To be honest, green juice was never something I was too excited about. In fact, getting my husband and kids to drink anything resembling a “mean green juice” or any beverage containing leafy greens felt like an impossible mission. More often than not, I’d find the cups—still full—abandoned in random spots around the house, a clear testament to their lack of enthusiasm.
That’s when I realized that to enjoy the health benefits of wholesome produce in green juice form, I had to make some compromises. My favorite green juice is less mean and has a milder, sweeter taste than most green drinks – without any added sugar or sweeteners.
As a result, my family can now enjoy a drink that is not only packed with nutrients and essential vitamins, but a refreshing, great tasting drink loaded with many health benefits.
Green Juice: Why you should make my recipe
- Flavor: This powerhouse of nutrients is slightly tart, naturally sweet and incredibly refreshing. Definitely a kid-friendly juice.
- Budget-Friendly: Juice bars often charge exorbitant prices for blending or juicing fruits and vegetables. Save money by making your own fresh and delicious green juice at home!
- Versatile: Whether you follow my recipe exactly or adapt it to include seasonal produce or whatever you have on hand, this green juice is fully customizable to suit your taste.
- Use a Blender or a Juicing Machine: There’s no need to have the latest fanciest Breville juicer to make this pulp-free juice! Although I have make it in a regular blender with good results (simply chopped the ingredients into smaller pieces), I recommend using a high-powered blender for best results.
Health Benefits of Green Juice
Although the benefits are many, here are a few to keep in mind:
- Rich in Nutrients: Green juice is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from fresh fruit and vegetables like spinach, celery, and cucumbers. These nutrients support overall health, boost the immune system, and enhances skin health.
- Hydration: Water-rich veggies and fruits help you keep hydrated throughout the day (especially if you have a hard time drinking enough water). Good hydration is crucial to keep your body, mind and high vibrational frequency at optimal levels.
- Energy Boost: The natural sugars and nutrients in green juice provide a quick, clean energy boost without the crash associated with sugary or caffeinated drinks like soda.
- Supports Weight Management: Low in calories and high in nutrients, green juice can help curb cravings, make you feel full longer, and aids weight loss.
- Strengthens the Immune System: By increasing the amount of raw foods we incorporate into our diets – we take advantage of vitamins and nutrients that help us fight against disease. Anti-inflammatory Ingredients such as ginger can reduce chronic inflammation which is linked to autoimmune conditions such as lupus. I know this key ingredient has been life-changing for me.
Green Juice Ingredients and Substititions
Be sure to check the printable recipe card below for the complete list of ingredients and their exact quantities.
- Apples: I use large, organic apples. Both red and green apples can be used, choose what’s available and fresh at your grocery store. Pink lady, honey crisp, gala or a green apple option such as granny smith apple all work. If organic apples are not available, make sure to do a quick rinse of 3 parts water and 1 part vinegar before cutting them. Soak them for a couple of minutes, rinse them and you are ready to juice them (or eat them).
- Celery: High in nutrients and low in calories, celery is packed with vitamin K, A, C, and potassium among others. It’s said to reduce high blood pressure, aids in cancer prevention as well as Alzheimer’s. This ingredient adds a very distinct taste to the juice which can be a bit overwhelming if added in great amounts. For this reason, I only use 3 stalks.
- Cucumber: One of my absolute favorite vegetables, they are made of 95% water which is already a huge plus! I prefer seedless English cucumbers.
- Spinach: I use baby spinach, a powerful antioxidant and nutrient-rich leafy green with a mild flavor that’s perfect for juicing. Since I’m not a fan of raw kale, I choose not to include it in my juice. However, if you’d like to use kale, be sure to stick to the leaves.
- Ginger: This natural anti-inflammatory also aids digestion and boosts the immune system (among many other great things). Ginger adds a zingy fresh taste to the juice without overpowering it.
- Lemon: I add fresh lemon juice but any citrus juice can be added (as long is fresh and not bottled).
- Optional: Fresh herbs like parsley and mint are some of my usual additions. Fresh basil can also be added.
How to Make the Best Green Juice Recipe
We are providing two easy methods for making this green juice recipe: one using a juicer and the other using a blender. You can find detailed instructions for both methods in the recipe card below. The step-by-step photos below reflect the blender method.
- Prep you Produce: Wash your fruits and veggies throughly. Core the apples leaving their skin intact. If using a juicer, trim the veggies and cut them into large pieces. If using a blender, cut the produce into smaller pieces so it’s easier for your machine to blend.
- Blend or Juice: Place all ingredients in a high-power blender. Blend until smooth, about 2 minutes, using a tamper as needed to push the ingredients into the blender’s blades.
- Strain: Pour juice through a fine mesh strainer, pushing on the solids with the back of a spoon to extract as much juice as possible, or you can line the strainer with cheese cloth or use a nut milk bag to squeeze out as much juice as possible while keeping the solids (pulp) in the cloth or bag. Serve and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I store this Green Juice?
Although homemade green juice is best when served immediately after its made, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. As it sits, the juice separates, this is normal. Stir it before serving it.
What to do with the leftover pulp?
My favorite way to use leftover pulp from juicing is to add it to my compost pile. The leftover pulp enriches the soil with valuable nutrients that benefit the plants and yields more fruits/veggies. The pulp can also be added to other smoothies for extra fiber and can be turn into a natural body scrub.
What does Green Juice do to your body?
Green juice has many health benefits and supports the immune system. Besides hydrating you, green juice provides a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which support overall health and vitality.
Is this Green Juice recipe “Mean” or green tasting?
No. Surprisingly, this juice recipe just has a milder taste compared to other juices that have a strong greener, grassy or bitter taste. Although not overly sweet, it has a very clean, refreshing taste with sweet notes from the apples.
Dietary Information
This Green juice recipe is plant-based, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free!
Take a look at these other easy drink recipes:
Things you may need
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Blender – Ninja Professional 72 Oz
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Juicer
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Nut Milk Bag
Email me this recipe for later!
Best Green Juice Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 large large apples cored (Pink lady, Gala, Granny Smith or a combination)
- ½ medium English cucumber
- 3 celery stalks ends trimmed, cut into 3 pieces
- 1 cup loosely packed baby spinach
- 1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled
- 2 tablespoon fresh lemon lime juice or orange juice (or a combination)
- A handful of fresh parsley or fresh mint
- Ice for serving optional
Instructions
Prep your fruit and veggies:
- Wash all produce thoroughly before using.
- If making the juice in a juicer, you can cut the apples and cucumber into quarters, and each celery stalk/rib into thirds.
- If using a blender, cut the fruit and veggies into smaller pieces for easier processing. Cut the apples into wedges, and the cucumber and celery into thick slices.
Juicer Instructions:
- Check your juicer manufacturer’s instructions before you start operating it.
- With the motor running, feed all the ingredients (except ice) into the juicer, catching the juices in a bowl.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes (optional), pour juice onto glasses and serve immediately.
Blender Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a high-power blender. Blend until smooth, about 2 minutes, using a tamper as needed to push the ingredients into the blender’s blades. Pour juice through a fine mesh strainer or a nut-milk bag.
- If using a strainer, press the pulp into the sieve with the back of a spoon to extract as much juice as possible. Discard solids.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes (optional), pour juice onto glasses and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
- Additions and Variations:
Replace spinach with kale (or any other leafy green), or use both by adding 4 kale leaves removed from the steam and a handful of baby spinach leaves.
Add a seedless, peeled orange or tangerine for more citrus flavor. - Meal-Prep: Prep all your fruit and veggies and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge overnight.
- Storing: Green juice is best when consumed immediately after making it as it retains its’ nutritional value however, this powerhouse of nutrients can be kept in a sealed container, jar or lidded pitcher in the fridge, for up to 24 hours.
- Stirring: As the juice sits, it will separate. Stir well before serving.
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