Both tasty and hydrating, this apple cucumber smoothie is perfect as a healthy breakfast juice or snack. Simple to make with minimal ingredients, it's packed with vitamins and minerals and so delicious!
So many smoothies these days use complicated (and lengthy!) lists of ingredients, with strange powders and potions(!) that can be tricky to find or expensive. This simple apple and cucumber smoothie combines these common fruits with pantry staples of hemp and chia seeds. It's quick, easy and packed with healthy ingredients!
Love a green smoothie? Do check out my healthy celery cucumber smoothie, peach kale smoothie and lychee pear smoothie for another time!
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⭐ Why this recipe is so good
Super hydrating. Both apples and cucumber have a high water content, making this smoothie especially perfect for the warmer weather.
Rich in quercetin. Apples are a good source of the flavonoid quercetin. As the overview of quercetin by Medical News Today describes, it may have antihistamine properties. Quercetin may therefore be of particular interest to those looking for low histamine recipes!
Source of omega 3 fatty acids. Both hemp seeds and chia seeds are a good source of plant-based protein and omega 3 fatty acids.
Pantry and fridge staples. Hopefully there's no need to run to the store as we use produce most of us have to hand!
🍎 Ingredients
All the ingredients and their quantities are set out in the recipe card below.
Some notes on a few of them:
- Apples - pick red apples for a nice sweetness, or green apples if you love a more tart taste!
- Cucumber - I suggest using an English cucumber, which you do not need to peel. Other forms of cucumber are best peeled before blending!
- Hemp seeds - be sure to use hulled hemp seeds (sometimes called shelled hemp or hemp hearts) as they have a smoother and creamier taste and texture.
- Chia seeds - I suggest using whole chia seeds rather than milled chia as I find it can make a smoothie overly gelatinous in texture.
📖 Swaps and variations
Leave out the mint. It's an optional ingredient, so leave out if you prefer!
Use coconut water in place of plain water. If it works for you, coconut water can also be used as your liquid.
🔪 Step by step instructions
Making this apple cucumber smoothie is very simple, with just a few steps to your healthy treat!
Step 1
Prepare the smoothie ingredients. De-core the apples, and dice into chunks alongside the cucumber. Add to your blender cup (image 1).
Step 2
Blend your apple cucumber smoothie! Blend for 20-30 seconds, or until you have a tasty smoothie! Adjust with ice to preference (image 2).
💭 Recipe tips and notes
- I suggest using English cucumber for this recipe as you don't need to peel or remove the seeds. If using another variety such as a slicing cucumber, then you will likely wish to peel first as they have tougher skins.
- Red apples will give you a sweeter flavor, but if you love a tart taste then opt for green apples such as a Granny Smith apple.
- As we keep the cucumber skins on and apple is naturally a bit 'pulpy', the smoothie won't be quite as smooth as those using berries for example. Blend a bit longer to get a smoother consistency if you prefer.
📋 Frequently asked questions
Red apples such as Honeycrisp, Gala and Pink Lady apples will give more sweetness to a smoothie, whereas a green apple such as a Granny Smith apple will give a tart flavor.
This apple and cucumber smoothie is hydrating as both fruits have a high water content. It's also a source of quercetin and contains anti-inflammatory properties (from the apples) and antioxidants (from both apple and cucumber).
Of course! A small handful of kale or other suitable greens will give even more health benefits!
Yes, all the ingredients score 0 on the SIGHI list making this a low histamine apple smoothie.
🥤 More healthy smoothies
Who doesn't love a good smoothie or juice?! Pick from so many tasty ideas here, including my fruity mango cherry smoothie and peach smoothie and my healthy apple ginger juice. Some recent recipes to try out:
I'm always in the kitchen, so come join me on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest to be the first to hear of new recipes! And I love to hear you - so please do leave a star rating ⭐⭐⭐ and comment if you've tried the recipe!
📖 Recipe
Apple Cucumber Smoothie
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 large red or green apples or 3 small apples
- ¼ English cucumber
- 1 tablespoon hulled hemp seeds
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- ½ tablespoon mint leaves
- 1 cup water or coconut water
- ice to preference
Instructions
- De-core the apples and roughly dice, along with the cucumber.
- Add all the ingredients to your blender and blend to a thick smoothie. Adjust with ice if you like.
Notes
- If using an English cucumber you don't need to peel.
- Green apples such as a Granny Smith apple will give a more tart flavor, while red apples are more sweet. So choose those you prefer!
- Nutritional information is auto-generated and should be considered to be an estimate.
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