Lemon Smoothie

Refresh your mornings with this vibrant, sweet, and tangy lemon smoothie! Featuring fresh lemon, tropical fruits, and turmeric, it’s the perfect way to kickstart the day with a burst of energy. Plus, it only takes 5 minutes to whip together!

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Easy to make: Just add the ingredients to a blender and mix! You can even prep and freeze the fruits in single-serving sizes, making this smoothie ideal for busy mornings.
• Healthy choice: This lemon smoothie is packed with antioxidants from lemon and turmeric, digestive enzymes from pineapple, and potassium from bananas. It’s a delicious way to boost your daily nutrient intake.
• Naturally energizing: The natural sugars, vitamins, and minerals in the fruits give you a healthy energy boost without the need for caffeine.

Energizing lemon smoothie

I’m a huge fan of smoothies, especially the bright, energizing, vacation vibes kind. From my Bahama Mama smoothie and boba smoothie to this coconut shake, I love creating drinks that taste like sunshine in a cup!

This lemon smoothie takes things to a new level with the addition of lemon juice and zest. Combined with pineapple chunks and a base of soy milk and bananas, it’s bright and creamy with the perfect sweet-tart balance.

A pinch of turmeric adds not only a hint of warmth and color but also brings anti-inflammatory health benefits. This smoothie is perfect for those who love citrus flavors and are looking for a quick, easy, and nutritious beverage. Enjoy it as a refreshing breakfast option or as an afternoon pick-me-up!

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Lemon juice: Adds an essential tartness to balance the sweet ingredients, making the smoothie refreshing. Lime juice can be used for a tangier flavor.
• Lemon zest: I love using lemon zest for an extra vibrant, citrusy aroma and flavor. Lime zest will offer a similar citrus kick but with a slightly different flavor profile.
• Banana: Make sure your banana is extra spotty for the sweetest, creamiest flavor and texture. You can also use avocado for a creamier texture with less sweetness.
• Pineapple chunks: Feel free to use fresh or frozen pineapple chunks for a tropical sweetness that complements the lemon's tartness. If you use fresh pineapple, add a few ice cubes. Mango chunks can be used for a more floral and creamy smoothie.
• Soy milk: I prefer soy milk for its creamy consistency and high protein content. Almond, oat, cashew, or coconut milk are all great alternatives for different flavors and textures.
• Turmeric powder: A pinch of turmeric adds a warm, earthy flavor and anti-inflammatory benefits. You can also swap it with ginger powder for a zesty, spicy twist.
• Maple Syrup: Acts as a natural sweetener. Make sure to use 100% pure maple syrup. If you don’t have any on hand, agave or coconut nectar can be used instead.

How to make a lemon smoothie

• Step 1: Zest the lemon without going too deep into the white pith as it is quite bitter.

• Step 2: Add freshly grated lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, a whole banana, pineapple chunks, soy milk, and a pinch of turmeric powder to a high-speed blender. Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Note: Do a taste test. If you prefer a sweeter smoothie, feel free to add a bit of maple syrup. If it's too thick, adjust the consistency by adding a little more soy milk.

• Step 3: Pour your freshly blended smoothie with lemon into glasses and serve immediately. This is when it's at its freshest and most flavorful!

Storage

This lemon smoothie is best enjoyed right after blending for the freshest, most vibrant flavors. If you have leftovers, try freezing them in ice cube trays, which can be used to chill and add flavor to future lemon smoothies or other blended drinks.

If you just want to save it for a short time, transfer the smoothie to a mason jar with a tight lid to maintain freshness. It will last in the fridge for up to 24 hours this way.

Variations

• Greens: Add a handful of spinach, chard, or kale for a nutrient boost.
• Tropical: Add coconut milk and a few pieces of mango for an extra tropical flavor.
• Protein-packed: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder for a more filling smoothie.
• Chia seeds: Stir in chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra fiber and a fun texture.
• Yogurt lemon: Blend in dairy-free Greek or coconut yogurt for extra creaminess.
• Ginger: Add a small piece of fresh ginger for a spicy kick.
• Lemon cucumber: Include a few slices of cucumber for a refreshing taste.

Top tips

• Ripe banana: Use a ripe (very spotty) banana for natural sweetness and an ultra-creamy texture.
• Fresh, quality fruits: It's always best to use fresh ingredients for the brightest flavors!
• Cold ingredients: Use cold fruit or add ice for a refreshingly cool smoothie.
• Wash the lemon well: If using lemon zest, wash the lemon thoroughly before zesting.
• Adjust the sweetness: Taste the smoothie once it’s blended, and add agave or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter flavor.

FAQ

More smoothie recipes

If you love quick and easy smoothies like this lemon smoothie, check out some more of my favorites like these:

• Tropical Mango Smoothie: A simple smoothie topped with a swirl of fluffy whipped cream and granola.
• Pumpkin Spice Protein Shake: A creamy dairy-free shake featuring fall flavors! 
• Vegan Strawberry Protein Shake: A 5-ingredient smoothie that’s perfect for your morning protein fix!
• Cucumber Smoothie: Packed with fresh vegetables, like cucumber and spinach, and sweetened with banana and pineapple.