Enjoy a day of patriotism and health with this red, white and blue smoothie

This smoothie is inspired by the watermelon feta salad that is enjoyed all summer long throughout the Mediterranean region. It is a wonderfully refreshing salad, and I thought that it would make a wonderfully refreshing smoothie. As it turns out, I was right. What better way to ring in National Watermelon Month? Yes, that’s right. July is dedicated to the wonderful watermelon.

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Watermelon is a good source of vitamins A and C, and lycopene. It also is very hydrating and refreshing. Mint is a wonderful foil to the watermelon, making it seem doubly refreshing.

I used homemade, plain (unflavored) kefir to mimic the tangy qualities of the feta for this drink, while supplying some great digestive-supporting probiotics. Store-bought plain kefir would work just as well.

Blueberries are not traditionally part of the watermelon feta salad, but I like the addition of antioxidant-rich frozen blueberries to most of my smoothies, for the flavor, the fiber content, the nutritional benefits and for achieving the frozen texture without using ice, which can water down the taste… literally. Plus, it’s blue. So, using this ingredient gives us a red, white and blue smoothie… at least before you blend it all together.

I find that the watermelon is sweet enough, but you may choose to add some honey, if you prefer a sweeter drink.

Red, white and blue smoothie

Serves: one tall glass. You can double or triple amounts as desired.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup frozen blueberries
• 1 cup plain kefir
• 1 cup watermelon, chopped, without rind
• 1-2 teaspoons fresh mint leaves, shredded or torn
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Tip: You can add one or two of the following optional ingredient additions, to boost the heft of the smoothie:

• 1 teaspoon ground flax
• 1 teaspoon chia seed
• 1 tablespoon rolled oats
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in blender cup.
2. Process/pulse till smooth.
3. Pour and drink immediately.