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Refreshing Cucumber Lime Veggie Green Smoothie Recipe

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How to make a green smoothie that actually tastes good
Wellness Mama » Blog » Recipes » Refreshing Cucumber Lime Veggie Green Smoothie Recipe

There are two things that almost all health gurus seem to agree that we should do: get more sleep and eat more green veggies. In fact, statistically, these are two things most of us are pretty bad at! I confess, I’m still seriously lacking in the sleep department (thank you sweet teething baby), but I have been making a conscious effort to eat (and drink) my greens.

In fact, when my friend Heather mentioned that she craves greens for a few weeks each spring, I realized that I often did too…but that I hadn’t really paid attention because that is often when our farmers have an abundance of leafy greens, so I was already getting plenty.

Green Smoothies vs. Green Juice

There are two schools of thought when it comes to drinking greens. One advocates green juices, saying that you can consume much more of the nutrients in the form of juice than you can by eating the veggies. This is true, but as green smoothie advocates explain, juices of any kind do not have the fiber that is naturally present in fruits and veggies and can spike blood sugar. Green smoothies solve this problem by combining the two.

Personally, I’ve always been more of a green smoothie fan than a green juice fan, since they seem less wasteful and fruits and veggies naturally contain fiber for a reason. At the end of the day, green juice and green smoothies are both an upgrade from the processed snacks and drinks like soda that many people consume, so veggie on! (And eat some salads too!)

Fruit & Veggie Ratios

I’ve noticed that many green smoothie recipes contain more fruit than vegetables. There’s certainly nothing wrong with fruit (and my recipe contains some) but most of us are already getting plenty of sugar, even from natural sources like sugar and fruit.

I try to always have a 2:1 veggie to fruit ratio in recipes and add a little liquid stevia if needed for sweetness. I usually don’t need the extra sweetness though, especially with the fruit. For a lower carb option, omit the fruit and use a natural sweetener instead.

Getting Enough Greens

It’s always easy to get enough greens in early spring when local markets have an abundance of them. We drink green smoothies often, but also make sure to eat lots of salads and cooked green veggies. We usually try to work in green smoothies with breakfast (or for breakfast). Salads are our go-to lunch, topped with healthy proteins like chicken, grilled meats, or fish. Dinner is a great time to get cooked veggies in as soups or as a side.

The recipe below is one of my favorites, but there are whole books dedicated to green smoothies if you want more ideas.

How to make a green smoothie that actually tastes good

Cucumber Lime Veggie Smoothie Recipe

Make this delicious green cucumber lime smoothie with spinach, cucumbers, lime, kiwi, ginger, and matcha for a nutrient dense green treat.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Calories 222kcal
Author Katie Wells

Servings

2 smoothies

Ingredients

  • 2 cups water (or coconut or almond milk for a more creamy smoothie)
  • 1 cucumber (roughly chopped)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 2 limes (juiced)
  • 2 kiwi (peeled and chopped)
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger (peeled and chopped)
  • 1 tsp  matcha powder optional
  • ½ fresh avocado (skin removed)
  • ½ cup frozen pineapple or fresh plus some ice cubes
  • 1 scoop greens powder (optional, but adds a lot of extra nutrients)
  • 1 scoop collagen powder (optional)

Instructions

  • Place water or milk, cucumber, and spinach in a blender and blend until completely smooth.
  • Add remaining ingredients and blend on high again until completely smooth.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy! 🙂

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Cucumber Lime Veggie Smoothie Recipe
Amount Per Serving (1 smoothie)
Calories 222 Calories from Fat 67
% Daily Value*
Fat 7.4g11%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Sodium 51mg2%
Carbohydrates 41.8g14%
Fiber 7.9g33%
Sugar 23.4g26%
Protein 4.8g10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Notes

To make it low carb/keto leave out the pineapple and kiwi and use a natural approved sweetener instead. You can also add coconut milk or MCT oil for added fats in this recipe.

Like this recipe? Check out my new cookbook, or get all my recipes (over 500!) in a personalized weekly meal planner here!

Healthier Smoothie Variations & Adaptions

Like any smoothie, this recipe is endlessly versatile. Here are some variations to try:

  • Gorilla Green Smoothie – This green smoothie variation (and 5 other healthy smoothie recipes) are in my Wellness Mama Cookbook.
  • More Protein – Add a protein powder or collagen powder.
  • Up the Healthy Fats – Want to add more healthy fats? This is especially helpful for satiating kids who are always hungry. Use coconut milk for the base instead of water and add a couple Tablespoons of coconut oil.
  • Lower Carb – Omit the fruit and use a couple drops of liquid stevia instead. You can also use berries in place of the pineapple and kiwi. These are lower carb, but they will change the color.

Want an All Veggie Smoothie?

If you’re looking for my original green smoothie recipe that was all veggie, here it is. Please note that this recipe is not for the faint of heart!

In the blender, combine:

  • one small tomato
  • ¼ of a cucumber
  • one bell pepper
  • one jalapeño
  • ¼ of an onion
  • 1-2 cloves of raw garlic
  • 1-2 stalks of celery
  • 3-4 big handfulls of greens of choice
  • 1 tsp kelp
  • 2 tsp spirulina powder
  • 2 cups water
  • handful of ice cubes

I make my smoothies in our Vitamix, so quantities might need to be adjusted if you have a smaller size blender. If you don’t have all the ingredients, use what you do have and add any vegetables that can be eaten raw. As one reader recommended, I have also started adding turmeric, as this gives additional health benefits.

Blend ingredients until smooth. Smoothie will be thick. I find the easiest way to drink it is like one would do weights at the gym, in sets. I take 5 gulps, chase with water, and repeat. If you don’t handle spicy foods well, omit the jalapeño!

Ever tried a veggie green smoothie like this? What is your favorite type of healthy smoothie? Share below!

A delicious veggie smoothie is an easy way to add some healthy vegetables to your diet. This recipe is an excellent way boost your health!

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Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

99 responses to “Refreshing Cucumber Lime Veggie Green Smoothie Recipe”

  1. liz Avatar

    5 stars
    I also was concerned about the high oxalate content in leafy greens due to the fact that my body produces calcium kidney stones. However, a nutritionist recommended that I drink 64 oz or more of water daily, which supposedly flushes the oxalate crystals from my system. I hope she is right, because I never, ever want to experience kidney stone pain again!!!!!

  2. Anna Lee Avatar

    I can’t wait to try this! I’m a huge fan of (HUGE) veggie smoothies (mine usually consists of kale, dandelion, bell pepper, celery, and cucumber, with a little grapefruit juice as a mixer). I’ve never had jalapeno or garlic in a smoothie before, but I’m super curious about this one!

  3. Jackson Avatar

    Great recipe! I’m hoping to try it soon. Do you know if the garlic cloves in combination with the other ingredients cause body odor? I love garlic shakes but many people have told me I smell after drinking it lol. Like I care… It’s healthy!

  4. Gail thomas Avatar
    Gail thomas

    Can I do the 2 fruits and 5 vegetables a day in one serve as I don’t like to eat either,and also a diabetic type2

  5. Nicole Avatar

    This is a prodigious recipe! Can vegetable smoothies be stored in the fridge? If so, for how long?

    I feel like it would be cheaper to make a big batch of this stuff in advance for the week.

  6. Kendra Avatar

    Hi !

    I love your blog posts your podcasts and all your information Katie.

    I used to make a smoothie similar to this daily and would add a mixture of leafy greens such as Swiss chard, spinach, kale etc. and loved getting my veggies in this way.

    Recently in my trip to the health food store the lady at the checkout asked how I consume all the leafy greens I was purchasing, I informed her of the green smoothies I made daily and and she said I should not be consuming these raw because of the high oxalate content. I have done some of my own research on this and don’t seem to see a conclusive answer on this.

    What is your opinion on consuming raw foods higher in oxalic acid? Do you think this is a concern to consume on a daily basis? (I did a little bit of digging on your website but didn’t seem to see any blog posts on this topic)

    Thanks! =)

      1. Kendra Avatar

        Awesome, that’s great I will have to stay tuned. Thanks so much for your reply!

  7. Gail Arnold Avatar
    Gail Arnold

    Hello, Thank you for your suggestions on your site. I have not been diagnose with parasites due to my illnesses, but years ago a herbalist suggested that was my problem due to my symptoms, and misdiagnose of my doctors. I went on a regimen of her herbs, and got very sick, so I stopped. I am still suffering with illness with a lot of the symptoms of having parasites. I suspect that I have them in my body, and want to clean them out of me. After doing research on parasite cleansing, your site as well as doctor`s that are well known to help people for this problem have the same similar remedies for getting rid of candia, yeast , and parasites. I have been drinking the apple cider vinegar, along with the other suggested remedies. I`m scared of the apple cider vinegar that with too much use, if it can thin the blood too much, and if that is dangerous. Will you help me to understand better. It`s the only thing that helps my GERD Acid reflux. Thank You for your help.

  8. Eowyn Avatar

    5 stars
    Hello! I discovered your blog the other day and I’m in love with it. This recipe reminds me of a type of smoothie called “gazpacho” in Spanish. It’s made with tomato, garlic, onion, pepper, cucumber, olive oil and vinegar. I’m going to try your recipe with vinegar, maybe it will help to improve the taste. I’ll let you know how it is!

  9. Sara K Avatar
    Sara K

    You should also try grating ginger in to this! I out ginger in all of my smoothies. Also, thin slices beets (skin still on) Belen’s really well in a vita mix.

  10. Shelby Avatar

    Hi Katie! I’m a big fan of your blog and website. I’ve been doing a green smoothie similar to this one but I use a coconut milk/almond milk blend and I also add Chlorella powder. I combed through your site, but I didn’t find any information on that specific algae. I definitely could have just missed it but I was wondering if you had any insights on that particular “pond scum” or if I should stop adding it. Thanks!

  11. Tara Avatar

    i dont believe in torturing oneself… my suggestion is to make this drink with delicious healthy homemade kefir, add a bit of braggs apple cider vinaiger, lemon juice, himalaya salt and you have a delicious tangy drink! i just had one this morning, yummy but i didnt have all the ingredients. mine was:
    kefir
    kale
    spirulina
    lemmon juice fresh
    cider vinaiger
    fresh herbs – coriander, oregano
    2 garlic cloves
    cucomber
    pinch salt
    fresh ginger
    handful pumpkin seeds
    in french roquette, i think its aragula in english

    this makes 2 glasses, i then add my grapefood seed extract to my glass
    wow delicious!

  12. Samantha Avatar

    I have to admit, the recipe combo and picture made me gaga when I imagined drinking that daily. Lol
    Will definitely try it or a variation soon, though, thanks!

  13. Dee Avatar

    3 stars
    Thank you for posting such a vegetable smoothie with so many benefits! I honestly am not sure I will make it again. I found it to be really spicy. I have to admit I didn’t have kelp or spirulina so I’m not sure how much that changed everything. I did add a carrot and a lemon in hopes of making it more palpable, it helped just a little for me. I also drank it while I ate some raw cashews.

    I am still looking for an all vegetable smoothie that I can enjoy and savor. I’ve been on the SCDiet for just over a year and working to overcome autoimmune disease. I just gave up eggs for month and looking for an all vegetable breakfast smoothie.

    Cheers and health to you all!!!

  14. MO Avatar

    I enjoyed seeing your veggi smoothy recipe. I want to give it a try. I’ve been drinking this one every day for about a year:

    1 1/2 cups water
    1 tomato
    1 celery rib
    1/4 red bell pepper
    2 inch slice of a whole lemon (seeds, peel, everything)
    1/2 large carrot
    1/2 cucumber
    1-2 green onions
    2 cups greens
    1 cup fresh basil, oregano, and thyme mix from my garden (dill works great too)
    1 tbs fresh ground flax seed
    2 tbs nutritional yeast
    1/2 tsp Pink salt

    The lemon and herbs make it taste much better.

  15. apelila Avatar

    4 stars
    I make a green smoothie similar to yours minus the hot pepper because I drink it at 5am, 🙂 but recently started throwing in a small handful of organic coconut flakes because I heard Chris Kresser say you would not absorb all the nutrients from the vegetables without some fat.

  16. Kim Avatar

    Throw some fresh lemon or lime juice in the recipe, a touch of sea salt maybe, and you’ve got yourself a great tasting soup! Lemon and/or lime are essential for balancing out the green taste.

  17. Jim Avatar

    In response to the “gulping it down” and “washing it down” you always want to ‘chew’ your juice to simulate actually eating the greens and therefore mixing in the saliva necessary for proper digestion and healthy absorption of nutrients. It is hard on your stomach and you don’t breakdown all the good stuff, even with a high speed blender.

    1. April G. Avatar

      Fascinating comment! I’ve always laughed at my husband for chewing the smoothies I make for us. It’s just his natural inclination when he drinks them where I’m definitely a gulper… Sounds like a good habit to get into! 🙂 Thanks for the tip!

  18. Rui Avatar

    I never Tryed a veggie smoothie like this before, always fruits but really looking foward to try yours out. Thx

  19. Amanda Avatar

    The one I drink regularly is pretty good actually; I use a sweet pepper instead of a bell and a carrot instead of the jalapeno then add one small apple.

  20. Amanda Avatar

    5 stars
    This shake has been my breakfast for about 2 years now. I added lemon juice because it helps with the flavor. The main reason I am posting is that I used to get migraines about 2-3 a week that took medicine and sleep to cure. My migraines have completely gone away since I started drinking this. It has been amazing for my life!!! Thank you!

4.32 from 19 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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