Blueberries and cucumbers are in season right now and with these hot sunny days, a light, refreshing smoothie is simply delightful. Sometimes I like to add everything but the kitchen sink to my smoothies, but a friend of mine who was recently visiting suggested these ingredients and urged me to keep it simple. So, reluctantly, I added just 3 ingredients. Now this is one of our favorite summertime smoothies. Cucumbers are naturally cooling and blueberries are very high in antioxidants, helping to protect our bodies from the damaging effect of the sun's rays.
Our children think this smoothie is divine! When they woke up this morning I asked them what they would like for breakfast, they emphatically exclaimed, "blueberry-cucumber smoothie mom!" Well, we made green smoothies and oatmeal, but will enjoy the cucumber smoothie for a snack later on.
This smoothie recipe can be used during Phase 1 (and all phases) of the Elimination Diet. It can also be used as part of the first 2 day green smoothie fast. I am sure you could get very creative here and add some greens to increase the nutrition. I would start by adding a few handfuls of fresh spinach.
Blueberry-Cucumber Smoothie
Serve this icy cold, refreshing smoothie for a late afternoon summer snack. It is thirst-quenching and full of powerful antioxidants. It can also be frozen into popsicle molds for a nutritious, kid-friendly snack. Happy Summer!
1 large cucumber, peeled and sliced
2 cups fresh blueberries
1 cup apple juice or water
2 cups ice cubes
Place all ingredients into a blender and blend on high for about 60 to 90 seconds. Serve immediately. Source: www.NourishingMeals.com
More Smoothie Recipes:
15 comments:
that does sound good actually! I might give it a try :)
The picture of Lilly is AMAZING! You are making big improvements with your photography!
Could we add dates to our green smoothies during the elimination diet?
Yum! I will make this for a treat today. Thanks for the inspiration.
xo
Hi Ali,
I stumbled upon your site recently and have really enjoyed looking at your recipes! This smoothie looks really refreshing and yummy - I was wondering if it is necessary to peel the cucumber, and if it would be beneficial to just leave it unpeeled? I have just started experimenting with green smoothies and like to try to leave skin on if possible for added good vegetable fiber.
Thanks so much! -Elise
Wow, Ali, it looks fantastic! I love the three ingredients idea. :-) Such gorgeous photos of your girls ... they are growing up so!
Hope you're having a wonderful, wonderful summer!
Hugs,
Shirley
Now this is weird. The husband and I are planning on starting the elimination diet in a couple weeks so I've been thinking about smoothie combos. And just last night I was pondering what a blueberry cucumber smoothie would taste like. Now I'll defnitely have to give it a try. :)
Oh this sounds so refreshing right now!! What a great flavor combination with cucumbers and blueberries together....yum!!
Looks wonderful. My favorite smoothies have blueberries in them!! I will make this one for sure.
Peace and Raw Health,
E
This was simple and delish both as a smoothie and as a popsicle!
We also tried it again, this time adding a few things my 5 yr old came across - watermelon, apricot, and kale. ~ also good, though I think I love the just blue and cuke one a bit better!
I wouldn't have thought of this combination together but it sounds great. thanks!
Thanks for the comments everyone!
Cindysue - Yes, a small amount of dates are ok, however, if you are looking to sweeten up the smoothies, try adding an extra ripe peach or pear.
Elise - I thought the peel might create to much "bitterness" but certainly by leaving it on you increase the nutrients in the smoothie tremendously! :) Let me know how it turns out.
I love the variations some of you created, mmmm, yummy! :)
Thanks Ali -
I used green grapes and water instead of apple juice and it turned out very refreshing.
I was also wondering about peeling the cucumber, because you talked about the nutrients so much in your book. I'm going to try this smoothie without peeling it...
I made it a few days ago (though with a little less apple juice, as I like a thicker smoothie). Delicious! I have already bought more blueberries and cucumber for the next one!
This was GREAT!! We tried it tonight and the whole family loved it! At first we just did the recipe with the water and it was good, but the cucumber flavor was strong. I didn't have any apple juice (and did not want to take the time to juice any apples! :-) so I just put it back on the VitaMix and added two apples (sliced but not peeled). It was delicious!!!
~Stephani
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