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    Home » Recipes » dairy-free smoothies

    Arugula Smoothie

    Published: Mar 1, 2023 . Modified: May 9, 2025 by Allie

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    This creamy arugula smoothie pairs peppery greens with oranges and pineapple.  It’s easy to make and only requires a few ingredients that highlight tropical flavors.

    Arugula smoothie in a jar with oranges in the background.

    If you’re not an arugula fan, you may not enjoy this smoothie.  Arugula has a peppery flavor that’s more potent than other greens that typically go into smoothies, like spinach and kale.  The natural sweetness of the tropical fruits balances out the peppery flavor of arugula, and the spiciness of the leafy greens still shines through.

    I use green smoothies as an easy way to get more leafy green vegetables into my family’s diet.  If you want to mix up adding vegetables to your smoothies that aren’t the usual spinach or kale, try my pineapple beet smoothie or carrot orange ginger smoothie.  For more green-leafy forward smoothies, try a strawberry blackberry smoothie, mango smoothie, or pineapple cucumber smoothie.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredient notes and substitutions
    • Tips
    • Variations
    • Serving suggestions
    • How to make an arugula smoothie
    • Storage
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Related recipes
    • Recipe
    • Comments
    Two oranges, a bowl of frozen pineapple, arugula, and a banana.

    Ingredient notes and substitutions

    This simple arugula pineapple smoothie uses simple ingredients, please use the recipe card below for the exact measurements.

    Fresh arugula - This cruciferous vegetable has a strong peppery flavor.  There’s only one cup in this arugula smoothie recipe, but you can always add more if you want to.  If you’re a bit hesitant about adding the leafy green, start with ½ cup of arugula and ½ cup of spinach.  Also, don’t tightly pack the cup of arugula when measuring it out. 

    If you don’t have the arugula, try another green like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard.  Remove the thick stems from the kale and Swiss chard.

    Water - I prefer water in this smoothie, but it can be replaced with non-dairy milk like unsweetened almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk.  Coconut water can also be used.  Use less liquid for a thicker smoothie and more for a thinner smoothie.

    Oranges - Peeled navel oranges add a nice bright sweet acidity that helps to mellow out the distinct taste of arugula.  The oranges help balance the flavor so I wouldn’t recommend substituting, but you could try orange juice instead.  When blended, the oranges will also be some of the liquid needed for the smoothie. 

    You can always try lemon or lime juice instead of orange juice and add more water to help thin out the smoothie. For more smoothies with oranges or orange juice try a raspberry blueberry smoothie, mango cherry smoothie, or carrot orange ginger smoothie.

    Frozen pineapple - I use frozen pineapple in a lot of my smoothies, like in this island green smoothie, peach pineapple smoothie, and pineapple banana spinach smoothie.  The naturally sweet flavor helps to cover up the taste of greens and greatly reduces prep work to make a smoothie.  Most smoothies taste better chilled (hence the frozen part).  I always have a frozen element in my smoothie recipes to eliminate the need for adding ice. 

    I haven’t tested using anything other than frozen pineapple.  I think this smoothie is best with a stronger flavored sweet frozen fruit.  Frozen mango may work, though the smoothie might be a smidge less sweet (it depends on how sweet your frozen mango is).

    Banana - A ripe banana will help sweeten the green arugula smoothie and give it a creamy texture.  The banana can be replaced with ½ of a ripe avocado to keep the smoothie creamy, but that will make the beverage less sweet and the arugula more prominent.

    Frozen pineapple, orange, banana, and arugula in a blender.

    Tips

    • It is best to have a frozen element in the easy arugula smoothie to eliminate the need for adding ice cubes.  All fresh fruit can be used, but you'll need ice cubes to chill the smoothie.
    • If your blender has a hard time blending greens, add the liquid and greens first to the blender.  Blend until smooth, then add the fruit and pulse to break up the frozen pineapple.  Blend until thick and creamy.
    • A paring knife works well to peel a navel orange.  Cut off the top and bottom of the fruit, cutting the white pith away.  Try not to cut too much of the orange edible part.  Then cut away the rind and white pith from top to bottom using the orange’s rounded shape as a guide.  Or peel it by hand if it’s easy to peel.  Leaving some of the white bits is okay, just not too much since it can be bitter. 
    Arugula smoothie blended in a blender.

    Variations

    • Substitute half the amount of pineapple for mango.
    • Add more greens along with the 1 cup of arugula, like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard.  More liquid may be needed.
    • Use fresh fruit, then cut it up and freeze it to have a chilled smoothie.  Or don't freeze it and add ice cubes.
    • Make the arugula smoothie into a smoothie bowl, by using less liquid.  Add toppings of fresh fruit like pineapple, mango, kiwi, or bananas.  Then top with more toppings like flax seed, chia seeds, oil-free granola, or toasted coconut flakes.

    Serving suggestions

    Smoothies tend to be delicious but not very filling.  I use them as an afternoon snack and not as a main meal.  To enjoy this smoothie as a meal, try pairing it with vegan avocado toast, vegan toast, dairy-free overnight oats, or plant-based granola.

    How to make an arugula smoothie

    Peel the oranges before adding them to the blender. Add the rest of the ingredients to the blender.  Blend until everything is smooth and combined, then serve and enjoy.  Super easy!

    Storage

    Green smoothies are best served immediately, but leftovers can be stored for 24 hours in an airtight container in the refrigerator.  Some of the liquid may separate so stir the arugula smoothie before consuming.

    Arugula smoothie in a jar with a straw and oranges in the background.

    Frequently asked questions

    Do I need to use a high-speed blender?

    It depends.  If your blender can puree frozen pineapple then it should be fine.

    Can I make this recipe in advance?

    I think green smoothies are best when enjoyed immediately, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 24 hours.  There may be some separation, stir the smoothie before enjoying it.

    What type of greens are good in smoothies?

    Spinach, kale, arugula, and Swiss chard are some types of greens that work well.  Spinach has a milder flavor that is easily covered up with fruit.  Kale and Swiss chard stalks will need to be removed and have a stronger flavor than spinach.  Arugula is much stronger and gives smoothes a peppery kick.

    Related recipes

    • Spinach pineapple banana smoothie
    • Mango smoothie without yogurt
    • Vegan chocolate banana smoothie
    • Pineapple slushy
    • Banana and carrot smoothie
    • Blueberry and raspberry smoothie
    • Blackberry and strawberry smoothie with spinach
    • A cucumber pineapple smoothie in a glass with straws and a cucumber slice.
      Pineapple and Cucumber Smoothie
    • Island green smoothie in a glass jar with a straw.
      Tropical Island Green Smoothie
    • Pineapple beet smoothie in a jar with straws.
      Pineapple Beet Smoothie
    • Orange carrot ginger smoothie in a glass jar with a straw.
      Orange Carrot Ginger Smoothie

    I hope you enjoy the easy healthy smoothie with arugula!  If you like the recipe, feel free to rate it and leave a comment.

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    Recipe

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    Arugula smoothie in a jar with a straw and oranges in the background.

    Arugula Smoothie


    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    5 from 2 reviews

    • Author: Allie
    • Total Time: 10 minutes
    • Yield: 2 servings 1x
    • Diet: Vegan
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    Description

    This creamy arugula smoothie pairs the peppery greens with oranges and pineapple.  It’s easy to make and only requires a few ingredients.


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 1 cup fresh arugula
    • 1 cup water
    • 2 oranges, peeled
    • 1  ½ cups frozen pineapple
    • 1 ripe banana

    Instructions

    1. Add everything to a blender and blend until smooth.
    2. Best served immediately but can be stored for 24 hours.  Give a stir before serving.

    Notes

    If you don’t have arugula on hand, try another green like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard.  Half of the amount of arugula can also be substituted with another green.

    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 0 minutes
    • Category: smoothie
    • Method: blender
    • Cuisine: american

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @threelittlechickpeasblog on Instagram and hashtag it #threelittlechickpeasblog

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    1. Katie

      December 03, 2024 at 9:32 am

      I was a bit hesitant to try a smoothie with arugula but I ended up really enjoying it with the orange and pineapple.

      Reply
      • Allie

        December 03, 2024 at 9:33 am

        I'm glad you tried and liked it! Thank you for leaving a comment!

        Reply
    2. Patty

      March 16, 2023 at 11:09 am

      I love the oranges with the arugula, you can still taste the arugula but it's not overpowering. Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Allie

        March 16, 2023 at 11:11 am

        I'm glad you enjoyed the smoothie and thanks for leaving a comment.

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Allie! I love cooking and I want to share my simple plant-based meals with you. Eating this way doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Just simply delicious!

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    Arugula smoothie in a jar with oranges in the background.