This vibrant green detox smoothie is crisp and energizing—just the thing when you want something light yet satisfying after a heavy meal. Sweet-tart apple and kiwi meet bright lemon and a gentle ginger warmth, while spinach adds tender greens, fiber, and vitamins. Ready in 10 minutes—an ideal breakfast or grab-and-go snack.
Ingredients
- Fresh baby spinach — 2 packed cups (60 g)
- Green apple — 1 medium
- Kiwi — 1
- Cucumber — 3.5 oz (100 g), roughly chopped
- Celery stalk — 1
- Lemon juice — 1 tbsp (15 ml)
- Finely grated fresh ginger — 1 tsp (5 ml)
- Cold water — scant 1 cup (200 ml)
- Honey (optional) — 1 tsp (5 ml)
- Chia seeds (optional) — 1 tsp (5 ml)
- Ice — 4 cubes
Step-by-step
- Prep the produce: core the apple, peel the kiwi, and cut the cucumber and celery into large chunks. Grate the ginger and squeeze the lemon.
- Add the spinach and water to a blender. Blend until you have a smooth, vivid green base.
- Add the apple, kiwi, cucumber, celery, grated ginger, and lemon juice. Blend 40–60 seconds until creamy and pourable.
- Taste and add honey if you like. Sprinkle in the chia seeds and pulse briefly to distribute.
- Add the ice and blend another 10–15 seconds. Pour into glasses and serve right away.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 185 kcal |
| Protein | 3.8 g |
| Fat | 0.7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 41 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sugars | 28 g |
| Sodium | 60 mg |
📹 Watch the video recipe on our Telegram channel: @alwaysyummy
Tips & Variations
- No added sugar: swap the honey for half a banana or a couple of dates, or skip sweetener altogether.
- Extra refreshment: replace some of the water with ice cubes or use well-chilled water.
- Protein boost: add 2 tbsp (30 ml) Greek yogurt or 1 scoop unflavored protein powder.
- Substitutions: kale can stand in for spinach; pear can replace kiwi.
- Liquid base: use coconut water or unsweetened almond milk for a softer, rounder flavor.
- Storage: keep in a tightly sealed bottle in the fridge for up to 12 hours; shake before serving.
FAQ
- Can I make the smoothie ahead? Yes—blend it the night before. Refrigerate for up to 12 hours and shake well before drinking.
- What can I use instead of fresh ginger? A pinch of ground ginger or a little lime/lemon zest for brightness.
- Can I use frozen spinach? Yes. Use 2–3 oz (60–80 g), let it thaw slightly, and blend a bit longer.
- How do I make it thicker? Reduce the water to about 2/3 cup (160 ml) or add half a banana or avocado.