Green Lemonade Smoothie
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This green lemonade smoothie combines kale, pear, cucumber and lemon for a refreshing drink that’s not only detoxifying but alkalizing and energizing as well!

This green lemonade smoothie is an oldie that recently got a big photo upgrade! This recipe came to be after waking up one morning craving green juice, but not wanting to take out my juicer. That said, I decided to try making a green juice smoothie in my Vitamix instead.
I usually use frozen bananas and almond milk as a base for most of my smoothies but I wanted this one to be more juice-like so I stuck with a pear, cucumber and water. The Vitamix did a great job of pulverizing everything, so I’d say it was a success!
Why You Gotta Try This One

I didn’t expect this combo to become one of my go-to’s, but now I make it all the time. It’s not thick, not super sweet, not overly “green” tasting—it just works. The lemon wakes everything up, the pear smooths it out, and somehow it hits that exact craving I didn’t know I had. If you’ve been overdoing it with coffee or feeling off, this is the one that brings you back to center.
Ingredients Needed

- kale – a powerhouse green, kale is packed with vitamins A, K, B6, and C, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. It’s the star ingredient in this green smoothie. I used green curly kale, but any variety of kale should work just fine.
- pear – pears are not only delicious, but they also offer dietary fiber (one pear has 6 grams of fiber) and essential nutrients, including Vitamin C, potassium and antioxidants. They are anti-inflammatory, have been shown to improve heart health and may help with weight loss. Just make sure you include the peel as most of the nutrients are found there. (Source)
- cucumber – high in nutrients but low in calories, cucumbers are super hydrating due to their high water content. Because they’re 95% water they naturally detoxify your body.
- lemon – adds brightness and tang and helps to boost your immunity and flush toxins. Just make sure to use freshly squeezed lemon juice!
- water – hydration is arguably the most important factor for achieving a beautiful, healthy glow so I used filtered water for the base of this smoothie.
- ice – since we’re not using any frozen fruits in this smoothie the ice helps to thicken this smoothie and make it extra cold!
Smoothie Variations
- Want a thicker smoothie? If you want a thicker smoothie feel free to add in some frozen fruit. I would recommend a frozen banana, pineapple or mango. For a creamier smoothie without the frozen fruit you could also add 1/2 a ripe avocado.
- Add protein: If you want to add protein to this smoothie feel free to add 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. You could also add a scoop of your favorite protein powder or try this green protein smoothie recipe instead.
- Add ginger: If you like a bit of zip to your smoothie try adding a knob of fresh ginger.
How to Make


This green lemonade smoothie resembles green juice, but is way easier to make and with less mess!
Just place all your ingredients in a high-powered blender like a Vitamix. Blend until smooth, adding additional water or ice until the smoothie is the texture and consistency you enjoy.
Pour into a glass and enjoy!
Brittany’s Tips
This smoothie is super simple to make, but these quick tips will help you get the best texture and flavor every time:
- Use ripe pear: A ripe, juicy pear blends more easily and adds natural sweetness.
- Peel your cucumber (if needed): If you’re using a thick-skinned cucumber, peeling it helps create a smoother blend.
- Blend well: This smoothie has a juice-like texture, so blend on high until everything is fully liquified.
- Chill your ingredients: Using cold water and refrigerated produce makes the smoothie extra refreshing—no ice needed.
- Drink it right away: Since it’s light and hydrating, this smoothie is best enjoyed fresh, not stored.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.

Green Lemonade Smoothie
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw curly green kale
- 1 large pear, cored and sliced into large pieces
- ½ cucumber, peeled
- ½ lemon, juiced
- ¼ cup ice, plus more as needed
- ¾ cup cold water, plus more as needed
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a high-powered blender.
- Blend until smooth, adding additional water or ice until the smoothie is your desired texture and consistency.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy!
Notes
- Juicer-style smoothie: This blend is meant to be thinner, like a green juice, not thick like a traditional smoothie.
- No pear? Swap with a small apple or a little extra cucumber, but the texture and sweetness will change slightly.
- Optional add-ins: Add a small knob of ginger or a handful of spinach if you want an extra boost.
- Not ideal for storing: This smoothie is best fresh. If you do store it, shake well before drinking and enjoy within 24 hours.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Equipment
Like This Recipe? Rate & Comment Below!

More Healthy Smoothie Recipes
- Easy Blackberry Smoothie
- Green Detox Smoothie
- Health Nut Smoothie
- Chocolate Blueberry Smoothie
- Ultimate Green Smoothie Bowl
- Raspberry Smoothie
- Green Smoothie
Be sure to check out all of the smoothie recipes as well as the full collection of drink recipes on EBF!














I had to use spinach because I was out of kale, but it was still great. I loved the lemon flavor.
Yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed this smoothie, Joy! Thanks for the review 🙂
This was super refreshing on a hot summer night when I don’t feel like cooking! Kept me full and I felt great after drinking it!!
Woo!! So glad this smoothie was a hit, Amy! Thanks so much for the review 🙂
I love spinach, cucumber, grape, apple, carrot and lime smoothes. I did it with a lemon by mistake but it was great. Has anyone tried it with frozen spinach? Since I use frozen grapes and pineapple I thought it might be cheaper and have more vitamins. Have to say, I don’t love kale as much unless it’s in soup.
Where can I find the recipe for the mini protein muffins.
Here’s the recipe for the mini protein muffins https://www.eatingbirdfood.com/2013/05/mini-strawberry-chocolate-chip-protein-muffins/
I’ll definitely be trying this one out! Thanks!
Love, Love, Love Kale! This smoothie sounds great!
Hi!
I live in China and, although there are a lot of veggies, there is no kale. Yes, amazing, but true. Can I make the smoothie with regular lettuce? Or do you suggest another green like spinach?
THanks!!!
That smoothie looks so refreshing! I wish I had a Vita-Mix… My Ninja blender is fine with spinach, but leaves kale somewhat chunky.
I love putting kale in my smoothies! This one sounds awesome!
This looks so, so good!
I have been advised not to eat raw kale or spinach for issues with my thyroid. What about steaming them then blending them and putting them into ice cube trays. Is that a bad idea or any thoughts. I love kale and spinach and green smoothies so trying to find a good solution. Also in the summer such an abundance of kale no possible way to eat it all so this might help with that too. thanks
I am making this today! Thanks for sharing the recipe. I’ve always been a little weary about incorporating kale into smoothies, but I need to give it a try!
Mmmm this sounds so good, but the ingredients are so surprising! I would not have guessed pear and cucumber to be on the list. I will definitely have to try it 🙂
I am anxiously waiting the recipe for the Protein Muffins!!!! They look Delish!
That smoothie looks deliciuos. Such a vibrant color of green! I can’t wait to give it a try!
looking for new drinks to enjoy this summer on the patio. This is on my list
Just looking at this makes me feel good. Great twist on the traditional lemonade and low maintenance too. I hate cleaning those juicer pieces!
I will definitely try this at the weekend. Thank you for sharing!
Wow! I can’t wait to give this a go, look so delicious. Do you have the recipe for the protein muffins too?
Smoothie, smoothie, smoothie…if too much of anything was not bad for the body I would drink smoothie all the time. This is a great looking smoothie!!!
This look sooo amazing!! I love smoothies like this. Such a beautiful color!
Thanks Beth!
I would love to give this a try! I too, typically use almond milk and banana as the base of my green smoothies.
In going to use this to convince the hubs to get me a vitamix!