I love experimenting with unexpected ingredient combinations, and I also grow a ton of lettuce. That’s how I came up with this lettuce smoothie, a unique blend that’s become a staple in our household.
The star of this smoothie is Red Salad Bowl Lettuce from my garden. Its slightly peppery flavor adds an interesting dimension, complementing the sweetness of banana and tartness of Granny Smith apple. This leafy green is packed with vitamins A, K, C, and folate, making it an effortless way to boost our daily vegetable intake. You can, of course, use any lettuce you like, though!
What I love most about this smoothie is its staying power. The balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats keeps me satisfied until lunch – a game-changer for a busy mom like me. It’s less sweet than fruit-only smoothies, feeling more like a balanced meal than a sugary treat.
This recipe is incredibly adaptable. I’ve tried different apple varieties and lettuce types, sometimes adding spinach or kale for extra nutrition. On weekends, I transform it into a smoothie bowl with toppings like granola and almond butter.
This creation isn’t overly sweet, but you can adjust by adding maple syrup to taste. The combination of lettuce, apple, and chia seeds provides fiber, while the banana offers quick energy.
What started as a kitchen experiment has become a family tradition. My initially skeptical husband now requests it regularly, and our daughter enjoys helping make it.
If you’re looking to shake up your smoothie routine, give my Red Lettuce Smoothie a try. It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
Feel free to adjust the recipe to suit your tastes. You might discover a variation that becomes your new favorite!
PrintRed Lettuce Smoothie with Bananas
A nutrient-packed red lettuce banana smoothie that combines crisp salad greens with sweet fruit for a refreshing and satisfying breakfast drink that will energize your mornings and keep you full until lunch.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 5 min
- Yield: 1-2 servings 1x
- Category: Beverages
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped Red Salad Bowl Lettuce (or any type of lettuce)
- 1/2 granny smith or honeycrisp apple, chopped
- 1 frozen banana, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- Optional: Ice cubes
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender: lettuce, green apple, frozen banana, lemon juice, chia seeds, and water.
- Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 30-60 seconds depending on your blender.
- If you prefer a colder smoothie, add a few ice cubes and blend again until desired consistency is reached.
- Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately!
Notes
- Add vanilla protein powder if you like!
- For a thicker smoothie bowl consistency, use only 3/4 cup of water and add more frozen ingredients.
- Feel free to substitute the green apple with a sweeter variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji if you prefer.
- This recipe serves 1-2 people, depending on portion size.
And if you’re interested in learning more about growing lettuce, it’s as easy as BLT. A cool-season annual, this leafy crop grows readily from seed, and you can sow seeds every few weeks to have a season full of salad! With our Lettuce Gardening Guide, you get all the details that go into growing and harvesting delicious, leafy lettuce. Get recipes that go beyond the salad bowl and see what’s possible when you grow your own lettuce. Get it all in our Lettuce Gardening Guide right now!
I’d love to hear about your experiences with this lettuce smoothie. Did you try it? What did you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!