Ingredients
- 1 large English cucumber (about 12 oz), roughly chopped
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves (about 8-10 leaves), loosely packed
- Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
- ½ inch fresh ginger, peeled (optional but recommended)
- 1 cup cold water or coconut water
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1-2 teaspoons honey or agave (optional, for sweetness)
- ½ cup fresh spinach (optional, for extra nutrients)
- ½ small green apple or ½ cup pineapple chunks (optional, for natural sweetness)
- Pinch of salt (optional, enhances flavors)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Wash your cucumber thoroughly. You can leave the peel on for maximum nutrients and beautiful color, or peel it if you prefer a milder flavor. Chop the cucumber into rough chunks – no need to be precise. Wash your mint leaves and gently tear or bruise them between your fingers to release their oils. Cut your lime in half and juice it, removing any seeds. If using ginger, peel the skin off with a vegetable peeler or spoon.
Step 2: Layer Ingredients in Blender
Add ingredients to your blender in this optimal order for smoothest blending: liquid (water or coconut water) first at the bottom, then lime juice, ginger if using, mint leaves, spinach if using, cucumber chunks, any optional fruit, and finally ice cubes on top. This layering helps the blender blades catch everything efficiently and prevents chunks from sticking.
Step 3: Blend Until Silky Smooth
Secure the blender lid tightly. Start blending on low speed for a few seconds to break down the ingredients, then gradually increase to high speed. Blend for 45-60 seconds until completely smooth and uniform. You should see a gorgeous pale green smoothie with no visible chunks of cucumber, mint leaves, or ice. The texture should be light and refreshing, not thick or slushy (unless you prefer that!). If your blender is struggling, stop and add a splash more liquid.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust to Perfection
This is crucial! Stop the blender and taste using a clean spoon. Does it need more mint for cooling intensity? More lime for brightness? A touch of sweetness? More salt to enhance flavors? Now’s the time to adjust. Remember, you can always add more but can’t take it away. Blend briefly after any additions to incorporate.
Step 5: Serve Immediately and Enjoy
Pour into tall, chilled glasses (pre-chill glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes for extra refreshment!) and serve right away while ice-cold. For beautiful presentation, garnish with a cucumber ribbon or round slice on the rim, a fresh mint sprig, a lime wedge, or even edible flowers. Add a straw and enjoy your spa-worthy refreshment!
Notes
- Cucumber Choice: English (hothouse) cucumbers are best – they’re less watery, less bitter, and have thinner skins and fewer seeds. Regular garden cucumbers work but may be more watery and bitter.
- Mint Intensity: Start with less mint (about 6-8 leaves) if you’re new to mint in smoothies. You can always add more! Too much mint can be overwhelming.
- Sweetness Level: This smoothie is intentionally not very sweet – it’s refreshing and spa-like. If you prefer sweeter smoothies, add apple, pineapple, or a natural sweetener.
- Texture Options: For a thicker, more slushy texture, use more ice and less liquid. For a lighter, more juice-like consistency, use less ice and more liquid.
- Straining: If you prefer pulp-free smoothies, strain through a fine-mesh sieve after blending, though you’ll lose beneficial fiber.
- Color Tip: Leaving cucumber peel on creates a more vibrant green color. Peeled cucumber creates a paler, almost white-green smoothie.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 smoothie (10-12 oz)
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg