| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 158 | 3g | 2g | 28g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 20g | 2g | 7g | 0.05g |
There’s something truly special about a cool, refreshing, and incredibly healthy recipe like the Cucumber Mint Smoothie. Being a Southern Belle from Charleston, South Carolina, my roots have instilled in me a love for comfort foods like biscuits and fried chicken. But there is another aspect of the culinary culture of my region that people often forget – the abundance and reliance on fresh produce. This smoothie recipe is a homage to that, combining the refreshing zing of mint with the cool, mild flavor of cucumber for a drink that’s truly revitalizing.
From Comfort Food to Coastal Elegance
Living in the coastal lowcountry, my kitchen sees an array of seafood, fresh fruits, and vegetables, all forming an essential part of the culinary narrative here. And having the luxury of accessing the freshest ingredients has its perks. From shrimp and grits to a hearty beach BBQ, the flavors of the South are vibrant and diverse. And this cool Cucumber Mint Smoothie fits right into that array, offering a refreshing twist that complements the richness of any classic Southern dish.
Not Just Delicious, But Nutritious Too
But this smoothie doesn’t just taste good–it’s packed with health benefits too! The cucumbers are remarkably hydrating and known for their detoxifying properties. On the other hand, mint leaves are an excellent source of Vitamins A and C, beneficial for promoting better eyesight and boosting immunity, respectively. Combining these elements with rich Greek yogurt, delicious apple juice, a touch of honey sweetness, a splash of lime juice, and a handful of ice cubes, this smoothie is not merely flavorsome but exceptionally nutritious as well.Learn more about the health benefits of cucumbers here.
And coming to pairing options, this Cucumber Mint Smoothie pairs wonderfully well with a light salad like a classic Southern wilted spinach salad or a particular favorite of mine, a Seafood Grits. Trust me; you are in for a gastronomical delight!
The next time you are yearning for a breeze of fresh, healthy simplicity amid your Southern staples, reach out for this recipe. The Cucumber Mint Smoothie is a soulful blend of fresh, natural ingredients that not only implants the taste of freshness in every sip but also promises to carry you through a hot Southern day or balance out a heavy coastal seafood meal. And sharing it as part of your daily routine or with your friends and family, you’re not just serving a drink but sharing an embodiment of Southern lifestyle and culture. May it add as much joy to your lives as it has to mine. Cheers!
What You’ll Need
- 2 large cucumbers
- 2 cups fresh mint leaves
- 4 cups plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cups apple juice
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 2 cups ice cubes
- 1 medium lime, juiced
Method
Step One
Start by preparing your ingredients. Wash the cucumbers and fresh mint leaves. Then, peel the cucumbers and cut them into chunks. Juice the lime, ensuring to avoid any seeds.
Step Two
Take your blender and add the cucumbers chunks into it. Pulse until cucumbers are broken down and the mixture becomes a pulp.
Step Three
Add the fresh mint leaves to the blender. Blend it again until the mint leaves are finely minced and well combined with the cucumber pulp.
Step Four
Now, add the plain Greek yogurt, apple juice, and honey to the blender. Blend again until smoothie starts to have a creamy texture.
Step Five
Add the ice cubes and lime juice to the blender, and blend again until the ice cubes are broken down and smoothie becomes frothy. You might need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender a few times.
Step Six
Taste your smoothie for sweetness. If necessary, add more honey and blend again until well combined.
Step Seven
Pour your cucumber mint smoothie into glasses and serve immediately. If you want to serve it later, put it in the fridge to keep it cold.
