Cilantro Smoothie
A refreshing cilantro smoothie made with plant-based ingredients! This tropical smoothie is naturally sweet with a fresh herbaceous kick from the cilantro.
Why you’ll love it:
I’m obsessed with cilantro. I prefer to bury my face into it’s fresh, fragrant, herbaceous leaves! To me, it’s the definition of fresh and light.
This cilantro detox smoothie is full of tropical flavors and whole foods! It’s a great way to reset your eating habits. It’s refined-sugar-free, dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free!
Pineapple and cilantro are a dynamic match. The sweetness of the pineapple complements the herby, slightly peppery cilantro leaves.
You can add as much cilantro as you like! I used a small handful. The more you add, the more cilantro-y it will be!
Key Ingredients:
- Banana – Banana acts as a natural sweetener and thickener. It produces a creamy end result! Be sure to use a yellow, ripe banana. Underripe bananas taste chalky and bitter.
- Cucumber – Cucumbers have a crisp, fresh flavor! They’re also high in vitamin K and other nutrients. Peel the cucumber first so you don’t have little bits of peel throughout your smoothie.
- Pineapple – Be sure to use frozen pineapple! It’s what gives you that frosty, thick texture. Pineapple, cucumber, and cilantro complement each other well.
- Cilantro – Use as little or much as you like. Remember you can always add more, but you can’t take it out. I put a handful in because I love cilantro! It is slightly bitter so keep that in mind.
- Orange juice – Citrus enhances all the other flavors in this smoothie. For best results, use fresh squeezed orange juice that’s NOT from concentrate.
- Unsweetened almond milk – My favorite liquid base! It goes with ALL smoothie flavors and combinations.
How to make a cilantro smoothie:
Smoothies are a breeze to make! There’s quite literally two steps (three if you include pouring the smoothie 😂).
Combine ingredients: In the pitcher of your blender, combine the banana, pineapple, cucumbers, cilantro, orange juice, and almond milk.
Blend: Blend until smooth and creamy. The cilantro will blend smoother in a high-speed blender like a Ninja or a Vitamix.
Adjust and serve: If the smoothie’s too thick for your liking, add a splash more liquid and blend for 5 more seconds. Pour into a glass and enjoy!
Smoothie Making Tips:
- For best results, use a high-speed blender. This is specifically important for green smoothies! The greens won’t blend smooth in a cheap blender with a weak motor.
- Add a little bit of honey if you like. I don’t like my smoothies overly sweet. If the smoothie isn’t sweet enough for you, feel free to add a teaspoon of honey to sweeten it up!
- Adjust the consistency as needed. I like my smoothies thick! Either way they blend smoother with less liquid. So blend it until very smooth, then add more liquid to thin it out, if desired.
- Add as much or little cilantro as you like. If it’s your first time adding cilantro to a smoothie, I would add less. Then if you like it, add more next time.
Variations:
- Greens – Add a handful of spinach for a boost of fiber and antioxidants!
- Milk – Swap the almond milk with whatever milk you have on hand – regular or plant-based. Or just use all orange juice.
- Mango – Swap 3/4 cup of the pineapple with frozen mango.
- Sweetener – If you like a sweeter smoothie, add a teaspoon or two of honey.
Cilantro Smoothie Benefits:
This cilantro detox smoothie is wildly nutritious! Here’s a few of my favorite health benefits:
- Antioxidants – Pineapple, cucumbers, and cilantro are all rich in antioxidants or plant compounds that fight free radicals in the body.
- Vitamins – Pineapple is rich in immune-boosting vitamin C and cucumbers are rich in vitamin K, among many others!
- Fiber – It’s a great source of fiber, which is important for a healthy gut!
Storage Tips:
- Smoothies are best enjoyed fresh, especially green ones. I don’t recommend storing a cilantro smoothie for an extended period of time.
- If you have leftover smoothie, I always recommend freezing it into smoothie pops! Just pour the smoothie into a popsicle mold and add popsicle sticks. Freeze overnight.
FAQs:
Yes! Cilantro is a healthy addition to green smoothies! It’s rich in essential vitamins like A, K, and C, plus it’s full of heart-healthy antioxidants.
Absolutely! Herbs are a great way to add flavor and nutrients to a smoothie. Fresh herbs are typically rich in antioxidants and certain vitamins. Just be sure to add it with complementary fruits and veggies. If it’s your first attempt, try adding herbs to a pineapple smoothie. The flavors go well together.
More Green Smoothies:
Cilantro Smoothie
Equipment
- high-speed blender
Ingredients
- 1 medium banana peeled
- ½ cup diced cucumbers peeled
- 2 cups frozen pineapple
- handful cilantro
- ¼ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
Instructions
- In the pitcher of a high-speed blender, combine the banana, diced cucumber, frozen pineapple, cilantro, orange juice, and almond milk.
- Blend until thick, creamy, and smooth. If the smoothie's too thick, add a splash more liquid and blend again.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy!
