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5 Simple and Refreshing Green Juices

February 8, 2019Updated December 19, 2022 By Nava Atlas Leave a Comment

If you’re a fan of refreshing green juices, you’ll find 5 simple recipes here. We’ll also get into the ongoing, if quiet debate about green juices vs green smoothies — which is better?

Apple And Spinach Juice

Honestly, this doesn’t have to be either/or; both have their benefits. In weighing the pros and cons purely in terms of convenience and ease, green smoothies win the day for me.

Clean-up is a snap, and with the whole leaf and accompanying fruit or fruits being used, the result is a beverage that, though it certainly doesn’t feel or look like it, is filled with fiber.

That said, I enjoy green juices on occasion as well; I get them fresh at a juice bar rather than make them myself.

High-speed blenders for green smoothies

Making good green smoothies requires you to own a high-speed blender. Though the two most popular brands are Vita-Mix and BlendTec, there are others. Comparison shop, of course, but know that in order to make a truly smooth green smoothie you need a good-quality high-speed blender, and not an ordinary blender.

Making the case for juices

On the other hand, arguing the case for juices, the essence of a lot more greens and fruits can go into one serving of juice, making it an incredibly potent source of all the nutrients and enzymes present in the produced used.

However, I know from personal experience, and that of a number of friends, that the clean-up required for juicing can be daunting. That point seems to be the most common deal-breaker in the juicer vs. blender debate if you are to choose but one.

Personally, I choose green smoothies for ease and clean-up. After a month or so of going gung-ho on a juicer a few years ago, I demoted it from the counter to the inside of a cupboard, and it rarely emerged after that. My Vita-Mix has been on the counter for more than a decade, and sees regular use. 

Despite the fact that I love freshly pressed juices, especially green juices, I didn’t want to invest in another machine that would likely go by way of the first one.

I let someone else make my green juices! When I was writing Wild About Greens, I enlisted my son Evan to help me develop some green juice recipes in the conjunction with Karma Road, the organic vegan café at which he was then employed. And so, I thank him for helping to come up with these recipes, and to Karma Road in New Paltz, for providing the space and machinery! And also providing me with a great green juice whenever I’m in the mood for one.

Kale juice or smoothie

Green “C” Monster Juice

Makes about two 12-ounce servings

A few good sources of vitamin C add up to one great C-filled juice—with plenty of great flavor, as well as nutrition.

  • 2 to 3 carrots, cleaned and cut into chunks
  • 2 big handfuls spinach (any variety), 3 to 4 kale leaves, or several beet greens, well washed and coarsely chopped
  • 1/2 medium red or golden beet
  • 1-inch piece of fresh ginger
  • 2 to 3 oranges

Juice the first four ingredients and divide between two tumblers. Juice the oranges with a citrus juicer and add to the green juice. 

Greens, Cucumber, and Apple Juice

2 servings, about 12 ounces each

Thanks to Karma Road, an incredible little vegan café (with a big heart) in New Paltz, NY for the idea for this juice. There is nothing in the world that feels as cleansing and refreshing to me.

  • 3 to 4 kale leaves, torn
  • 2 big handfuls spinach (any variety)
  • 1 medium cucumber, cut into chunks
  • 2 to 3 medium apples, cored and cut into chunks
  • Juice of 1/2 to 1 lemon, to taste

Juice the first 4 ingredients and divide between two tumblers. Juice the lemon with a citrus juicer and add lemon juice to your liking to the green juice.

Beets and Greens Juice with Apple and Ginger

Makes about two 8-ounce servings

Beets, apple, and ginger has got to be my favorite juice combination. Adding the greens from the beets give this juice its leafy green boost.

  • 1 medium beet, well scrubbed, bruised spots cut away
  • Greens from 3 to 4 beets
  • 3 medium apples
  • Handful of parsley leaves
  • 1-inch piece ginger
  • 1/2 to 1 lemon, to taste

Juice the first 5 ingredients and divide between two tumblers. Juice the lemon with a citrus juicer and add lemon juice to your liking.

Baby spinach

Spinach and Lettuce Refresher

Makes about two 8-ounce servings

This hydrating juice is wonderful for warm weather, served over ice.

  • 2 big handfuls spinach (any variety)
  • 4 leaves romaine lettuce
  • 2 medium apples
  • 1/2 medium cucumber
  • Handful of parsley leaves
  • 1/2 lemon or lime
  • Agave nectar to taste

Juice the first 5 ingredients and divide between two tumblers. Juice the lemon or lime with a citrus juicer and add lemon juice to your liking.

Sparkling Spinach Juice

Makes two 12-ounce servings

These ingredients add up to a delightfully refreshing green “soda.”

  • 1 medium cucumber, cut into chunks
  • 1 celery stalks, cut into chunks
  • 2 big handfuls of spinach leaves
  • Handful of parsley leaves, optional
  • Juice of 1 lemon or lime
  • Seltzer, as needed
  • Agave nectar to taste

Juice the first 3 ingredients (plus the parsley if using) and divide between two tumblers. Juice the lemon with a citrus juicer and divide between two tumblers.

Fill the tumblers with seltzer (leaving a little room for ice if desired), then sweeten with agave nectar. Serve at once at room temperature or over ice.

See more recipes for beverages and explore the Tips & Trends section.

Filed Under: Beverages, Easy Vegan Recipes, Tips & Trends

About Nava Atlas

Nava Atlas is the author of many vegetarian and vegan cookbooks, including Vegetariana, Plant-Powered Protein, 5-Ingredient Vegan, Wild About Greens, Vegan Holiday Kitchen, and many more. A longtime dedicated vegan, find out more about her on this site's About page.

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