Smoothie — Recipe 46 of 60
Chia Seed & Cashew Green Detox Smoothie
A vibrant green smoothie that detoxifies, energizes and nourishes all at once. Cashews create a naturally creamy base that makes this smoothie rich and filling despite being entirely plant-based and low in calories. Chia seeds add omega-3 and fiber while the green vegetables provide chlorophyll, iron and folate. A complete nutritional reset in a glass.
Nutrients (per serving)
- Calories
- ~380kcal
- Protein
- ~28g
- Carbs
- ~32g
- Fat
- ~16g
Ingredients
What you need
- 013 tbsp black chia seeds, divided (2 tbsp inside, 1 tbsp for topping)
- 0225g split cashews, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- 0320g soy isolate powder
- 042 tbsp sunflower seeds, toasted (for topping)
- 052 large handfuls of fresh spinach
- 061 medium cucumber, roughly chopped
- 071 medium green apple, cored and roughly chopped
- 081 frozen banana
- 09250ml coconut water or plain water
- 101 tbsp lemon juice
- 111 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 121 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 134–5 ice cubes
Instructions
How to make it
- 01
Soak cashews in water for at least 30 minutes, then drain and rinse thoroughly.
- 02
The night before or at least 1 hour before serving, mix 2 tbsp chia seeds with 6 tbsp water in a small bowl. Stir well and refrigerate until set into a thick gel.
- 03
Add soaked cashews, spinach, cucumber, green apple, frozen banana, coconut water, lemon juice and ginger into a blender.
- 04
Blend on high for 60 seconds until completely smooth and vibrantly green.
- 05
Add soy isolate powder, pre-set chia gel, honey if using and ice cubes.
- 06
Blend again for 30 seconds until fully combined, cold and creamy.
- 07
Pour into a large glass and top with toasted sunflower seeds and remaining chia seeds scattered on the surface.
- 08
Serve immediately while cold and green — this smoothie oxidizes quickly and loses its vibrant color if left to sit.
The science
Why it's good for you
Spinach is one of the most nutrient-dense green vegetables available — exceptionally rich in iron, folate, vitamin K and magnesium. The lemon juice in this smoothie is not just for flavor — vitamin C from lemon significantly enhances the absorption of non-heme iron from the spinach and chia seeds, making the iron in this smoothie considerably more bioavailable than it would be without the lemon. Cucumber adds silica, a mineral that supports skin elasticity, joint health and connective tissue repair. Green apple provides natural pectin fiber that feeds beneficial gut bacteria and helps regulate cholesterol levels. Coconut water contributes electrolytes — potassium, magnesium and sodium — that support hydration and muscle function. Soaked cashews blended into the base create richness and heart-healthy fats without any dairy, while soy isolate adds complete plant protein that transforms this from a simple green smoothie into a genuinely muscle-supporting meal. A glass that covers more nutritional ground than most full meals.