5 from 5 votes

Lemon Smoothie

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9 Comments

Servings: 1

5 mins

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This bright and creamy lemon smoothie is made with lemon, Greek yogurt, frozen banana, cauliflower and turmeric for a delicious, energizing drink that’s loaded with protein, fiber and vitamin C.

Two lemon smoothies with straws and fresh lemon slices.
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This lemon smoothie is guaranteed to be your new favorite summer drink!

It’s tart from the lemon, creamy from the frozen banana, protein-packed from the Greek yogurt and loaded with added nutrients thanks to the fresh ginger and frozen cauliflower rice. This smoothie is super refreshing and a great way to energize your morning.

Why You Gotta Try This One

Woman (Brittany Mullins) wearing a white shirt and sipping a green smoothie.

This smoothie proves that you can keep things simple and still pack in real nutrition. It sneaks in frozen cauliflower and fresh ginger without compromising on taste, and that’s exactly why I love it. It feels light and bright but still leaves you satisfied, and there’s no long list of add-ins or complicated steps. Just real ingredients, blended into something that tastes way better than it has any right to. It’s also super easy to customize with extras like blueberries, greens, or protein powder—more ideas below.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients measured out to make a Lemon Smoothie: frozen cauliflower rice, ice, frozen banana, turmeric, ginger, almond milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, lemon zest and lemon juice.
  • almond milk – adds a light nutty flavor and contributes to the smoothie’s creamy consistency. You can substitute it with any other non-dairy milk of choice like coconut milk or oat milk. You can also just use water as the liquid base for this smoothie.
  • lemon juice & zest – provides that refreshing citrus flavor. Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best taste.
  • greek yogurt – adds creaminess and provides a good dose of protein. Feel free to use your favorite type of yogurt or opt for a dairy-free yogurt to make the smoothie vegan.
  • frozen cauliflower rice – enhances the smoothie’s thickness without adding a strong flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some veggies into your diet.
  • frozen banana – gives the smoothie a creamy texture and natural sweetness. If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can substitute the banana with more frozen cauliflower.
  • turmeric & ginger – these add a warm and spicy note to the smoothie and are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. The turmeric also adds a golden color to this smoothie.
  • maple syrup or honey – for an added touch of sweetness, if desired. Both maple syrup and honey are great options for a sweetener, but feel free to use agave, medjool dates or liquid stevia.

Lemon Smoothie Variations

  • Lemon blueberry: Swap the banana for frozen blueberries.
  • Add greens: Toss in spinach or kale (just know the color will change).
  • Add protein: Use vanilla protein powder to make it more filling and dessert-like.
  • Add seeds: Blend in chia, flax, or hemp seeds for fiber and healthy fats.
  • Make it a bowl: Use less liquid and add toppings like granola or fruit.

How to Make

Lemon smoothie ingredients in a blender.
Lemon smoothie blended in a blender.

Just like with all of my smoothie recipes, this one is super easy to whip up! Just place all your ingredients into a high-speed blender like a Vitamix and blend until smooth and creamy.

Taste and adjust as needed, adding more liquid or a handful of ice to reach your desired consistency.

Pour your smoothie into a glass and enjoy!

Smoothie Tips

This smoothie is super easy to make, but here are a few tips to help you get that perfect texture and flavor every time:

  • Use frozen fruit and veg: Frozen banana and cauliflower rice are key for that thick, creamy consistency without needing ice.
  • Start with less liquid: Begin with a smaller amount of milk and add more as needed to reach your desired thickness.
  • Fresh lemon makes a difference: I definitely recommend using fresh lemon juice if you have it—it gives the smoothie a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
  • Sweeten it up: If you want a little extra sweetness, try adding a medjool date or a small splash of maple syrup.

If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.

5 from 5 votes

Lemon Smoothie

This creamy lemon smoothie blends tangy citrus with banana, Greek yogurt, and hidden veggies for a refreshing, nutrient-packed drink. It’s simple to make and perfect for breakfast, post-workout, or anytime you want something light and satisfying.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1
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Ingredients  

  • ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ½ Tablespoon lemon zest
  • ½ cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt, or dairy-free yogurt
  • ½ frozen banana
  • ½ cup frozen cauliflower rice
  • ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • ½-1 inch knob fresh ginger, optional
  • 2-3 teaspoons maple syrup or honey
  • Handful of ice

Instructions 

  • Place all the ingredients into a high speed blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
  • Pour smoothie into a glass and enjoy!

Notes

  • Vegan option: Use a plant-based yogurt to make this smoothie completely dairy-free and vegan.
  • Less ginger: If you’re sensitive to spice or new to using fresh ginger, start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
  • No banana? Use more cauliflower rice or swap with frozen mango, pineapple, or peaches
 
This recipe is inspired by Real Food Whole Life

Nutrition

Serving: 1 smoothie | Calories: 261kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 120mg | Potassium: 432mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 26g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Equipment

Like This Recipe? Rate & Comment Below!

Overhead view of two lemon smoothies with straws and fresh lemon slices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you add a whole lemon to this smoothie?

No! You don’t want to add the lemon peel to your smoothie, so it’s best to juice your lemon and measure the amount needed from there. If you use too much lemon juice it could make your smoothie overly tart, so it’s recommended to stick with the specified amount of lemon juice and zest in the recipe and adjust according to your taste.

Is it okay to use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice will provide the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice can be used. Just be sure it’s 100% pure lemon juice.

Can I store this smoothie for later?

Smoothies are best enjoyed immediately after they’re made, but if you need to store them, keep them in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You might need to give it a good stir or shake before drinking.

How can I thicken this smoothie?

To make the smoothie thicker, you can add more frozen cauliflower rice, frozen banana or a handful of ice. Alternatively, you can add a spoonful of chia seeds, which will help to thicken this smoothie while adding nutritional benefits.

Be sure to check out all of the smoothie recipes as well as the full collection of drink recipes on EBF!

About Brittany

Hey there, I’m Brittany, the creator of Eating Bird Food, cookbook author, health coach and mama of two littles. Here you’ll find quick and easy recipes that make healthy fun and enjoyable for you and your family!

More about Brittany
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5 from 5 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




9 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Ummm…I have never thought to make lemon the main flavor in a smoothie, but this looked so fresh, I had to try it.

    I used Siggis low sugar vanilla yogurt, so I left out the honey. I was pleasantly surprised you can’t really taste the ginger and turmeric much.

    I also added a scoop of collagen powder. This was light and refreshing! A great summer smoothie, much healthier than a Chick Fil A frosted lemonade.

    1. Oh yay! That makes me so happy to hear. I’m so glad you loved this smoothie. Thanks for making it and for coming back to leave a review. I really appreciate it!

  2. Oh my gosh, this smoothie is SO good! I love lemon for anything, honestly, but as breakfast?? It’s a new favorite! I made it because it’s what I had on hand that morning, but now it’s my go-to smoothie. So refreshing! I added vanilla protein powder and chia seeds for a little extra protein and crunch. So delicious! Don’t pass this one up!

    1. WOO! This is seriously the best, Heather. I am so glad you are loving this refreshing smoothie as much as I am, it is a summer dream! Thank you for coming back and sharing your review & star rating, it means so much to me!

    1. YUM! I am so glad to hear you’re loving this recipe, Eileen. Thank you for sharing your review + star rating, I really appreciate it!

  3. Looks so good! I don’t have turmeric, do you think I could omit/replace it? Thanks for your delicious recipes!

    1. You could definitely omit the turmeric powder. The smoothie probably just won’t be as golden of a color, but it shouldn’t change the taste.