This cooling cucumber smoothie is perfect for a quick, easy, and on-the-go breakfast. Packed with fresh vegetables like cucumber and spinach and sweetened with banana and pineapple, it seamlessly blends nutrition and flavor. Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free!
Why you'll love this recipe
- Refreshing: The cucumber and pineapple provide a fresh, tropical flavor that hits the spot at any time of the year.
- Nutrient-rich: It’s loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from spinach, lemon, cucumber, and pineapple. Plus, soy milk gives it a protein boost!
- Quick & easy: Minimal prep is needed, which makes this smoothie ideal for busy mornings or quick snacks. Just blend and drink — that’s it!
- Customizable: This cucumber smoothie is easy to customize with different fruits and vegetables. You can even add some of your favorite plant-based protein powder.
Refreshing cucumber smoothie
If you're looking for a hydrating and energizing treat, this cucumber smoothie is just what you need! It's incredibly simple to whip up and packed with ingredients that are healthy for you. The cucumber adds a burst of hydration and a cool flavor, perfect for warm, sunny days.
When blended with a ripe banana and soy milk, it becomes ultra-rich and creamy. You’ll be happy to know that it doesn’t require any added sweeteners either, thanks to my favorite ingredient — pineapple! I also like to add a big handful of spinach for a sneaky way of getting in those extra greens.
Whether you're a busy parent, a fitness enthusiast, or just trying to eat healthier, this smoothie fits the bill. It's quick, budget-friendly, and incredibly delicious — perfect for a rejuvenating start to your day or a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Cucumber: Adds hydration and a fresh taste. I prefer English or Persian cucumbers since they contain the fewest seeds, but field cucumbers will also work.
- Banana: Provides creaminess and naturally sweetens the smoothie. Make sure your banana is spotty for the creamiest texture and sweetest taste. Try avocado as a lower-sugar option.
- Pineapple: Brings a tropical sweetness and slight tang. Mango makes an equally sweet but extra creamy alternative.
- Spinach: Provides a dose of greens without overpowering the smoothie. Kale is a good substitute, but it has a more prominent taste.
- Soy milk: Creates a smooth and creamy base and adds protein. If you don’t have soy milk, swap in any non-dairy milk, like almond, cashew, oat, or coconut.
- Lemon: Gives the smoothie a bright citrus twist. Lime can be used for a slightly different flavor profile.
How to make a cucumber smoothie
- Step 1: Begin by washing the cucumber, spinach, and lemon. Chop the cucumber into smaller pieces to make blending easier. If you're using fresh pineapple, chop it into chunks as well. Add them all into a high-speed blender along with the juice of the lemon and soy milk.
- Step 2: Blend the smoothie on high speed until everything is thoroughly mixed and the consistency is nice and creamy.
- Step 3: Give the smoothie a taste. If needed, you can add more lemon juice for tartness or a sweetener of your choice for extra sweetness. Then pour your pineapple cucumber smoothie into serving glasses and enjoy it immediately for the best flavor and consistency!
Storage
While it’s best to drink smoothies right away, here’s how to store your pineapple cucumber smoothie if you have leftovers:
- Fridge: Transfer the smoothie to a mason jar with a tight lid to maintain freshness. It will last in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours this way.
- Freezer: You can freeze the smoothie in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag. Add them to your next smoothie to help chill it.
Variations
- Berries: Replace some of the pineapple with your choice of mixed berries for a fruity, antioxidant-rich version.
- Protein power: Include a scoop of plant-based vanilla protein powder to keep you full.
- Tropical twist: Mix in some mango and coconut water instead of soy milk.
- Herbal: Blend in a few fresh mint or basil leaves to add a refreshing herbal flavor.
- Spicy: Add a small piece of ginger or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Nutty: Add a tablespoon of almond butter or peanut butter for richness.
Top tips
- Use frozen fruit: Frozen fruit helps create a colder, more refreshing smoothie. If you only have fresh pineapple and banana, add a few cubes of ice to chill the smoothie.
- Peel cucumbers for a milder flavor: If you prefer a more neutral taste, peel the cucumbers before adding them to the blender.
- Adjust the consistency: Add more soy milk for a pourable smoothie. Use less soy milk if you want to make a smoothie bowl.
- Ripe bananas: For the sweetest flavor and creamiest texture, use very spotty bananas.
- Wash the greens: Thoroughly wash and check over your spinach to avoid grittiness or potential contamination.
FAQ
To naturally sweeten this smoothie, try incorporating more ripe bananas. If you prefer a different option, mix in a tablespoon of agave or maple syrup.
Yes, this cucumber smoothie can be a great addition to a weight loss diet since it’s filled with healthy ingredients that are low in calories. Like all diets, the overall caloric intake and portion sizes will determine your weight loss.
Absolutely! Adding ice to this smoothie will make it colder, especially if the fruit isn’t chilled. Just note that it will have more of a slushie texture.
More smoothie recipes
If you loved this cucumber smoothie, you need to try these other refreshing smoothie recipes:
- Bahama Mama Smoothie: A creamy, fruity, and sweet start to your day!
- Vegan Strawberry Protein Shake: A delicious smoothie made with 5 ingredients.
- Coconut Shake: Featuring coconut milk, toasted coconut flakes, and maple syrup.
- Tropical Mango Smoothie: A fruit-forward recipe topped with a swirl of fluffy whipped cream and granola.
Cucumber Smoothie
DESCRIPTION
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups cucumber chopped
- 1 whole banana
- 1 cup pineapple frozen or fresh
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup soy milk
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
METHOD
- Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend till smooth.
NOTES
- Use frozen fruit: Frozen fruit helps create a colder, more refreshing smoothie. If you only have fresh pineapple and banana, add a few cubes of ice to chill the smoothie.
- Peel cucumbers for a milder flavor: If you prefer a more neutral taste, peel the cucumbers before adding them to the blender.
- Adjust the consistency: Add more soy milk for a pourable smoothie. Use less soy milk if you want to make a smoothie bowl.
- Ripe bananas: For the sweetest flavor and creamiest texture, use very spotty bananas.
- Wash the greens: Thoroughly wash and check over your spinach to avoid grittiness or potential contamination.
Mai says
Do you put the entire lemon, skin and all?
Puja Verma says
Hello Mai! No, just the juice of the whole lemon. But I can see how the whole lemon in the recipe card is confusing. I made an edit to use 2 tbsp of freshly squeezed lemon juice which usually comes from one whole lemon for me. I hope that this clarifies it.