This refreshing and vibrant sour apple smoothie is easy to make with plenty of spinach, green apple, and a hidden veggie (cucumber) for a refreshing, sweet and sour way to start the day. Plus, it’s ready in just 5 minutes, making it the perfect breakfast smoothie to take on the go.

close up of a sour apple smoothie in a clear glass on white background

You’ll Love this Sour Apple Smoothie Recipe

I don’t know about you but I love refreshing, green smoothies! This sour apple smoothie in particular is my new go-to, as it’s packed with green apple, spinach, cucumber, and lemon, for a light, refreshing spin on a classic green smoothie.

top down view of a clear blender cup with ingredients for a sour apple smoothie

A Simple Sour Apple Smoothie is Easy to Make

All you need to do is add all your ingredients to a blender and let it work it’s magic. There are so many great fruits and veggies in this one, including apple, cucumber, spinach, flax seed and cashews. We’re also boosting the protein to make it a green apple protein shake with the addition of protein powder.

top down view of a green smoothie in a clear glass with sliced apple and a straw

Ingredients & Swaps

Green apple: I used a Granny Smith apple for this recipe since it’s a good balance of sweet and tart flavor. But you could use a sweeter apple like Honeycrisp, Gala or Fuji if you prefer.

English cucumber: Persian cucumber also works well in this recipe. If using a regular cucumber, you can peel and remove the seeds to avoid bitterness. 

Baby spinach: For smoothies I like to use tender, non-bitter greens. You can use any greens you like that blend easily and work well with these other ingredients. Some baby kale would work well in addition to (or in place of) spinach here too.

Lemon juice: I like how lemon juice pairs with the other ingredients in this smoothie, but you can also use lime juice in its place.

Protein powder: You can use any protein powder you like the taste of. To keep this recipe vegan friendly, be sure to use a plant-based. To keep this recipe paleo friendly, be sure to use a grain-free and dairy-free protein powder.

Raw cashews: Raw cashews add a creaminess to this smoothie, but to make this nut-free try full-fat, unsweetened coconut milk in place of the cashews and water.

Ground flax seed: I find it easier to use ground flax seed but you could also add whole flax seeds if you have a high speed blender. 

Because the natural sugars in this smoothie are low, it’s not very sweet. If you prefer a sweeter option, add ½ banana or 2 pitted dates before blending.

smoothie in a clear glass on white background with sliced lemons and baby spinach

this recipe is…

close up of a sour apple smoothie in a clear glass on white background
5 stars (2 ratings)

Sour Apple Smoothie

by Robyn Conley Downs
Servings: 2
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
This sour apple smoothie is easy to make with green apple and spinach for a refreshing, tart way to start the day.
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Ingredients

  • 1 green apple, such as Granny Smith, cored and chopped
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 1 cup chopped English cucumber
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon raw cashews
  • 1 tablespoon ground flax seed
  • 1 serving unflavored protein powder of choice
  • 3/4 cup water
  • ice, optional, to taste

Equipment

Instructions 

  • Add all the ingredients to a high speed blender and blend on high until very smooth.

Notes

  • This smoothie only gets sweetness from the apple, so if you prefer a sweeter smoothie, use sweetened protein powder or add a banana.
  • For a thicker smoothie use frozen cucumber & apple, or add ice.
  • To keep this recipe vegan friendly, be sure to use a plant-based.
  • For a paleo smoothie, be sure to use a grain-free and dairy-free protein powder.
  • Raw cashews add a creaminess to this smoothie, but to make this nut-free try full-fat, unsweetened coconut milk in place of the cashews and water.
  • Nutrition & protein information will depend on the type of protein powder you use.
  • For more ingredients & substitutions, see blog post above.
Course: Breakfast, Snack

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 1 (of 2), Calories: 165kcal, Carbohydrates: 19g, Protein: 20g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 25mg, Sodium: 42mg, Potassium: 364mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 12g, Vitamin A: 1550IU, Vitamin C: 10mg, Calcium: 91mg, Iron: 2mg
Nutrition disclaimer
Did you make this recipe?If you do, be sure to share it on Instagram and tag me at @realfoodwholelife so I can see!

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