Apple Smoothie (No yogurt, No Banana)

Made with a whole apple, an apple smoothie is a satisfying way to quench your thirst and boost your hydration, vitamin C, and fiber.

My balanced apple smoothie is packed with antioxidants and electrolytes—not just from the apple, but also from other superfood ingredients.

This refreshing drink blends a whole apple with fresh ginger, lemon or lime, raw sugar, a pinch of salt, and pure water. While the sugar and salt are optional, they play two important roles in enhancing flavor and supporting hydration.

You’ll feel deeply nourished and revitalized after enjoying this vibrant smoothie.

Jump to:

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• Why do we crave smoothies when the weather gets hot?
• No yogurt or bananas
• Get Your Smoothies & Drinks Ultimate Guide
• Can I put an apple in smoothie?
• Ingredients and substitutions
• Serving
• Apple FAQs
• Recipe for Apple Smoothie with Ginger
• Other refreshing drinks

Why do we crave smoothies when the weather gets hot?

When the weather heats up and you start craving smoothies, it’s because you are losing electrolytes through your sweat and your cells are craving hydration.

Hydration is controlled through electrolytes, and sugar and salt are the best sources, especially when you use a truly raw sugar and a high-quality mineral salt.

Combined with the antioxidants and vitamins in the apple, ginger, and citrus, you are enhancing the delivery mechanism of the nourishment to your cells.

The second reason for a bit of sugar and salt is to ensure that you are getting all six tastes into your simple drink.

A balanced flavor profile will allow you to feel extremely satisfied with the taste. Balanced flavors nurture both body and mind.

So if you are currently using these ingredients in smoothies, make sure you read 14 Tips and Tricks for Healthier Smoothies for more information on how to make healthy smoothies.

You can also check out my Smoothies & Drinks Ultimate Guide for 25 nourishing recipes, expert tips, and so much more to take your smoothies and drinks to the next level.

Can I put an apple in smoothie?

Before you landed on this post, you might have been asking yourself? Can I put an apple in smoothie?

You may be wondering exactly how to do it.

The answer is: you will chop the apple in four quarters, remove the tough seeds and core, and blend the whole apple with the skins.

Yes, there’s some pulp and fiber in the smoothie, but that’s where the nutrition is.

You don’t want to strain that out, or remove it. This is not apple juice. This is an apple smoothie.

Now, an apple smoothie isn’t exactly smooth, but you will get used to the texture. Just remember: it is good for you.

Ingredients and substitutions

Apple: I experimented with both green and red apples. The tart apples have less sugar and more pectin, which is prebiotic that promotes healthy gut bacteria, as well as liver and gallbladder health.

The red apples are sweeter. I enjoyed both - especially the way that they produce different colored smoothies.

Lemon or lime: The addition of lemon or lime in this apple smoothie actually enhances the overall flavor, as well as adds antioxidant support.

Lemons are sourer, while limes are sour with a touch of bitter. Try both and see which one you love the most.

Salt: Salt supports hydration by encouraging secretions in membranes and glands, stimulating stomach acid and nourishing the adrenals and nervous system.

We all need salt. The key is to consume the right kind of salt in the right quantities. For this recipe, a pinch of salt is nourishing and nurturing. You will not taste it, but it will enhance the overall flavor.

I recommend an unrefined mineral or rock salt for regular use. Such salts also contain naturally-occurring minerals.

Himalayan pink salt is readily available and a good choice. For a mineral salt that’s sourced in the United States, try Redmond Real Salt.

Ginger: Smoothies are cooling and a little heavy by nature, and ginger and/or other spices make all the difference to your digestion and overall enjoyment.

Ginger is the ultimate antioxidant and cure-all. It enhances circulation and digestion, relieves nausea and congestion, and is mildly cleansing.

Keep fresh ginger on hand in the fridge, ready for apple smoothies, and for adding to any dish.

Unrefined sugar: A true unrefined sugar is a delight to experience, since it is the sweet taste in its most natural and unadulterated form.

Such sugars are made from sugar cane juice that go through simple evaporation until crystallized.

Unrefined sugars are high in naturally occurring vitamins and minerals, with a delicious taste and a caramel flavor and color.

Such sugars have antioxidant anti-inflammatory properties, liver protecting, anti-hyperglycemic, and diuretic qualities.

In Ayurveda, raw sugar is used medicinally for iron deficiency anemia and certain liver conditions.

Unrefined raw sugar types include muscovado, whole cane sugar, panela (Latin America), jaggary (South Asia), kokuto (Japan), and Rapadura.

You can find high-quality unrefined sugar from trusted sources like Just Panela for an authentic, health-supportive option.

Serving

If you keep the smoothie in the fridge for a couple of hours, the fiber settles, and the flavors blend. I found my smoothie even more enjoyable after some resting time!

Apple FAQs

Other refreshing drinks

Discover more refreshing and delicious smoothie and drink recipes below.

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