March 17, 2013
(last updated September 3, 2020) 
Refreshing Green Smoothie: Cucumber, Parsley, Avocado, and Citrus. Plus, 10 Green Vegan and Raw Recipes.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day, everyone. It seems that this holiday always falls right before some academic deadline or another. (Last year, I spent the day studying for an Orgo exam, and I’m sending good vibes to all of my post-bacc friends who are doing the same today.) So it’s a mellow one over here, but that doesn’t mean I can’t help myself to a refreshing, bright green smoothie—something a little more conducive to studying than green beer.
This drink lies someplace in between a smoothie and a juice (kind of inspired by my recent forays into Vitamix juicing). A blend of avocado, banana, citrus, cucumber, and a LOT of parsley, it’s sure to put a spring in your step! I love the mellow sweetness, and I love how energetic I feel when I drink it. Since it’s not a protein-rich smoothie, I’d suggest serving it with some Ezekiel bread if you want to have it for breakfast, or a whole grain of your choosing. You could also add hemp protein to it.
Alternately, this is a lovely drink to enjoy as an early morning or afternoon snack. I’ve already got some bottled up in mason jars to haul to the library in a few hours, where it will no doubt revive my spirits substantially.
Refreshing Green Smoothie: Cucumber, Parsley, Avocado, and Citrus. Plus, 10 Green Vegan and Raw Recipes.
Author -Ingredients
- 1 small banana
- 1/2 avocado
- 1 cup cucumber cut into pieces
- 1/4-1/2 cup parsley tightly packed (adjust to taste -- I like a LOT!)
- 3 leaves kale stems removed
- 2 medium navel oranges skin and pith cut off
- 1 cup coconut water
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients together in a powerful blender till smooth. Add more coconut water if desired, till you have the consistency you like.
- This smoothie makes anywhere from one giant portion to four small ones; you can drink a bunch of it at once, or sip on it throughout the day whenever you want the equivalent of liquid sunshine 🙂
In keeping with the day, I also wanted to share 10 of my favorite green recipes—vegan, raw, and worthy of celebration. Enjoy!
- Sweet pea hummus and asparagus tartine.
- Raw Brussels sprout salad.
- Spooky green chia seed pudding.
- Crowd pleasing green crackers.
- Orange vanilla hemp smoothie.
- Electric green spirulina avocado salad dressing.
- Vitamix green juice.
- Bell peppers stuffed with confetti guacamole.
- Peaches n’ green smoothie.
- Kale-slaw.
May you enjoy green food and drink today, and many days hence.
xo
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Categories: Smoothies
Method: Blender
Dietary Preferences: Gluten Free, No Oil, Raw, Soy Free, Tree Nut Free, Vegan
Method: Blender
Dietary Preferences: Gluten Free, No Oil, Raw, Soy Free, Tree Nut Free, Vegan
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This was a fabulous smoothie. Well done. What a great combination of nutritious ingredients and yummy flavors. Thanks
Looks good, I like that you are using the Ball Jar and the glass straw is very cool.
Mmm just made this drink (also added pineapple), very refreshing!
Made this in the container after I made seed butter, and added some neutral protein powder. Came out fairly thick and substantial, so a nice breakfast. It felt good to know I was drinking several veggies. Couldn’t taste the coconut water like the other commentor. Overall it was a tasty recipe to try.
Hello!
In Central Europe, where I live, you can only get Kale in deep winter until january.. and Cucumbers are actually regionally only in Summer available (but you can find it imported all year round). So what could I use, alternatively to Kale here? Or should I just leave it out?
You can use any leafy green, really, but it’s totally fine to leave it out!
I wasn’t sure I’d like this as the color put me off a bit (plus I’m not a big fan of avocado). I tried it though and it’s actually really nice. The coconut water really gives it a lovely flavor.
I’m so glad it was a success!!!
What a great idea for a smoothie with so many healthy nutrients. I would like to get more avocado in my diet so this will definitely be on my list of smoothies to try.
Question: I can not have coconut, avocado, nuts or oil due to a strict diet because of my recent BMT (bone marrow transplant).
What can I substitute for the avocado and the oil ??
Semi-new to the total Vegan/No oil eating Plan.
Tammy, you just omit the avocado. The smoothie will still be great!
Wow. That looks so delicious, and most of all healthy. All of these ingredients have such a huge amount of vitamins. I have been trying lately fresh juices from raw veggies – great cleanser for the body with fantastic benefits. Will definitely give a try for your smoothie.:)
Happy Late St. Patricks Day!,
I must say that this post has wonderful recipes! I will try them soon as I can! I will even tell my family about it and see what they think. I will come back and tell you my results!
Love it! This looks amazing. Avocado is perfect in everything.
Amazing and I love the cucumbers garnish on top!
I’ve really been craving oranges lately, and I’m always up for avocados and coconut water. This really does sound refreshing! The bell peppers stuffed with guacamole also catch my eye. I think I know what I’m having for dinner tonight!
What a beautiful color!
YUM!! <3 Nice post
eatlovelivelove.blogspot.com
Compared to the McDonald’s shake, that is.
I’m lovin’ it — the green shake that is. And the McDonald’s people can have another think.
Beautiful and my lunch now for Monday. Can’t wait for the first sip.
๐ Enjoy!
I know someone who would love this, just mentioned to me how much he loved avocado and how he was really eating a lot in Chile. Not sure that he ever thought about putting it in smoothies.
Wondering if you can recommend a vitamin/mineral supplement company for vegans…more specifically B12, which I know I am deficient in. If you can’t or don’t feel comfortable recommending a particular company know I understand.
Your blog is wonderful, outstanding, etc., etc. A huge thank you for what you do!! You have impacted so many people in numerous, positive, life changing ways. Again, thanks for what you do. Keep up the great work!!! ….don’t know how you all that you do? (that’s a rhetorical question) ๐ ๐
Oooh! Stacie, get a supplement ASAP, OK? This post should be helpful on that score. I recommend Deva Vitamins — they’re all vegan!
As a newer reader of your blog I am SO happy you posted this link to the B12 article from 2011! My lucky day I suppose…
Gena,
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU ๐
I didn’t get a pot of gold today, but you gave me something even better – a roundup of delicious, green, and nutritious recipes! I was hoping that you would do a post like this, so thank you, Gena! By the way, my family and I have really been enjoying your kale slaw and your green apple and red cabbage slaw lately. They are so good!
Oh, I love those both! So glad you’re enjoying.
i enjoyed a matcha latte and a creamy avocado/cilantro raw soup so i’d say i got in my green today. #notevenatinybitirish
OK, it’s time for me to jump on the matcha bandwagon. You’ve just given me the push! And your soup sounds awesome.