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This 5-ingredient and 5-minute cucumber smoothie with cream of coconut and fresh basil/mint is super light, refreshing, hydrating, & perfect for hot summery days! + Gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
On warm summer days, I often cycle between thick and creamy fruit smoothies (like this mango blueberry smoothie) and super refreshing basil lemonade or cucumber lemonade. Now this cucumber smoothie recipe is the perfect ‘in-between’, with light and refreshing crisp cucumber, bright lemon/lime, and aromatic basil (or mint), made thicker and creamier with cream of coconut and ice. It’s super summery!
Best of all, this cucumber lime smoothie tastes great, is simple to throw together in minutes, is wonderfully icy, refreshing, and hydrating (perfect for warm weather picnics, BBQs, and poolside), and is loaded with fiber and nutrients, including vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, and several antioxidants. Plus, this recipe is versatile, with several delicious add-ins below!
Looking for more summer sippers? Try a watermelon cooler, ginger fruit smoothie, and/or fresh strawberry lemonade.
The Ingredients
Refer to the recipe card for the full list of ingredients, substitutes, and their quantities.
- Cream of coconut: By this, I mean the pre-sweetened product like Coco Lopez. Alternatively, use canned coconut milk with a touch (2-3 tsp) of sweetener. I.e., maple syrup, agave, a sugar alternative, etc. Dairy-free yogurt also works for thick creaminess.
What Else Could I Add?
- Apple/pear: Add natural sweet-tart flavor and nutrients in a simple apple cucumber smoothie with one green apple (or pear). This works well with mint and ginger.
- Melon: A watermelon cucumber smoothie works particularly well, though other juicy melons work, too, for a super summery version for poolside sipping.
- Spinach/kale: Add 1-2 handfuls of leafy greens for heaps of extra nutrients.
- Banana: Add 1 small banana for a naturally sweeter, thicker cucumber banana smoothie. Use fresh or frozen banana (how to freeze bananas). This version tastes great with pineapple, too.
- Avocado: To thicken with extra creaminess, healthy fats, and antioxidants.
- Celery: Use 50/50 cucumber and celery for a nutrient boost.
- Other fruit: i.e., boost the summery sweetness with a kiwi, blueberry, strawberry, mango, or pineapple with a handful or so of added fruit.
- Ginger: For a slightly spicy, zingy flavor, add ½-1 teaspoon of ginger.
- Chia seeds: Add 1-2 tbsp chia seeds for added texture, protein, and omegas.
- Vegan protein powder: Add a scoop of your favorite plain, vanilla, or berry protein powder.
How to Make a Cucumber Smoothie
Step 1: First, peel and roughly chop the cucumber and juice half a lime. Add the cucumber, lime juice, basil, ½ cup of plant-based milk, ice, and cream of coconut to a blender and blend for a minute. Taste the cucumber lime smoothie and add more plant-based milk to your desired consistency, then transfer to a glass and enjoy!
FAQs
No, you could replace it with some additional plant-based milk or water instead, if preferred. I love the addition on warm summer days, though, for an instant ultra-refreshment.
You could replace some of the cream of coconut with a thick vegan Greek-style yogurt, add some chia seeds, or another ‘thicker’ ingredient like a banana or avocado.
You could try using coconut water or water instead of plant-based milk for a lighter version.
Pro Recipe Tips
- Peel the cucumber: I highly recommend peeling the cucumber for a smoother, creamier cucumber smoothie. It’s very refreshing.
- Tweak to taste: You can adjust the amount of lime juice, plant-based milk, add extra sweetener, etc.
- Adjust the thickness: Start with using just a portion of plant-based milk so you can adjust it to your taste. Adjust the amount of ice, too.
Storage Information
When using ice, I highly recommend consuming this creamy green cucumber smoothie immediately (before the ice melts).
However, you can store leftovers in an ice cube tray in the freezer for 2-3 months. Blend from frozen with a splash of liquid.
Cucumber Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cucumber peeled and chopped
- ~5 leaves of basil
- 1 cup of plant-based milk divided
- ½ cup of ice
- 2 tablespoons of cream of coconut
- 1 lime
Instructions
- To the cup of a blender, add the cucumber, basil, ½ cup of plant-based milk, ice, cream of coconut, and the juice of ½ a lime. Blend for one minute.
- Taste and add more plant-based milk to achieve the desired consistency to taste.
- Serve and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Peel the cucumber: I highly recommend peeling the cucumber for a smoother, creamier cucumber smoothie. It’s very refreshing.
- Tweak to taste: You can adjust the amount of lime juice, plant-based milk, add extra sweetener, etc.
- Adjust the thickness: Start with using just a portion of plant-based milk so you can adjust it to your taste. Adjust the amount of ice, too.
Such a refreshing smoothie!