Detox Wild Blueberry Arugula Smoothie
This Arugula Smoothie is one of our favorite ways to get a healthy dose of greens in and help detox the body. Turn this green smoothie purple with nutrient-rich wild blueberries and enjoy the health benefits of arugula and the sweet flavor of frozen fruit all at once! All you need is 5 ingredients!
This is one of those smoothies that you never thought you’d like, but now crave! It’s unique taste from the peppery arugula, deep earthiness from the spirulina and natural sweetness from the fruit is one that you won’t forget.
Get ready to make this one all. the. time.
Table of contents
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Water – The base of this arugula smoothie is water, but if you’d like to increase it’s skin clearing benefits, opt for coconut water. For a creamier smoothie, use unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, soy milk or your favorite dairy milk. Or, for a really strong flavored citrus smoothie, use freshly squeeze orange juice.
- Spirulina powder – Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that’s known for it’s incredibly powerful nutritional benefits. It’s rich in anti-oxidants and high in important nutrients such as copper, iron, and essential amino acids. It’s also said to help remove heavy metals and detox the body. If you can’t find spirulina, barley grass juice powder is another potent green powder that has many of the same health benefits.
- Wild blueberries – Wild blueberries are smaller than regular blueberries, yet mighty nutritious. In addition to being both sweet and tart, wild blueberries are a great source of vitamin K, antioxidants and dietary fiber. Although regular blueberries are a good substitute, frozen wild blueberries are best if you can find them!
- Navel orange – Citrus is another delicious fruit variety when detoxing. Their higher levels of vitamin C help boost your immune system and support the liver. We love navel oranges or sumo oranges here, but any orange of choice will do.
- Ripe banana – Adds a natural sweetness and the perfect frozen, creamy texture. For best results, use a frozen banana.
- Arugula – The star of the arugula smoothie is the peppery flavor of arugula! It’s a delicious way to get your greens in while enjoying a healthy breakfast or snack. Arugula is naturally high in anti-oxidants and chlorophyll which aids in supporting the liver and keeps the body healthy. If desired, substitute another variety of leafy greens such as baby spinach leaves, swiss chard, collard greens, or kale.
Optional Add-ins
- Healthy fats – If you’re looking to give your smoothie a boost of healthy fats, add 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, almond butter, flax seeds, or nut butters of choice.
- Add an immunity boost – Add a knob of fresh ginger or the juice of half a lemon.
- Probiotics – Add 2 tablespoons of plain greek yogurt.
- Add protein – Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder or collagen.
- Add sweetness – Add an additional tablespoon of maple syrup or honey.
How to Make an Arugula Smoothie
- Add ingredients to a blender. In the following order, add the water, spirulina, wild blueberries, navel orange slices, frozen banana, and fresh arugula to a high speed blender.
- Blend until smooth. Add additional water as needed to achieve desired consistency and help blend.
- Enjoy immediately. Pour your smoothie into a drinking glass and enjoy immediately while chilled.
Recipe FAQs
Can you substitute arugula for spinach in smoothies?
Absolutely! Spinach is more mild in flavor, but if you don’t mind peppery arugula, feel free to substitute spinach for arugula in your next healthy smoothie recipe. In this smoothie, you can even use a full cup of arugula if you don’t mind the distinct taste.
Can I eat arugula raw?
Yes, arugula can be eaten raw and it is often served this way. If you don’t love eating salads, adding greens to your smoothies is an easy way to get their great nutrition in every day.
Is a fruit smoothie best with milk or water?
This really depends on your personal taste. If you prefer creamier smoothies that have a bit more calories and healthy fats, use milk instead of water. If you prefer a lighter, lower-calorie smoothie focused on the flavor of the fresh fruit, opt for water! Don’t be afraid to experiment to figure out what you love best.
When making a smoothie, what goes in first?
Great question. When making any smoothie, you always want to start with liquids in the bottom. This encourages easy blending and helps protect the blade.
Storage Instructions
Smoothies are best consumed cold and fresh, but they can be refrigerated for up to 2 days in an airtight container. After refrigeration, the smoothie will be thinner, but it will still taste delicious. Leftover smoothies can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator until soft enough to pour back in the blender and re-blend until smooth.
More Healthy Smoothie Recipes You’ll Love
- Banana Celery Blueberry Detox Smoothie (Whole30/Paleo/Vegan)
- Carrot Banana Smoothie
- Banana Peach Smoothie
Detox Wild Blueberry Arugula Smoothie
Equipment
- 1 Blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon barley grass juice powder or spirulina
- 1 cup frozen blueberries I used wild blueberries
- 1 medium-sized fresh navel orange peeled and separated into slices
- 1 frozen banana
- 1/2 cup fresh arugula lightly packed
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender in written order.
- Blend until smooth, adding additional water as needed.
- Enjoy immediately while cold.
Notes
Healthy fats – If you’re looking to give your smoothie a boost of healthy fats, add 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, almond butter, flax seeds, or nut butters of choice.
Add an immunity boost – Add a knob of fresh ginger or the juice of half a lemon.
Probiotics – Add 2 tablespoons of plain greek yogurt.
Add protein – Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder or collagen.
Add sweetness – Add an additional tablespoon of maple syrup or honey.
