Enjoy a glass of the freshest homemade green juice without any additives in a matter of minutes! This juicing recipe works for blender as well!
How to make green juice
Tools:
- Juicer
- Chopping board & knife
- Vegetable peeler – optional, knife will also work just fine.
Ingredients:
- Green apples – or any sweet apples for an extra touch of sweetness
- Kale – Use only fresh produce! No frozen items.
- Cucumber
- Spinach
- Lemon – optional!
The process is easy. Prepare all the fruit and veggies (apart from lemon) by cutting them into manageable pieces that fit inside the chute of your machine.
Run them through the juicer. Taste and add a squeeze of fresh lemon. You might not need it at all – this depends on your preference.
You will find all the measurements in a recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Useful tips:
- Homemade juices are best enjoyed right after juicing. However, if stored properly they can be kept in the fridge for up to 48 hours.
- Store it in a glass jar/bottle/pitcher covered with a lid.
- Juices help you keep hydrated throughout the day, but they do not replace a meal. So don’t swap drinking juice for a meal!
- Always consult a specialist if you want to do include large quantities of juices in your diet. They will be able to advise you whether it is good for you or not.
- Add some more sweetness with maple syrup, agave syrup or honey. For honey, you need to stir a lot, so it melts. Use only liquid honey.
What not to put in a green juice?
- Avocado – If you have one on hand, better use it to make something else out of it like avocado mayo, guacamole or a simple spread for your toast.
- Broccoli – This vegetable is better enjoyed as a side rather than in drinks.
Things to avoid when juicing at home
- Using a lot of produce you don’t particularly like in large quantities – this can put you off of juicing. All our homemade juice recipes contain just the right amount and ratios to make them taste good (but keep in mind that the sweetness of the ingredients may vary).
- Don’t use plastic containers for storing.
- Try and prep for 2-3 days, don’t make just one serving. This will save you time and you will not have to clean the equipment you use every single time.
- Always wash your produce! Unless you get it from your garden, and you know how it was handled.
Frequently asked questions:
What greens are good for juicing?
Kale and spinach are the most used ones and I also recommend them. Some people use also arugula, but I would not recommend it myself.
It has a very sharp taste that might not be the best ingredient for your green juice. Though, you can try it if you like to experiment with flavors.
What is green juice made of?
The main ingredients are green vegetables like kale, spinach, cucumber or celery. Fruits are added to balance the strong flavors and make it sweeter.
Do I peel lemons before juicing?
Yes, you do. Lemon skins are bitter so you would want to peel them. However, it is best (and easiest) to squeeze just as much as you like in the ready-prepared juice rather than running lemon through your juicer.
You will only use a little amount of lemon (in comparison to the rest of the ingredients).
Is it cheaper to make your own juice at home?
Yes, it is. You not only save money juicing at home but can also use any produce you like! Make your own fruit and vegetable combos you enjoy the most.
More easy juice recipes you might like to try:
- Citrus Juice – Perfect for winter when the produce is in season!
- Beet, Carrot and Orange Juice – This one is so good and sweet.
- Apple and Pear Juice – A mild option for those who prefer using fruits only.
This post has been updated recently (2024) and includes answers to FAQs, useful tips as well as things to avoid and more recipe ideas.
Fresh Green Juice
Ingredients
- 3 green apples , large, quartered, see note 2
- 7 ounces fresh kale (200 grams)
- ½ English cucumber
- 1 cup fresh spinach , packed (25 grams)
- ½ lemon , small, juice only (optional), see note 4
Instructions
- Juice all the produce except for the lemon.
- Taste. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice to your taste or omit.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Wash all your produce first!
- Cut all the produce into pieces that will fit through the chute of your juicer. When using a blender, see note 3.
- A high powered blender will also work. Just make sure to core the apples and remove the hard stalks from kale. You can also peel the cucumber to make it easier for your blender. Strain your juice before drinking. Note: You will get a different quantity of juice this way.
- Add the lemon juice at the very end after you taste the juice. It might not need a full half of lemon. This will depend on your preference.
- The ingredients can be adjusted to your liking – add more apples, less spinach, more cucumber…
- If you prefer sweeter juice, use red apples or stir in maple syrup.
- Store in a sealed glass jar/bottle in the fridge.
- Best consumed fresh but can last up to 48 hours if stored properly.
Lisa says
I make something very similar — except I don’t juice — I use my Vitamix and blend it. Do you think if I strained it to get the juice it would be the same thing? I don’t have a juicer.
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
I’d say you could give it a go, Lisa. However, if you like your Vitamix version, then I would probably not bother straining it.
Eden says
Definitely using this for my morning juice! It looks delicious!
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Fantastic!
Tayler Ross says
I love green juice, and this has got to be my favorite recipe! I have some every morning!
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Thanks, Tayler!
Caroline says
Sounds tasty and refreshing, and love the bright color.
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Thank you!
Veena Azmanov says
This sounds so refreshing, light and nutritious. Love how pretty the green color is too. Can’t wait to try
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Thanks!
Nia says
I’m so in love with any green juices.
Carroll ingram says
Actually taste pretty good
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Thanks for your feedback, Carroll! It’s a great juice and easily customizable to your liking.
Elizabeth says
Try carrot juice with lime and ginger. Very delicious
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
I agree!
Doretha says
Hi Julia
How can I get a more personal list of ur juicing recipes, they sound so delicious & tasty trying to move into a healthier lifestyle?
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Hi Doretha. At the moment, I can only provide juice recipes that are on my blog. But perhaps in the future I would be able to create an e-book or a file to download.