Healthy Cucumber Berry Basil Smoothie Summer Drink

Who knows that we can create magic in smoothies made with cucumbers, berries, and basil, adored with secret ingredients? Cucumber berry basil smoothie are one of my favorite healthy smoothies, and I make them at least three times a week. 

Cucumbers and berries are good for health, but I never thought of combining these two! Cucumber smoothies and strawberry shakes are well-known; I make them every weekend. Thanks to that one random Sunday, I decided to add them to a single smoothie. Oh yes! The basil (I have been obsessed with) takes a silly combination to the next level. Three main ingredients are good for health, and I make them extra healthy by adding my healthy additions like Greek yogurt, honey, chia seeds, and almond milk. It is one of the smoothie recipes that is absolutely delicious and so healthy. 

The Benefits

Life gets busy, but you should take your daily nutrition to ensure proper functioning and productivity. I am too lazy to make fruit salad bowls and eat them, so I often make myself rich smoothies with many health benefits. Cucumber, which we misunderstood as a vegetable, is a fruit. It has 96% water, is low-calorie fruit, and hydrates the body. Cucumbers are high in antioxidants that are good for gut health and smooth bowel movements. I am adding blue and blackberries that are bursting with nutrients and benefits. Blueberries and blackberries don’t need introductions as they are labeled as “super food” high in fiber. The small but energetic fruit is rich in vitamins K and C and antioxidants that are good for our overall health. Greek yogurts contain probiotics for improving health. Almond milk is another healthy reservoir of calcium and many minerals. Lastly, I am adding honey as a natural sweetener and natural medicine. When blended into smoothies, their characteristics create a well-balanced diet that is good for your overall health. 

Why You Will Love This Smoothie

• Naturally Gluten-free: All the ingredients in this smoothie are naturally gluten-free. You can make it vegan-friendly by replacing Greek yogurt with vegan yogurt or skipping it. 
• Easy to Make: Preparing a cucumber berry basil smoothie requires little effort. Blend all ingredients until smooth and without big chunks. It will be ready in less than 5 minutes. 
• Good for Health: This cucumber berry basil smoothie’s ingredients are bursting with health benefits, so you can have it for breakfast without thinking about anything. 
• Make A Smoothie Bowl for You and Your Kids: You can transform the smoothie with basil into a fancy, aesthetically appealing smoothie bowl for breakfast. You and your kids will love smoothie bowls adorned with mouthwatering toppings. Just fill the bowl with a thick, velvety smoothie and adore it with fruits, chia seeds, and any of your favorite toppings. 

Things You will Need for Cucumber Berry Basil Smoothie

• Cucumber: Cucumbers are not only for salads; we can do much more with them. I like to use English cucumbers with no seeds. Persian cucumbers will do the same thing. If you use cucumbers with a lot of pulp and seeds in between, remove them before using them in the smoothie. Take frozen cucumber slices because the frozen ones give a thicker and velvety texture in smoothies. If you use fresh ones, add some ice to achieve consistency. 
• Basil: Take 5-6 Fresh basil leaves. They will add a sweet and refreshing green twist to our basil smoothie.

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• Berries: I am taking blueberries and blackberries. They will give our smoothie a dark purple hue and help thicken the texture. 

• Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt is added to smoothies for a velvety texture. You can also use flavored yogurt, especially vanilla-flavored. It will make the smoothie creamy and yummy. You can skip this if you like it, go vegan, or use non-dairy yogurt.

• Almond Milk: Any plant-based milk can enhance the texture and nutrients. I think almond milk is best for the nutty profile smoothie. Oat milk or coconut water are not bad alternatives. 

• Honey: I am adding honey to balance the sweet and sour contrast in a berry-flavored smoothie. 

• Chia Seed: I like chia seeds as a topping on my smoothie. You can also use pumpkin or flax seeds as an alternative to chia seeds.

Instructions

1.Gather the Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients and cut the cucumbers into medium-sized slices. If you are using bananas or other fruits, cut them into pieces to facilitate blending.

2.Layer the Ingredients in a Blender

Toss all the ingredients in a blender. Most recipes just say to blend all the ingredients without any specification. The layering is done by adding liquids like almond milk, Greek yogurt, and honey, followed by basil, cucumbers, and berries. The liquid at the base of the blender helps in the smooth blending of the ingredients. 

3.Blend

Blend them all until well combined

and no lumps remain for 40-50 seconds. Start by blending at a low speed for 10 seconds, then increase the speed and blend for 40 seconds. 

Variation

• Fruits: Feel free to add strawberries, avocado, Frozen bananas, lemon peel, apple, pear, peaches, and frozen pineapple to create your favorite combination. I personally recommend pairing frozen strawberries and frozen bananas in your smoothie to get the taste.
• Greens: Add mint, kale, spinach, and arugula to your smoothie. Feel free to add your favorite greens. 
• Liquids: In your smoothies, use oat milk, coconut milk, whole milk, coconut water, orange juice, or simple water. I do not recommend water, but it can be used. 
• Flavors: Cinnamon, Dates, nutmeg powder, maple syrup, vanilla, and cocoa. 
• Toppings: Create flavorful toppings like chia seeds, chopped nuts, fresh fruits, whipped cream, or flax seeds. 
• Protein Additions: You can add your daily protein powder and pumpkin seeds to level up your protein game.

Expert Tips

• Frozen fruits are recommended because they will create a smooth, thick, silky, and velvety smoothie. If you are using fresh ones, add some ice to achieve that smoothie consistency. 
• The time for blending the ingredients can be different depending on the power of the blender. Blending the smoothie for 50 seconds will be enough. Remember to mix the ingredients at low speed for 10 seconds and then increase the speed for 40 seconds. 
• The problems are too thin, too thick, and big chunks. All these can be solved with the perfect balance of liquids and fruits. Try to remember the Golden Ratio while choosing the ingredients. A smoothie is balanced by three essential components: protein, fats, and carbohydrates. For protein, take any milk, plant-based milk, or yogurt. The fruits and greens you are taking will complete the carb portion. Avocado, seeds, and dairy milk provide fats.

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