This is not a cheeseburger.
This is not bacon. These are not peanut butter and chocolate cupcakes.
These are not doughnuts nor french fries.
Oooh how I wish these were all of those things.
Instead… this is health. It’s health that tastes good and makes our bodies feel like they can leap like superheros, with x-ray vision, and super strength.
It’s ok that this smoothie doesn’t taste like chocolate… mostly ok.
I really love going out to eat. Sure… that’s an easy thing to say. But I LOVE it!
When you go out to eat there’s French fries! Blue cheese in your salad! And bacon that you didn’t have to cook yourself! It’s absolute magic. Until the bill comes… that’s just real life.
When I’m home… not at a restaurant… not eating French fries and bacon… I drink a lot of smoothies.
Kale Spinach and Pear Smoothie. Peanut Butter Banana and Oat Milkshake. Super Citrus Smoothie.
Smoothies satisfy my desire to throw things in a blender and trick myself into thinking I’m drinking a milkshake.
Good heavens. I have a problem.
I realize that this might seem like an odd combination of ingredients for a smoothie. It is. It’s the cucumber. Weird, right!?
Believe it or not, cucumber thickens the smoothie! It also adds lots of hydration and potassium. It’s a total secret weapon.
This smoothie has just a hint of sweetness… and it doesn’t take like a big bunch of vegetables. Strawberry sweet with creamy almond milk, and mellow mellow cucumbers.
Cucumbers add an interesting texture to the smoothie. It’s slightly more slippery. Like we added a touch of gelatine to the smoothie. But! It’s all natural and just the way that cucumbers work.
English cucumbers (hot house, that is) are the best for this smoothie. The skin is thin and can be blended smooth. Cucumbers with thicker skins should probably be peeled.
Deseed the cucumbers. Chop into big chunks. Blend with frozen strawberries and cold almond milk. Add a touch of raw honey. It’s simple and delicious.
Strawberry Cucumber Smoothie
serves 2
inspired by VegeterianTimes
a heaping 1 1/2 cups frozen strawberries
1 cup cold almond milk
half an English (hot house) cucumber, deseeded and chopped into large chunks
1 to 2 tablespoons honey
a squeeze of lemon if you’d like
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend! Add more almond milk as necessary, depending on your desired consistency. You can also enjoy the smoothie made with frozen blueberries or blackberries.
Deb @wallnutscanada
This was very good, but since I am diabetic and I sorta do a keto/paleo diet, I used liquid stevia instead of honey. Also, when I am working (I am a painter), I will use 35% whipping cream instead of almond milk, although I use almond milk at home. That’s like heavy cream here in Calgary Canada. Yes it’s a few extra calories but its great as a to go option so I don’t have to stop for an actual lunch.
janet @ the taste space
My latest infatuation. Thank you, Joy. :)
Katy @ Katy's Kitchen
Hi Joy! Just wanted to let you know I made this today and it was delicious! Only, at first I forgot to put the honey in and I was wondering why it tasted a little off. Ooops :) Loved it, will be sure to make it again. Its so refreshing.
Scott P
I think this recipe did it. I think this solidified the feeling I was trying to avoid; that I have a slight crush on you because of recipes just like this. I think I read on one of your other posts you wish you were eating pizza and doughnuts at all times, and that’s when I realized I needed to start reading this more often.
Kim
I typed ‘cucumbers in smoothie’ in Google and this popped up! I had the idea of a cuke in a smoothie and you confirmed it for me… All with my normal smoothie ingredients I have on hand plus said cucumber. I can’t wait for the morning to try!
Susan
Wow, this is awesome – love it! Thanks for posting
Julia
This was amazing, thank you! So refreshing!
Amber @ The Cook's Sister
I love this smoothie recipe! I’ve come back to it quite a few times now and have made it at home quite a bit too! It was a great way to introduce greens into my daily smoothie. Thank you for sharing this recipe!!!
Lauren from Baklust
I’m on a smoothie kick lately. Trying to eat helthy and all, and smoothies are a great way to get several servings of fruit into your body quick and easy! I usually make tropical smoothies with mango, pineapple, banana, vanilla yogurt and coconut powder.
Thanks for the new option!
Kati
would zucchini and strawberry work? Or is that too weird?
joythebaker
Hmmm, sounds weird but I guess there’s only one way to find out ;)
Lucie (Thursday Night Dinner)
cucumber in a smoothie? sounds delicious!
Whitney
This is EXTRA good with fresh basil!
vintagemck
Made this for breakfast this morning – used plain coconut water (that is what I had on hand) – and threw in some chia seeds – it was perfect! Thanks!
Jo Venes
Great recipe! Do you think mangoes would go well with cucumber too? We have lots of mangoes from where I live.
joythebaker
mango… sure!
DaNae
Thanks for the unique smoothie recipe! I really like adding veggies in my smoothies. (Like spinach and kale) But I haven’t use cucumbers much in my smoothies. I’m going to go try it. :)
You have a “problem”. :) I drink smoothies every day, even during the cold winter. It is one of the healthiest drinks.
Thanks again!
P.S. Love your name! I just had a baby girl… and we named her Joy.
joythebaker
love!!
Jennifer S.
I just made this and love it! I was a little skeptical but I should know to just trust you! You can taste a hint of the cucumber… which I love, because I always love some cucumber water! Thanks for another great recipe. :)
Marie
Those smoothies looks so good! Bet my boys would enjoy those too! Rainy and cold in my neck of the woods so it’s more of a tea day. By the way, I work with Pacific Merchants and we are having a special on beautiful tea sets if you enjoy tea as much as I do. Check it out by going to http://www.pacificmerchants.com/tea-products. Use the code on checkout and get 25% OFF your purchase: TEA4US2012.
Katie @ OhShineOn
Sweet, fruity, tangy, and delicious… oh, the simple things in life make it all worth the while. Love it.
Mama Maria
AHHH-Mazing!
Mallory
Cucumber is great…so refreshing and cleansing. Pair that with a smoothie and you are set!
Ann P.
So many returns for the difficulty of whipping this up! Sounds like the perfect mid-morning snack for my hungry belly. :)
Rebecca Kelsey
I will definitely go to the supermarket next week to try this. Wow it looks so delicious!
Kindness is the best accessory,
Rebecca
Lea @GourmetMommy
First, this makes me think of summer, which makes me happy. Because when I look outside it’s grey and icy and gross, which makes me sad. So a summertime smoothie in the middle of winter sounds like a fabulous idea.
Second, I have made salads with strawberries, cucumbers, nuts, and…blue cheese. I wonder how gross that would be all mixed up in a smoothie? Probably not as gross as it sounds! Maybe a bacon garnish? Ok, so less healthy, but seriously, isn’t everything made better with bacon and blue cheese?
Di at The Bluebell Cafe
This smoothie looks just like all my good intentions. I am going to try to make it for breakfast and hope I can avoid the peanut butter toast that usually screams at me to be eaten instead!
Meg
Hi, I stumbled across your blog, and I love it! Such interested recipes–very inspired. Curious where you got those lovely striped straws? I want to get some myself for drinking refreshing strawberry smoothies,…and perhaps some root beer floats too :)
Greta @ Staying Lost
I’ve heard of juicing cucumbers before, but this is the first time I’ve seen them blended whole in a smoothie. It sounds interesting! I’ll have to keep this in mind for summer, when I’ll have more cucumbers than I know what to do with.
Courtney @Bake.Eat.Repeat.
I’ve never thought to add cucumbers to a smoothie before! So many possibilities now!
Julie
I never would’ve thought to put strawberries and cucumbers together. It looks delicious.
call me debbie
Oh my just from the colour looks awsome, i never thought that cucumber and strawberries would match but why not? I mean cucumber it’s only water! :D
Anna @ the shady pine
I once had a salad with strawberries in it so I imagine this would be a refreshing liquid version….perfect for the warm weather too!
Jillian@TheHumbleGourmet
Yum! I love a good smoothie/juice, so I will definitely need to try this one soon.
Anne
I totally dig the strawberry cucumber combination- its fresh sounding like cucumber water in the Summer! Sometimes I add cucumbers, strawberries and mint to my water and it’s bliss!
One small thing I absolutely ask, is that really an English cucumber?? Because every one I’ve seen has that really dark green, thick skin which is why I normally go for Persian cucumbers. Idk, maybe I’m just imagining things- if I am don’t mind me.
Becca @ Cook, Rejoice, Repeat
I had a cucumber milkshake once. It was super summery and refreshing, so I can only imagine what new dimension of awesomeness is added with the strawberries. Thanks muchly!
Living The Sweet Life
I’m on a bit of a smoothie kick these days … I keep adding spinach or kale – but never cucumber. I’ll give it a shot – – and you’re right it’s not french fries or cupcakes, but drinking smoothies just make french fries and cupcakes (especially ones with peanut butter it in) that much yummier.
anna
mmm this actually does sound really good. the cucumber is a great idea, so cool and thickening, like you said. now it’s january i need to start drinking more smoothies and eating less french fries, so way to lead the way! :)
Sarah @ See Sarah Bake
What a fun combo1 I love cucumbers- they’re always so refreshing. I think I’m going to have a purchase a blender :)
Melody (Redhead in the Kitchen)
Oh if only my parents hadn’t stolen back their Vitamix from my clammy little hands. I hope my Magic Bullet is up to the task!
Lisa D.
I use my Magic Bullet for a smoothie every morning. It works great. Frozen strawberries, some flax seed, couple spoonfuls of yogourt and some milk. I will have to try the cucumber too.
sally @ Spontaneous Hausfrau
This is a really interesting combo – it reminds me of a spa, if that makes sense.
kate
i have a smoothie every morning with my vitamix and i feel awesome all day long. spinach, banana, and coconut milk in my fave. i dont even need to drink coffee… i have great energy. smoothies are the way to go!!!
Lee Ann
I use plain kefir with a little Truvia…great protein with a little tang and frozen fruit…all you need
Kim @ Bluebirds and Butterflies
Everyone is looking for some great smoothie recipes right now to help take off those pounds during the holidays. This sounds great. My son was just asking me for some smoothie recipes to use in his Vita Mix Thanks! xoxo Kim
Jessica Macpherson
Wow, this is definitely a new idea for me! It sounds really good!
Erika
Your smoothie recipes always sound so good – I may have to break down and buy myself a blender!
Jenna
Sounds delicious and healthy. Total win!
Alexis
I’ve never thought of cucumbers in a smoothie! How refreshing! And I just found a post on how to make your own almond milk, but was a bit nervous about trying it on it’s own…this might be the perfect solution!
http://www.fengshuidana.com/2012/01/18/foodshui-diy-whip-up-homemade-almond-milk-in-minutes/
Paula
That sounds so refreshing!!
Cupcake Kat
This sounds so delicious and healthy! My mouth is watering I wish I had all the ingredients and a blender with me right now
heather @ chiknpastry
it is extra-extra weird that i have cucumbers AND strawberries in my fridge AND that i was already planning on throwing them in the blender tomorrow morning (WITH almond milk). c-razy. i’m also tossing in some chia seeds for good measure ;).
Katie Martino
I male green monsters all the time buy never with cucumber before. Yummy!
Melissa
This sounds great. Almond milk is my favorite thing in smoothies. It’s so simple and healthy. I love dark chocolate almond milk with a frozen banana and strawberries. It’s like a healthy banana split.
MegsieMay
I am having trouble with this strawberry-cucumber combo. Which just means I’ll have to try it!
Heather Taylor @ Kids in the Sink
I just accidently bought original almond milk instead of vanilla and I really tried to like it plain, but I just don’t. But I think it would be great in smoothies! Now it won’t get wasted and I’m excited about it!
Jenna Stratman
Fabulous and easy. Thanks for sharing, this is a lovely shake recipe!
Holly
I’m doing this once strawberries come back into season. Looks awesome.
Tabitha (From Single to Married)
hey – we all need a little bit of the healthy once in a while so we don’t feel so guilty about the other stuff. :)
Mary @ Bake Break
What an interesting combo… I never would have thought of it – but I imagine the cucumber gives it a nice crisp flavor!
Laura Adams
Oh I am SO making this as soon as I get some more honey!
Rocky Mountain Woman
I actually make a salad with cucumbers and strawberries with a milky dressing. This is like that salad in a glass! What a concept!
Jessica @ The Desert Abode
Smoothies might as well be milkshakes to me. They taste just as good!
I haven’t made any winter smoothies yet. Time to make that happen…!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen
As weird as the combo sounds, I’d totally give it a try. Cucumber hardly has any flavor anyway. I bet this is refreshing as heck!
Kelsey @aslolife
Cucumbers are my favorite, but I’ve never added them to a smoothie before. I have a smoothie every morning for breakfast, but usually get stuck in making the exact same thing each time–next time I head to the grocery store, I’ll definitely have to grab a cuc a try this!
muddledmom
I could use something that reminds me of spring right about now. Something with a little oomph to get me out of this winter funk. This just may be it, Joy.
Kasey @ The Wit of the Staircase
I loved that you used the word “slippery” in this blog.
Outside of that, I’m hoping my future livin’ situation involves a blender so I can whip this up (along with other, less healthy smoothies that involve toasted marshmallows, oats, and hazelnut).
Hahaha, slippery…
Kasey
Eggton
There is something awesome about cukes in drinks. Give me a tall, frothy cocktail with cucumber and gin in it, and I am a happy girl. But I digress. Also good in smoothies, I am sure. Happy weekend, all!
Urban Wife
I live for smoothies. This one is no exception. Cucumber! Genius.
whitney
never would I ever have thought of putting strawberry + cucumber together. sounds refreshing in a way. thanks joy!
shirley
What a great idea! I’m excited to try a new snack for my diet.
Lindsay {life and kitchen}
So refreshing! I bet it is nice living in a warm climate in the middle of January :) I’m in more of a hto cocoa mood at the moment!
Pure2raw twins
sounds refreshing for a warm Spring day :)
and love putting cucumber in smoothies always makes me feel so calm and relaxed, might just be me, haha
heather
WOW that one sounds awesome! I’ve also heard of one with pineapple, apple and cucumber :) I’m excited!
Rebekah
As I’m reading this, I’m drinking an apple-banana-spinach smoothie. :) Never thought about cucumbers…thanks for the idea!
Lynne @ 365 Days of Baking
Never thought about putting cucumber in a smoothie, but now I’ll have to give it a try.
They’re one of my favorite things to eat, after chocolate, that is.
Ileana
I don’t think I’ve ever had strawberries together with cucumber. Sounds refreshing!
thelittleloaf
I’ve had cucumber and strawberries before and it really works so can imagine this is delicious. Would also be good as a cocktail, but I guess we can’t talk about that on a healthy post :-)
Love the addition of almond milk btw – yum.
Meg @ Sweet Twist
Sounds delicious!! I would drink that for breakfast any day.
Kellie
I think I need both of those trays from the first photo! Oh and the smoothie. Thanks for the great recipes, Joy!
Des
Oh, the weather will be perfect for this. But! Two questions: how delicate is the cucumber taste? (I come from the land of the absurdly-intense leatherwood honey) and can I get away with not actually freezing my in-season berries?
Paola Parsons
The cucumber taste is subtle but present, if that makes sense. You can definitely taste it. And yes, you can use fresh berries. Hope this helps!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
This sounds so yummy!
Nic
Sounds interesting. One question though – why the almond milk instead of milk? I haven’t actually heard of almond milk before, so I’ve no ideawhat it’s like
Heather (Heather's Dish)
maybe it’s the cheeseburger of health food? whatever it is, i’ll take it…extra berries please!
Amanda Bimble
I have to admit I am not 100% sure on this one. But I am nothing if not a brave lady, so I shall pop these goodies into the blender and have a taste. I have some lovely fresh cucumbers from the garden so this will be a great way to use one up!
Alicia @ Treble Tart
Oh dang. This looks so good. I was actually just thinking about smoothies, believe it or not! Now I really want one… Thanks a lot, Joy! ;)
Lauren at Keep It Sweet
I am so intrigued! The cucumber cocktails I’ve tried have been delicious and refreshing so I bet it really would be good in smoothie form… even if there isn’t any alcohol involved:-)
Sara {Home is Where the Cookies Are}
This looks perfectly refreshing! I love the addition of cucumber – it doesn’t seem so strange, it just adds a sort of “fresh” flavor, right? I need to get me some almond milk and hop on the bandwagon I think. My diet could use a little boost!
Fred @ Savorique
And actually for those who are a little reluctant about almond milk, it can be substituted for rice milk, but it’s less thick.
Jessica Ann (@peonyfish)
There is only one vegetable that I hate, and that is cucumber. I used to also hate beetroot, but I like that now. So I guess I should say cucumber is a vegetable I don’t like yet (although I think it is technically a fruit? Or a berry?). Anyway, this looks like a good entry level cucumber recipe.
Kathryn
I only ever use cucumbers in a gin and tonic but I should probably do something a bit healthier with them shouldn’t I? This smoothie is a great combination of flavours!
leaf (the indolent cook)
I like making smoothies too. I’ve made similar flavour combos before so I can totally go with this.
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga
English cukes do have that sort of gelatine-ish quality about them. I’ve never blended them or juiced them, only “regular” cucumbers.
I love the strawberries in this.
Now, if the weather could just warm up here in “cold” San Diego, I could go to town on this without my teeth chattering :)
Maureen
I feel healthier just for looking at the photos. Yummy.
Maggie @ A Bitchin' Kitchen
This sounds refreshing and delicious! I need more fruits and vegetables in my life…I think it’s time to get on the smoothie bandwagon.
Caz
This looks so healthy Joy. I have almond milk in the cupboard and berries in the freezer, I just need the cucumber and I’m good to go!
jess
this is awesome, i’ve been on a total smoothie kick the last week or so. i usually add a handful of spinach to mine. i’ll have to try the cucumber, which i actually have in my fridge right now. do you think this would work with mixed frozen berries?
Jessica
Well as long as its going to give me X-ray vision I can totally pretend it’s a burger. :-)