Savory Smoothie

This savory smoothie is proof that smoothies don’t have to be sweet to be delicious. It’s protein-rich, loaded with vegetables, and full of bold, savory flavor—more like a fresh salsa you can sip than a typical fruit smoothie. If you’ve ever wanted to break out of the tropical smoothie rut and try something tangy, hearty, and deeply satisfying, this recipe is a great place to start.

Some days, I genuinely crave vegetables. Not fruit. Not sweet. Just plants, protein, and something that feels grounding. That’s exactly why I created this savory smoothie—and it delivers every time.

Why You’ll Love It

This recipe was inspired by the idea behind the slow-carb approach, popularized in The 4-Hour Body. The focus is on protein, vegetables, and slower-digesting carbs to support lean muscle and steady energy.

While I don’t personally believe in cutting out all sugars—especially those found naturally in fruit—I do think there’s value in having savory, low-sugar meals in your rotation. This smoothie works beautifully as a meal when you want something filling and nourishing without a sweet flavor profile.

Think of it as a blended glass of veggies with protein—simple, satisfying, and surprisingly craveable..

Savory Smoothie Ingredients

My goal was to build a smoothie that tasted like my favorite Mexican-inspired dishes—fresh, zesty, and balanced. Here’s what goes into the blender and why:

• Spinach: The best start to any green smoothie is a bunch of fresh, leafy green vegetables.
• Cilantro: I know cilantro isn’t everyone’s fav, so swap this fresh herb with parsley if needed.
• Vegetable stock: Find a low-sodium stock that is JUST vegetables for the best flavor… or make your own vegetable stock!
• Chickpeas: I like using chickpeas as a plant-based protein source. They also add creaminess to this beverage.
• Tomato: Whether you call it a fruit or a vegetable, tomatoes are a great smoothie addition! They act as a liquid and a plant.
• Avocado: Creamy healthy fat gives this smoothie a great texture and vital nutrients.
• Protein powder: Plant-based protein powder turns this smoothie into a complete meal that you won’t want to put down.
• Lemon juice: Never underestimate the level of brightness a squeeze of lemon juice can bring to any recipe. It helps lighten up the taste.
• Spices: I use chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, sea salt and black pepper in the blender and sprinkled on top of this savory smoothie for the perfect finish.

Adding Vegetables to Smoothies

If the idea of a savory smoothie makes you pause, you’re not alone. Most green smoothies lean sweet, and we’ve been conditioned to think fruit = smoothie. But here’s the thing: every green smoothie already includes vegetables.

This recipe just leans into that idea a little more. Instead of bananas and berries, we’re using vegetables you’d normally add to tacos, salads, or soups. And once you get comfortable with that shift, it opens up a whole new world of smoothie possibilities.

Here’s some more vegetables that are great in smoothies:

avocado	celery	legumes
beets	cucumber	pumpkin
butternut squash	fennel	sweet potato
carrots	herbs	tomato
cauliflower	leafy greens	zucchini

How to Make a Savory Smoothie

Savory smoothies blend just like sweet ones—using the same two-step method for a standard blender. If you have one of my recommender blenders for smoothies, you can combine this into one step.

1. Add the spinach, cilantro, and vegetable stock to your blender. Blend until completely smooth with no leafy bits left.
2. Add the remaining ingredients and blend again until creamy and well combined. These are softer ingredients, so blending is quick and easy.

If you prefer a colder smoothie, add an ice cube after blending or chill it in the fridge for about 15 minutes before drinking. For more in-depth smoothie tutorial, check out my how to make as smoothie guide.

More Savory Smoothies

This savory smoothie is a reminder that healthy eating doesn’t have to fit into one flavor profile. Sometimes the most satisfying option isn’t sweet—it’s bold, savory, and packed with plants. Give it a blend and see how good vegetables can taste in a glass.

• Fruit and vegetable smoothie: A “kitchen sink” blend that eases you into savory territory.
• Apple celery smoothie: Bright, green, and refreshing with fennel, lemon, and ginger.
• Tomato smoothie: A savory, ruby-red brunch-worthy mocktail in smoothie form.
• Savory cauliflower smoothie: Ultra creamy, warmly spiced, and perfect for a fast dinner.

If you make this savory smoothie recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. Your feedback helps me and all the readers in this community. And if you’re interested in more plant-based recipes (and exclusive content), sign up for my weekly recipe newsletter.