Chef Carla's Summer Beet and Superfood Smoothie
- Written By:Carla Contreras

I have been on a juicing kick. Adding the fresh beet and cucumber to this smoothie gives it a “juice” feel without the clean up of a juicer. The EVOLUTION_18 Beauty Superfood Powder provides a blend of 30 fruits and vegetables, prebiotic fiber and collagen peptides for healthy hair, skin and nails. This do-it-all powder also has a skin-nourishing blend of coconut oil, avocado oil, and flaxseed oil. It’s perfect for a Sunday morning pre-brunch meal or post-workout. This smoothie also makes delicious popsicles. Simply freeze in a popsicle mold overnight.

INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups plant based milk, like almond milk
1/4 cup medium diced raw Chioggia (striped) or red beet
1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
1/2 –1 inch slice fresh ginger or 1 tsp. dry
1/3 cup medium diced cucumber
2 Tbs. freshly squeezed lemon juice
4–5 ice cubes, garnish, optional
DIRECTIONS
Blend in a high-speed blender. Start on low for 15 seconds, and then blend on high for 30 seconds or until smooth. For a thicker smoothie, add less milk. If you don’t have a high-speed blender, chop the beet extra fine and or use a cooked beet. You can add more ginger if you like it spicy. I prefer a 1-inch slice of fresh ginger. Want it extra cold? Serve it over ice. Serves 1-2.
Chef Carla Contreras is the founder of the online cooking school Cook+Chop. She competed on season 12 of Chopped! on Food Network. She is Nutritious Life Certified, a Certified Holistic Health Coach, a food stylist, and photographer with a stacked culinary resume.