California Walnuts – walnuts.org

Pear and Arugula Smoothie with Ginger and Walnuts

Arugula may seem like a strange ingredient for a smoothie, but this combination is a real winner, a great lunchtime smoothie.

1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

1 cup arugula, tightly packed (about 30 grams)

1 tablespoon walnuts (7 grams)

1/2 ripe pear, cored and peeled (100 grams)

1 quarter-size piece of fresh ginger, peeled

2 to 4 tablespoons plain low-fat yogurt (to taste)

3 ice cubes

Place all of the ingredients in a blender and blend for 1 full minute.

Yield: 1 generous serving.

Advance preparation: This is best enjoyed right away.

Nutritional information per serving: 184 calories; 6 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 4 grams polyunsaturated fat; 1 gram monounsaturated fat; 2 milligrams cholesterol; 31 grams carbohydrates; 4 grams dietary fiber; 30 milligrams sodium; 5 grams protein

-- Martha Rose Shulman