10 simple and quick green smoothie recipes

To detoxify your body, there’s one piece of advice you’ll hear time and again: drink green smoothies. Many celebrities swear by this plant-based drink every morning. But what exactly is a green smoothie, and how do you make one? Read on to discover everything you need to know about green smoothies, along with some recipe ideas to inspire you!

What is a green smoothie?

A smoothie is a cold, creamy drink made from blended raw fruits and vegetables, to which you can optionally add liquids (juice, plant-based milk, green tea), seeds and dried fruits (nuts, raisins, goji berries, prunes, chia…), or even spices (cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric…). Its texture is similar to a milkshake, though a smoothie generally contains neither ice cream nor milk.

A green smoothie is made with one or more green ingredients, whether vegetables (spinach, kale, cucumber…) or fruits (Granny Smith apple, kiwi, lime…). These ingredients give the drink its characteristic green colour.

A green smoothie differs noticeably from a green juice : while a juice is made using a juicer or centrifuge to extract only the liquid from the fruits and vegetables, a smoothie is made in a blender or mixer, preserving both the juice and the pulp — so you get the full benefits of the produce, including the fibre.

What are the benefits of green smoothies?

Trendy as they may be, green smoothies are also genuinely good for you. Here are some of their key benefits:

• A boost for your vegetable intake: green smoothies encourage even the most reluctant vegetable sceptics to eat more greens. Easy to make and easy to enjoy, they win everyone over!
• A genuine taste experience: a green smoothie is a clever balance of flavours. It’s not made purely from fruit, so it’s not overly sweet — yet it’s not 100% vegetables either, so its subtle sweetness masks the taste of the greens.
• Rich in micronutrients: making a green smoothie means using raw produce, sometimes even with the skin on! This way, you get the full spectrum of micronutrients — vitamins and trace elements alike. And with an endless variety of fruit and vegetable combinations, you’ll never run out of ways to mix things up!
• A healthy and light drink: drinking green smoothies helps curb cravings for sugary drinks. Swapping your usual soda for a green smoothie doesn’t feel like a sacrifice — and it’s so much better for you!
• Supports digestion: drinking green smoothies regularly helps maintain good hydration levels as well as better digestion. Since the drink retains its fibre, it’s particularly beneficial for sluggish digestion.
• A source of chlorophyll: using green produce in these smoothies means benefiting from their chlorophyll content — the pigment responsible for their distinctive colour. Chlorophyll is excellent for overall wellbeing: blood, immune system, cardiovascular vitality, skin… many bodily functions can benefit from it!
• Seasonal variety: green smoothies adapt beautifully to the seasons. You can tailor your recipes to whatever fruits and vegetables are available, so you’ll never get bored.
• A satisfying effect : finally, a green smoothie is surprisingly filling — almost as much as a soup. It’s a great ally for maintaining a healthy weight and can even support slimming goals when enjoyed as part of a balanced lifestyle (healthy diet and regular physical activity).

10 green smoothie recipes to try right now!

For all these recipes, the method is always the same: place the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth! If the texture seems too thick, feel free to add a splash of water or plant-based milk to thin it out.

Recipe n^o1: The celebrity green smoothie

This is the green smoothie recipe by Kimberly Snyder, an American nutritionist whose advice is closely followed by the stars! To make it, you’ll need:

• 500 ml cold water
• 7 handfuls of spinach
• 6 handfuls of romaine lettuce
• 2 celery stalks
• 1 apple
• 1 pear
• 1 banana
• 2 tbsp lemon juice

Recipe n^o2: Apple & courgette green smoothie

A very mild-flavoured green smoothie — perfect for beginners! To make it, you’ll need:

• 1 banana
• 1 unpeeled courgette
• 1 apple
• 1 handful of spinach
• 1 handful of sprouted seeds
• A splash of plant-based milk (soy, rice, oat)

Recipe n^o3: Cucumber & mint green smoothie

A wonderfully refreshing green smoothie, ideal for summer! Simply blend:

• Half a peeled cucumber
• Half an apple
• 200 ml plant-based milk
• 10 fresh mint leaves
• Ice cubes

Recipe n^o4: Pear & celery green smoothie

When pear softens the edge of celery, the result is a yes! To make this smoothie, you’ll need:

• A handful of lamb’s lettuce
• 2 pears
• 1 kiwi
• 1 celery stalk with its leaves
• A splash of water

Recipe n^o5: Aperitif green smoothie

A recipe with Mediterranean flavours that’s sure to delight, especially at aperitif time! To make it, you’ll need:

• 2 handfuls of rocket
• 5 basil leaves
• Half a cucumber
• Half an apple
• A celery stalk
• A tomato
• Salt and pepper
• A splash of water

Recipe n^o6: Exotic green smoothie

A green smoothie that takes you on a journey! To make it, you’ll need:

• Half an avocado
• 2 generous slices of pineapple
• A little fresh ginger
• 2 handfuls of spinach
• A splash of water or plant-based milk
• Sesame seeds

Recipe n^o7: Fennel & chia green smoothie

A green smoothie with a subtle anise flavour — thirst-quenching and nourishing! To make it, you’ll need:

• 50g chia seeds
• 1 fennel bulb
• 1 generous slice of pineapple
• 1 handful of salad leaves (lamb’s lettuce, lettuce, mixed leaves)
• The juice of one lemon
• A drizzle of honey
• A splash of water

Recipe n^o8: Berry & flaxseed green smoothie

This vitamin-packed smoothie will do wonders for your energy levels! To make it, blend:

• 1 to 2 small handfuls of berries – blueberries, raspberries, redcurrants, strawberries, depending on what’s available
• 1 handful of fresh spinach
• Plant-based milk
• 1 banana
• 2 tbsp flaxseeds

Recipe n^o9: Carrot & kale green smoothie

Kale is having a real moment — so why not turn it into a delicious smoothie! To make it, simply blend:

• 2 apples
• 4 carrots
• 4 kale leaves
• A few cashew nuts
• Half a lemon

Recipe n^o10: Broccoli & coconut green smoothie

A surprising green smoothie, but incredibly good for you. To make it, you’ll need:

• 1 cup of broccoli florets, stem removed
• 1 cup of coconut water
• 1 banana
• A pinch of cinnamon
• A drizzle of honey
• Desiccated coconut (optional)

There are so many more recipes to explore… The secret to a great green smoothie? Creativity! Follow your instincts and it will always turn out beautifully!