Do any of you have a harder time meeting your fruit intake rather than your veggie intake? I feel like most people struggle with veggies, but I personally struggle with the fruit. I just don’t feel the urge to snack on it (see, RDs have food struggles too!). But I’ve discovered if it’s built into a meal or a smoothie then I’m much more likely to eat it.
Which brings me to this lovely arugula apple smoothie. I have had a slight obsession with this lately.
Someone recently asked why I prefer smoothies over juicing when it comes to fruit intake. In my opinion, smoothies give your body a bigger bang for your buck.
When you juice, you lose all the fiber (that’s all the pulp that’s leftover in the juicer if you make homemade varieties). That fiber is helpful for digestion and slowing the blood sugar response to the sugar in the drink, though. With smoothies, you keep that fiber since the entire fruit or vegetable is blended in.
Now, back to this arugula apple smoothie. This smoothie has it all.
Apple and mango for some sweet flavor and fiber. Plain greek yogurt for creaminess and protein. Lemon juice for a little pop of citrus. Arugula for a peppery punch.
[Tweet “Try this arugula apple smoothie for a tasty green drink to eat at breakfast or for a snack!”]
It all comes together in a tasty, tart, 16-ounce green smoothie that clocks in under 250 calories. You can use it as a light breakfast or as a filling snack between meals. And with 13.5 grams of protein, you’re getting more than most traditional breakfasts and snacks would offer.
This is also a great option for a recovery smoothie after a workout. You get healthy sources of carbohydrates that replenish the stored energy in your muscles, and you also get some protein to start that repair and recovery process. I usually try to aim for at least 15 grams of protein post workout, so just toss in an extra spoonful or two of greek yogurt if you’re drinking it then.
Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below! {And if you’re looking for more smoothie recipes, be sure to check out this turmeric coconut smoothie and this chocolate cherry recovery smoothie.}
Arugula Apple Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 medium apple peeled and chopped
- 2/3 cup frozen mango
- 1/2 cup arugula
- 1/2 lemon juiced
- 1/2 cup plain nonfat greek yogurt
- 2/3 cup water
Instructions
- Put everything in a blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy!
Notes
- I recommend using a quality blender for this smoothie so that the apple blends in uniformly. Lower quality blenders may leave chunks of apple that throw the texture off.
- This smoothie is a bit more tart than some other fruit-based smoothies, but I personally like that. If you find it too tart for your preference, you can add a little honey.
Nutrition
Share with me: What’s your favorite kind of smoothie? Did you try this arugula apple smoothie – and if you did, what did you think?
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Arugula is an interesting addition to a smoothie! I love this idea
Thanks Deborah! It definitely adds a little kick.
I love the spiciness of arugula. Apple must give it a nice balance.
Yep, exactly! They balance each other well 🙂
mm love the peppery flavour of arugula! This smoothie is a must try!
Yay, thanks Abbey!
I’m opposite and love my fruit and like to skip my veggies…so this is my kind of smoothie! 🙂 Mango is so yummy too!
Haha, if we shared a plate at a restaurant we’d be perfect companions! 😉
Arugula in a smoothie…. Now that is something I wanted to try for long time. I just didn’t have a clue with what flavors to combine it. I have mangos and apples. I’m set to try this 🙂 Thanks!
So glad you found this recipe helpful! Hope you love it 🙂
Oh wow! I don’t think I have ever thought of trying arugula in a smoothie, but it sounds really interesting.
It’s definitely a fun flavor combo.