I’ve never been a fan of cucumber because it tastes like…nothing.
But I do love kale — ahem, I even named my blog after it.
But while doing research for the best kale smoothies for weight loss and the best cucumber smoothies for weight loss, I thought, why not combine the two and make a mega smoothie for weight loss??
And I have to say, I absolutely love the cucumber in this kale cucumber smoothie!
In this article, I’ll share my super-light kale and cucumber smoothie recipe and discuss its health benefits. Finally, I’ll give you different variations of this smoothie, so you can easily spice things up if you get bored of it!
Why Make a Kale Cucumber Smoothie
This smoothie is perfect if you’re on a weight loss journey — it’s low in calories but still satisfying.
And even if your goal is not to lose weight, this smoothie is still beneficial because it has so many antioxidants!
It will make you feel clean, refreshed, and healthy inside out.
And you only need six basic ingredients to make it!
Plus, if you aren’t a fan of kale, this smoothie is the easiest and tastiest way to get all its nutrients.
![cucumber kale smoothie](https://www.kaleandsage.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/cucumber-kale-smoothie.jpg)
Kale Cucumber Smoothie Benefits
I’ll dive deeper into the benefits of having this vibrant green concoction below:
- It’s so rich in nutrients: The combination of kale and cucumber provides a potent blend of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, potassium, and magnesium. These nutrients maintain healthy bones, support immune function, and promote cardiovascular health.
- It’s full of antioxidants: Kale and cucumber are abundant in antioxidants, which help reduce oxidative stress and protect your cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals. Antioxidants also play a role in reducing inflammation, supporting healthy aging, and lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
- It’s a hydration boost: Cucumbers are primarily composed of water (96%), making them an excellent hydrating ingredient. Plus, combined with the electrolytes in coconut water, you can enjoy a refreshing beverage that replenishes your body’s fluids.
- It’s great for digestion: The fiber content in kale and cucumber aids digestion, promoting a healthy gut.
- It’s one of the best smoothies for weight loss: This smoothie has a low-calorie, but high fiber content, which makes it amazing if you’re trying to lose weight. It will keep you full for longer, reduce sweet cravings, and support a healthy metabolism.
Ingredients for a Kale Cucumber Smoothie
Besides kale and cucumber, you’ll also need the following ingredients to make this smoothie:
- Mint: Mint adds a refreshing taste to the smoothie and has natural soothing properties.
- Ginger: Ginger spices the smoothie up and is an anti-inflammatory.
- Honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and is a digestive aid.
- Coconut water: Coconut water has electrolytes to hydrate the body and adds a beautiful tropical flavor to the smoothie. It also has vitamin C, manganese, potassium, and calcium.
How to Make a Kale Cucumber Smoothie
Scroll to the end of the article for the printable recipe card.
Here’s my easy recipe to make a kale and cucumber smoothie at home:
Ingredients
- 1 cup kale leaves (stems removed)
- 1 small cucumber (peeled and chopped)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional for added sweetness)
- 4-6 fresh mint leaves
- 1 small piece of ginger (peeled and grated)
- 1 cup coconut water
- Ice cubes (optional for a chilled smoothie)
Steps to Prepare
- Add the kale leaves, cucumber, honey, mint leaves, grated ginger, and coconut water to your blender.
- Blend on high speed until the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the smoothie reaches a creamy consistency.
- Add a few ice cubes to make the smoothie refreshing and chilled.
- Pour the smoothie into a glass and garnish with mint or a cucumber slice.
- Enjoy your invigorating and nutrient-packed kale cucumber smoothie!
Tips to Enhance the Taste
- Squeeze in a splash of lemon juice before blending for a fresh, zesty flavor.
- Add other fruits like pineapple, green apple, or banana for sweetness and flavor.
- Increase the protein content by adding a scoop of protein powder or a handful of almonds.
- Use almond milk instead of coconut water for a creamier smoothie.
Variations of Kale Cucumber Smoothie
Spice things up or tone them down with different variations of this smoothie. I love changing my smoothies so I get a range of nutrients and don’t get bored.
- Kale Cucumber Pineapple Smoothie: Throw in some pineapple and lime juice for a tangy twist to your kale cucumber smoothie. Pineapple is high in vitamin C and manganese.
- Kale Cucumber Green Smoothie: Make your smoothie vibrant green by adding more veggies like spinach, celery, and apple!
- Kale Cucumber Berry Smoothie: I love adding strawberries to this smoothie for extra sweetness and nutrients! In fact, I have a whole strawberry cucumber smoothie recipe that’s perfect for weight loss.
Also, try my energizing spinach cucumber smoothie recipe.
![kale cucumber smoothie](https://www.kaleandsage.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/kale-cucumber-smoothie-1.jpg)
Tips for Making Kale Smoothies
Many people find kale a tricky ingredient to work with, not just in smoothies but also in cooking. It can be hard to break down, but there are a few tips for making kale easier to work with:
- Blend the kale with your liquid base first: If your blender isn’t strong, blend the kale with coconut water before adding other ingredients.
- Remove the tough stems: Kale stems are tough and fibrous, so remove them before you add the leaves to your blender.
- Soak the kale: Soak the kale in some water for about 30 minutes to soften it. You shouldn’t have any trouble blending after that.
Kale Cucumber Smoothie FAQs
Is Kale Still Healthy When Blended?
Blending kale does not diminish its nutritional value. In fact, blending helps break down the fibrous structure of kale, making it easier for your body to absorb the nutrients.
Check out this nutrient-packed beet and kale smoothie recipe.
Is It Okay to Put Raw Kale in a Smoothie?
Absolutely! Raw kale is great for smoothies because it retains its nutritional properties. Just ensure that you remove the tough stems before blending.
Is a Kale Cucumber Smoothie Good for Weight Loss?
A kale cucumber smoothie is one of the best for weight loss due to its low-calorie and high fiber content.
It’s a filling smoothie, and cucumbers are known for increasing metabolism!
Is It Okay to Drink a Kale Cucumber Smoothie Everyday?
As much as I love this smoothie, I don’t recommend drinking a kale cucumber smoothie every day, as getting a wide range of nutrients from different sources is important.
Drink a cucumber kale smoothie once per week and then switch to other kale smoothies for weight loss on other days.
Final Thoughts
Thanks for reading this post, and definitely give this kale cucumber smoothie recipe a try!
![kale cucumber smoothie](https://www.kaleandsage.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/kale-cucumber-smoothie-2-300x300.jpg)
Kale Cucumber Smoothie for Weight Loss
Ingredients
- 1 cup kale leaves stems removed
- 1 small cucumber peeled and chopped
- 1 tsp honey optional
- 4-6 fresh mint leaves
- 1 small piece ginger peeled and grated
- 1 cup coconut water
- ice cubes optional for a chilled smoothie
Instructions
- Add the kale leaves, cucumber, honey, mint leaves, grated ginger, and coconut water to your blender.
- Blend on high speed until the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the smoothie reaches a creamy consistency.
- Add a few ice cubes to make the smoothie refreshing and chilled.
- Pour the smoothie into a glass and garnish with mint or a cucumber slice.
- Enjoy your invigorating and nutrient-packed kale cucumber smoothie!
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