine smoothies and the pool makes him feel like he’s on vacation!
Celebrate everyday special occasions and holidays with DOLE Canned Pineapple Juice. Visit dole.com/sunshine to learn more about DOLE Canned Pineapple Juice’s Year of Sunshine, and enjoy bright ideas on mixing tasty tropical cocktails, marinades and other delicious menu items. Be sure to follow DOLE on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest for even more great ideas and product information!
Heidi Kundin has captivated the hearts of millions with her colorful and inspiring approach to crafting, celebrations, and family fun. With over 15 years of experience, Happiness is Homemade has become a must-visit destination for those seeking quick and easy creative ideas and last-minute solutions. Heidi’s warm personality shines through her posts, inviting readers to join her on a creative journey that’s fun, rewarding, and achievable. Heidi is also the author of Homemade Bath Bombs & More and DIY Tie-Dye.
What a great combination smoothie that looks healthy and delicious!
This looks delicious! I will definitely be trying it soon, as I have been on a smoothie kick! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I love smoothie recipes like this! It is such an easy way to get good servings of fruits and vegetables and super yummy, too!
Wow! This is such a wonderful recipe. I am always looking for Green Smoothies for lunch. This one is going in my recipe book.
Wow, these look amazing! Yum!
I love green smoothies!! I’m sure the pineapple is an excellent addition and I will have to try it 🙂
I love the name, it would definitely appeal to my son, too! It’s already hot as can be here in FL so my kiddos never want out of the pool either! Fabulous idea!!!
This looks so cool and refreshing! What a great way to get in all the veggies with the kids too.
I love adding veggies to my smoothies. The color is always very interesting. Carrots and pineapple go well together, too.
It was delicious! I told the boys it was mutagion from the Ninja Turtles. They loved it
I love it! I’m going to use that Ninja Turtles trick sometime! 🙂
Wow, this looks amazing! I love green smoothies, especially with pineapple. Can’t wait to give it a shot. All of these ideas look fun and great for summer parties.
What a great combination. This looks so delish!
This recipe is amazing my kids LOVED it, definitely using this more often!
That looks yummy and healthy! Thanks for the recipe!
Love, love, love pineapple! I love the color of this too and that you made it so healthy!
Oh! I think I would like this! I’m sure even my boys would drink this! We are smoothie lovers around here 🙂
Looks delicious, and I think I’d love the flavor!
How refreshing! Totally trying these for my kids. Thanks for the post!
We use pineapple in our smoothies all the time but I’ve never even thought about using pineapple juice for the liquid, brilliant!
Wow this looks so yummy ! Can’t wait to try it !
Thanks, Jessica!