Refreshing Pineapple Cucumber Smoothie
Cucumber in a smoothie? Heck yes! The delightful combination of pineapple and cucumber in this quick and easy recipe is tasty and refreshing. In addition, this Cucumber Smoothie is packed with nutritious ingredients like spinach and Greek yogurt and provides a burst of hydration and essential nutrients. Perfect for a hot day or as a post-workout refresher!
As a Registered Dietitian and foodie, I always have fun playing around with smoothie ingredients to create delicious and healthy smoothie recipes.
Some of my favourites include this Creamy Chocolate Cauliflower Smoothie, my Fibre-Rich Orange Carrot Smoothie, and now this one!
I know that adding cucumber to a smoothie might sound a little odd, but I can promise you that this pineapple cucumber smoothie recipe is not only delicious, it’s refreshing and super nourishing, too!
It only takes 5 minutes and a handful of simple and nutritious ingredients. The result? A revitalizing, hydrating smoothie with refreshing tropical flavour and important nutrients.
Cucumber Smoothie Ingredients:
To make this smoothie, here’s what you’ll need:
- Cucumber, of course
- Frozen pineapple
- Leafy greens like spinach or kale
- Greek yogurt
- Lime juice
- Coconut water
- Honey
You can use fresh pineapple if you prefer, but I would recommend adding some ice for that cold and refreshing frozen smoothie feel.
Cucumber Smoothie Benefits:
There are several nutrition benefits that come with this cucumber smoothie! Let’s take a look:
- Hydration: Both cucumber and pineapple have high water content, making this smoothie an excellent choice for staying hydrated. Additionally, the coconut water provides electrolytes which can help improve hydration status.
- Nutrient-Rich: Cucumber is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, potassium, and magnesium, while dark leafy greens add additional nutrients like iron and folate. Greek yogurt is highly nutritious, offering protein, calcium, and other important minerals.
- Digestive Health: Thanks to greens, cucumber, and pineapple, this smoothie is full of fibre, which can help promote feelings of fullness and support digestive health. There is also an enzyme in pineapple called bromelain, which may aid in digestion by breaking down proteins and reducing bloating or discomfort.
- Well-Balanced: This smoothie offers energizing carbohydrates combined with fibre and protein that slow digestion and keep you feeling full. It has everything needed for a balanced and satisfying smoothie.
Is a Cucumber Smoothie Helpful for Weight Loss?
It’s important to keep in mind that weight loss results from a caloric deficit. Meaning, consuming less calories than you expend. There is no one food or drink that will “burn fat” or make you lose weight.
That being said, this cucumber smoothie recipe is rich in fibre and a source of protein. These nutrients are helpful for feeling full and satisfied for longer, and may benefits ones weight loss journey.
More importantly, this smoothie is a convenient and tasty form of nourishment. It offers a variety of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals that are important for good health, regardless of weight.
Substitution Suggestions:
- For spinach: Use another leafy green like kale, arugula, or spring mix.
- For frozen pineapple: Use fresh pineapple + some ice, or another frozen tropical fruit like mango.
- For Greek yogurt: Use regular yogurt (this will change the nutrition) or a non-dairy Greek yogurt variety.
- For coconut water: Use regular water!
- For honey: Use another liquid sweetener like agave or maple syrup. Or omit the honey altogether.
Love the convenience of smoothies on the go? You’ve got to try my 5-Minute Ultimate Morning Smoothie recipe!
Storage Tips:
This recipe makes two servings. If you have leftovers, I recommend storing them in the fridge in a sealed container (like a mason jar). The smoothie will last up to 3 days like this.
The Best Blender
My Vitamix blender is my favourite kitchen appliance! Not only does it make the smoothest, creamiest smoothies, you can also make a variety of recipes like sauces, dressings, and soups in it, too!
Connect with Hannah Magee, RD!
I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. If you try it, let me know what you think by leaving a rating and a review in the comments below. Oh, and be sure to take a photo and tag me on @hannahmagee_rd so I can re-share on my stories!
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Refreshing Pineapple Cucumber Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 large cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup frozen pineapple
- 1 cup baby spinach, or another leafy green
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, (Greek yogurt *not regular yogurt)
- 2 tbsp lime juice, juice of approx. 1 lime
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 cup coconut water, or more to blend
- ice cubes, optional
Equipment
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. Serve and enjoy!
