Lately I’ve been trying to find ways to eat more veggies—which I realize may sound a bit funny coming from someone who eats plant-based—but it’s all too easy to get into ruts, especially when things are busy. It’s just so convenient to grab something from a box sometimes!
Pregnancy also makes my food obsessions and aversions much more pronounced, and trickier to navigate on a day-to-day basis. I’ll love something one day and loathe it the next (except cookies…I constantly have to resist the urge to bake cookies). There’s a virtual stack of recipes that I’ve developed this year and totally loved at the time, only to want nothing to do with them the next day. It’s been a bit frustrating as a recipe developer, feeling so hot and cold about my usual favourite foods.
In an effort to up my veggie intake, I made a pledge to myself on my birthday this past Monday to consciously set aside some time each day for veggie prep. That morning, feeling super inspired, I threw all the healthy ingredients I had into the blender. Usually when I toss all kinds of random things in, it comes out tasting like utter garbage, but I think birthday magic was on my side because this smoothie blew me away. Afterward, I wrote down my best guess of the “recipe”, tested it in the afternoon, and was shocked to discover I’d pretty much nailed the smoothie’s proportions. The best part is that this recipe makes a huge batch—enough for a big serving in the morning with breakfast (I love pairing it with avocado toast), and another as a snack in the afternoon. It also keeps well until the next day (which I think is due to not having any banana in it!), so you can save the other half for the next morning, too. I love knowing that I’m getting in so many extra veggies throughout the day. You can’t go wrong with 5 cups of green smoothie ready in about 10 minutes.
I’m in love with this smoothie’s unique flavour combination (think: refreshing, tangy, and lightly sweet), not to mention how amazing—almost euphoric—I feel when I drink it. I read up on the ingredients a bit, and I’m not surprised this makes me feel so darn good:
Fresh turmeric: Anti-inflammatory and fights free radical damage to the brain. It contains curcumin, which is a powerful antioxidant. Also has pain-relieving properties.
Cilantro: Detoxifying and helps remove heavy metals from the body. Also antibacterial, immune-enhancing, and aids digestion.
Parsley: Diuretic aid rich in antioxidants. Contains vitamin K, which helps support healthy bones.
Red Leaf Lettuce: Source of folate and soluble fibre. The deep pigment in red lettuce leaves means that it contains an extra boost of antioxidants. The watery nature of lettuce helps flush toxins from the body. Also thought to have a calming or sedative effect on the body.
Lemon: Antibacterial properties. High vitamin C content. Lemon boosts digestion and is alkalizing and detoxifying.
Avocado: Contains healthy monounsaturated oil. The flesh and oil are anti-inflammatory. Also thought to help keep joints supple and may boost fertility.
Mango: High in vitamin C and beta-carotene, which can help boost the immune system. Contains prebiotic dietary fibre, which helps feed good bacteria in the gut.
Source: Healing Foods: Eat your way to a healthier life (DK Books, 2013)
Impressive, to say the least! I hope you all enjoy it as much as we do.
(And thanks to my mom for these gorgeous b-day flowers!)
All Day Glow Green Smoothie
Yield
5 cups (1250 mL)
Prep time
Cook time
0 minutes
Total time
This refreshing and tangy smoothie happened by total accident. I created it on my birthday as I was looking to feel my absolute best, and I had resolved to eat more veggies in the year ahead. So I threw in all of the healthy ingredients I had lurking in the fridge, and I was absolutely astounded by how delicious it turned out. I'm not sure if I've ever created such a powerhouse smoothie before! This one is jam-packed with nutritious ingredients like fresh turmeric, cilantro, parsley, lemon, avocado, green apple, lettuce, coconut water, and more. Keep in mind this is a large batch that just fits in a 64-ounce high-speed blender, so if your blender is smaller you might want to make a half batch. I love to have a glass first thing in the morning, and another in the afternoon. Since there's no banana in it, it also keeps well until the next day when stored in an airtight container. Be prepared to feel that "all-day" glow!!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (250 mL) coconut water
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) mango juice (I love Happy Planet Organic Mango juice)
- 2 large (400 g total) Granny Smith apples, cored and roughly chopped
- 2 cups (70 g) packed red leaf lettuce or romaine
- 2/3 cup (18 g) loosely packed fresh parsley leaves
- 1/3 cup (15 g) packed fresh cilantro leaves*
- 1/2 cup (70 g) frozen mango chunks
- 1/4 cup (50 g) packed avocado
- 4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, or to taste
- 2 small pinky-sized pieces (12 g total) peeled fresh turmeric**
- 5 to 6 large ice cubes, or as needed
Directions
- Add the coconut water and mango juice into a (64-ounce) high-speed blender. (If your blender is on the small side, you may want to make a half-batch.)
- Now add the rest of the ingredients. Blend on high until super smooth. If you have a Vitamix, use the tamper stick to get things moving. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired. If it's too tart, feel free to add a bit of liquid sweetener.
- Serve and enjoy! Place any leftovers into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. I love to enjoy half in the morning, and the other half in the afternoon.
Tip:
- * The cilantro flavour in this smoothie is quite pronounced. If you aren't a cilantro fan, feel free to swap it with more romaine or fresh mint (start with 1/4 cup of mint).
- ** Fresh turmeric root is becoming more and more common in grocery stores these days; keep your eyes peeled for it in the produce section. It can also be found on Amazon, and in select health food stores and Indian and Asian grocery stores. Look for firm turmeric that is unblemished.
DELICIOUS !!!
Hi Angela, I would like to ask you about yoghurt? I am totally plant based apart from my no fat greek yoghurt which has 21 g of protein and 4g of sugar. I cannot find a store bought vegan alternative that has nearly the same protein and as little sugar. Do you know what a home made yoghurt might have? I eat it every day for breakfast, with oats and blueberries, I don’t want to change my breakfast I’m afraid… Any thoughts?
Louise
This is exactly what I needed. The flavors are amazing – almost as amazing as I feel after drinking this magnificent creation. If health had a flavor, this would be it! Even in my crummy, 15 year old blender, I was able to blend this to perfection. For those of you with an older, less fancy blender, I would suggest blending the liquids and the greens first, then the solid stuff. Thank you for this!
Thanks for the suggestion, Amanda – and the awesome comment! So glad you enjoyed the smoothie.
First of all a belated ‘Happy Birthday’ and secondly, Congrats as your family is getting bigger!
I consider myself lucky that I came across your site. I’ve a bias for veggies and especially, green smoothies. Your smoothie looks celestial, I’m sure so will it taste. I just can’t wait to give it a try. Will come back to share my experience in the next comment. Until then, cheers!
Hey Linda, thanks for the belated birthday wishes and congrats!! I hope you enjoy the smoothie, and look forward to hearing back from you. :)
I love this recipe and make it on a regular basis. Thank you. I have a quick question for you…where did you get the jars that you use for storage in your pantry? The jars I am talking about are in your latest book “Oh She Glows Ever Day”. They are shown on pages 291, 292, 295, & 297. I love all of your books and have given them as gifts to my family and friends. Thank you for all that you do! Kristin
Hey Kristin, Thank you so much for your kind words about the book! Those jars are actually Ashley’s (from the blog Edible Perspective) as she shot the photos. My guess is that they are from Crate and Barrel as they look like ones that I have too. :)
Yes!! I’ve been looking for new green smoothie combinations and this recipe looks incredible!
Best,
Sarah
www.ladyappleseed.co
Hey Sarah, I hope you like this one if you give it a try!
Wow! Had to try it. Delicious! Felt like I gave my body a boost! Will continue making this smoothie.
Glad you enjoyed it, Terry :)
Thanks so much !!! I tried this at home and my wife really loved it and she got impressed with me.Once again thanks for the idea!
I’m glad it was a hit!!
Hi! I have recently discovered your blog and have two of your cookbooks and from the recipes I have tried I am in love! I am big into smoothies right now, but cannot eat banana or avocado. I have noticed all your smoothies recipes contain one or the other, do you have any substitution suggestions?
Hi Nicole, Thanks so much for your support for my cookbooks and blog. As to your question, it depends a bit on the smoothie. Did you have a particular smoothie in mind? Sometimes mango is a good alternative, as it adds that bit of creamy thickness back in (and sweetness, too, if it’s the banana you’re omitting). Other frozen fruits that go well with the smoothie’s flavours, or a bit of coconut cream, can also work well as alternatives for bulking a smoothie up. It really depends on what flavours you’re working with/aiming for! Hope this helps.
Hi –
I am sensitive to mangoes – what would be a good replacement for their tangy edge?
Thanks for all the nommy recipes. I am Gluten free, dairy free, and nightshade free – finding recipes is a challenge. So Glad I found your site.
JQ Belle
Hi there! I’d suggest trying some frozen pineapple instead of mango. If you test out that swap, please let me know how you like it!
Loved this smoothie. There are so many layers of fresh taste.
btw your website and books are my references for all my cooking!
Loved this smoothie! My first adventure into green smoothies and it’s so fresh and delicious! Love that it’s banana-free too as I’m not a fan of them! Thank you!
From last two months, I started to drink smoothies. And day by day I can’t live a day without a glass of smoothies. I will try this one for sure. Thanks, Angela!
Love this smoothie although I don’t add cilantro, like you said.. I am not a fan but really good recipe thank you Angela!
www.jojosvegankitchen.com
Hello Angela! Thank You for your recipe.I love veggies. After my workout i always try to eat something like green smoothies or vegetables and i will definitely try your recipe!
Hi – I put this smoothie on my meal plan for next week and wondered if you could suggest a substitute for parsley? It’s the one herb I don’t do well with. Thanks!
Hey Chan, I think fresh mint would be a fantastic swap! Although I probably wouldn’t add a full 2/3 cup…maybe start with 1/4 cup of fresh mint?
Can I use silken tofu in place of the avocado? (I’m allergic). Do you know if it will keep in the fridge like the basic recipe?
Hey Audrey, Oh good question! I haven’t tried silken tofu in smoothies before. Does it tend to blend up into a creamy whipped texture? if so, it just might work okay. I would start with a smaller amount and add to taste rather than all at once just in case the flavour overwhelms the other flavours.
I’ve also never used or indeed heard of using silken tofu in a smoothie recipe. I have however, taken your advice and tried this for myself. To my amazement this recipe is nothing short of beautiful. Now I have to share with all my family! Sometimes I should learn to keep things to myself :) Thanks for this Angela.
Great Smoothie recipe but I would rather do it in juice machine
Love this smoothie although I don’t add cilantro like you said. I am not a fan but really good recipe thank you, Angela!