Refreshing Cucumber Lime Keto Smoothie
Hey there! I’m so excited to share one of my absolute favorite keto-friendly smoothies with you. This cucumber lime smoothie is like summer in a glass – crisp, refreshing, and perfect for those hot days when you need something cool that won’t kick you out of ketosis. As a busy mom who’s always on the hunt for quick, healthy recipes, this one’s become a staple in my house. My kids even ask for it (though I usually add a bit of honey to theirs)!
5 minutes
5 minutes
2
185 per serving
3g per serving
Easy
Ingredients
- 1 medium cucumber, peeled and chopped (about 1½ cups)
- Juice of 2 fresh limes (about ¼ cup)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- ½ avocado
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons MCT oil
- 2 tablespoons powdered erythritol (or your preferred keto sweetener to taste)
- 1 cup ice cubes
- Optional: 1 scoop unflavored (or vanilla) collagen peptides or protein powder
Instructions
- Peel and chop the cucumber into chunks. Don’t worry about making them perfectly even – your blender will take care of that!
- Juice your limes. Pro tip: roll them firmly on the counter before cutting to get the maximum juice out!
- Add cucumber, lime juice, almond milk, avocado, mint leaves, MCT oil, and sweetener to your blender.
- Add ice cubes and protein/collagen powder if using.
- Blend on high speed until completely smooth and creamy, about 45-60 seconds.
- Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Pour into glasses, garnish with a cucumber slice and mint leaf if you’re feeling fancy, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 185 |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 85mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 7g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Net Carbs | 3g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Protein | 2g (10g with protein powder) |
| Vitamin C | 20% |
| Potassium | 8% |
Recipe Variations
Berry Twist
Add ¼ cup of fresh berries (raspberries or strawberries work great and keep it keto-friendly). This adds about 1-2g net carbs per serving but brings a gorgeous pink color and sweet-tart flavor.
Tropical Version
Swap half the cucumber for ¼ cup unsweetened coconut cream and add ¼ teaspoon coconut extract. Makes it slightly higher in fat and gives a vacation vibe!
Spa Water Smoothie
Add a 1-inch piece of peeled ginger and substitute the mint for basil. It tastes like those fancy waters at spas! Great for digestion too.
Extra Green Power
Add a handful of spinach – you won’t taste it, but you’ll get extra nutrients and a beautiful green color.
Recipe Notes
- Make Ahead: Prepare all ingredients (except ice) the night before and store in an airtight container. In the morning, just dump in your blender with ice and blend!
- Storage: This smoothie is best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Give it a good shake before drinking.
- Sweetener Options: Erythritol, monk fruit, or allulose all work well. If you’re new to keto sweeteners, start with less and add more to taste.
- Protein Boost: The collagen or protein powder is optional but turns this from a snack into a light meal with staying power.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cucumber lime smoothie without avocado?
Absolutely! The avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats, but you can replace it with 2 tablespoons of chia seeds (soaked for 10 minutes in some of the almond milk) or extra MCT oil for the fat content. The texture will be less creamy but still refreshing.
Is this smoothie suitable for a dairy-free keto diet?
Yes! This recipe is completely dairy-free as written. Just make sure if you add protein powder that you choose a plant-based or collagen option rather than whey if you’re strictly avoiding dairy.
Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?
You can, but it will increase the carb count. Unsweetened almond milk has about 1g of carbs per cup, while whole dairy milk has about 12g per cup. If you’re strictly keto, stick with almond, coconut, or macadamia milk.
How can I make this smoothie sweeter without adding carbs?
Try adding a few drops of liquid stevia, more powdered erythritol, or a monk fruit blend. You can also add a drop of pure mint extract which enhances the perception of sweetness without adding any carbs or calories.
This cucumber lime keto smoothie has been my go-to refresher after workouts and on hot summer days. I love how it keeps me in ketosis while feeling like a treat! The MCT oil adds healthy fats that keep me full for hours, and the cucumber makes it so hydrating. If you try any of the variations, let me know which is your favorite – I’m partial to the spa water version with ginger! Cheers to health that tastes amazing!
