High-Protein Green Apple Lentil Smoothie
Looking for a smoothie that’s both energizing and genuinely satisfying? This Green Apple Lentil Smoothie is a vibrant, protein-packed option that goes beyond your average green drink. It blends tart green apples, creamy lentils, spinach, and warming spices into a smooth, refreshing beverage you can enjoy for breakfast or a snack.

Unlike overly sweet smoothies that leave you hungry an hour later, this one includes ingredients that help you feel grounded and nourished without needing to overthink it. Lentils may not be a typical smoothie ingredient, but they blend beautifully here and offer plant-based protein and fiber to keep you full and steady throughout the day.
Whether you’re easing into intuitive eating or just want a creative way to add more variety to your routine, this protein-packed smoothie is a delicious place to start.
For another green smoothie idea, try my Matcha Smoothie with Mango and Spinach. Looking for something fruity? Make a Berry Coconut Water Smoothie, Berry Dragon Fruit Smoothie, or Pineapple Mango Papaya Smoothie.
And if you want to learn more about planning truly satisfying meals and snacks, I invite you to join my free intuitive eating email series. You can also book a free nutrition counseling call here.
Ingredients
To make this smoothie, you'll need a few nutritious and flavorful ingredients. Start with cooked lentils (homemade, canned, or frozen) for plant-based protein and fiber. Frozen spinach is my go-to for convenience and nutrients, though fresh greens work in a pinch (see recipe notes for substitutions). Cucumber adds a refreshing, hydrating element, while Granny Smith apples bring a sweet-tart flavor and beneficial nutrients. Since we’re not using frozen fruit, ice cubes help chill the smoothie and give it a frosty texture. Chia seeds add plant-based fats, and a splash of maple syrup can sweeten the blend to your taste. Freshly grated ginger and cinnamon lend warming, spicy flavors and an antioxidant boost. For even more antioxidants (and a little caffeine lift) add a scoop of matcha. Finally, blend everything with your choice of liquid: water, coconut water, or dairy-free milk like soy, almond, oat, or cashew all work well.
Instructions
Once you've prepped the ingredients, this smoothie is super easy to make in your blender. For the prep work, you just need to cook the lentils (unless you're using canned/frozen lentils that are already cooked) and roughly chop the fruits and vegetables so they're easier to add to the blender.
Troubleshooting
If the smoothie is too thick or the ingredients aren't blending together, try adding more liquid (water, coconut water, or dairy-free milk) and blend again. If the smoothie is too thin, add more cooked lentils and blend again.
Making Ahead and Storage
Although they're best enjoyed right away, you can store smoothies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If the ingredients begin to separate, stir or blend again before serving.
Potential Ingredient Substitutions
- If you don't have frozen spinach, substitute pureed fresh baby spinach instead. To puree the spinach leaves, add them to the blender with ยผ cup water and blend on high for 1 minute, or until smooth.
- Instead of granny smith apples, try this recipe with another apple variety or use pears instead.
- No chia seeds? Substitute ground flaxseeds.
- Substitute agave nectar or honey for the maple syrup. You can also omit the sweetener completely.
- If you don't have fresh ginger, swap in โ teaspoon ground ginger instead.
FAQ
Yes! Lentils are a surprisingly great addition to smoothies. They add plant-based protein, fiber, and important nutrients like iron and folate without overpowering the flavor. In this recipe, they blend seamlessly with fruit, veggies, and spices for a creamy, satisfying texture.
Absolutely. Cooked lentils blend easily into smoothies and provide a creamy base that makes your drink more filling. They’re especially helpful for adding substance and protein to plant-based smoothies without relying on powders.
It’s not recommended to blend raw lentils into smoothies. Raw lentils are difficult to digest and may contain compounds that are reduced or eliminated through cooking. For best results, use fully cooked lentils—either homemade, canned, or frozen and thawed.
๐ Recipe
High-Protein Green Apple Lentil Smoothie
Equipment
- blender
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cup cooked lentils (see note)
- 1 cup frozen spinach (see note)
- 1 large cucumber, (2 cups) roughly chopped (peeled if desired, see note)
- 2 medium granny smith apples, (2 cups) cored and roughly chopped (peeled if desired, see note)
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon matcha (optional)
- 1 cup water (or coconut water or dairy-free milk of choice)
Optional for serving:
- apple slices
- ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Add cooked lentils, spinach, cucumber, apples, ice cubes, chia seeds, maple syrup (if using), ginger, cinnamon, matcha (if using), and water to blender container. Cover and blend on high 2 minutes, or until smooth and creamy.
- Divide between glasses and garnish with apple slices and ground cinnamon if desired.
To be honest, I'm new to plant-based eating and I've never tried lentils before. Adding them to a smoothie intrigues me! Could you cook the lentils ahead of time and keep them in the fridge to use later, or do they need to be used shortly after cooking? This may seem like a silly question, but I wasn't sure if saving the lentils for later would compromise their nutritional quality. Thanks!
Hi Lauren, thanks so much for reaching out and so happy that you're giving lentils and plant-based eating a try!! You can TOTALLY cook lentils ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to a week or so. I do this all the time and recommend it to clients with busy schedules during the week, so great idea! ๐
I'm crazy about vegan smoothes and want to find the most nutritious recipes. The weirder the better
Haha, thanks Marian! I agree, I love throwing all sorts of crazy stuff in the blender! ๐
Hi Steph,
I'm Sara from Carob Cherub. I included this smoothie in my 15 healthy breakfast roundup.
I just started doing legume + fruit smoothies for breakfast. I've been using chickpeas, white beans, black beans and split peas... but no lentils yet. I'm not sure what fruit goes with lentils (brown) since they have a strong flavor.
What fruits have you paired with lentils in smoothies?
Thanks so much, Sara! I can't wait to check out your roundup. Thank you for including me! ๐
I just got a new camera too! Can't wait to dive into the photography world head first with you!
Yay! So exciting, can't wait to see your photos, Kelli!
Tried the lentil smoothie at FNCE and was surprised to find I liked it too! So glad you reminded me because I meant to try it at home! Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, Rachel! I seriously think it was my favorite thing at FNCE, who would've thought? ๐
Great shots! Can't wait to get my hands on a new camera soon.
Never thought of adding lentils to a smoothie either! Game. Changer.
Thanks, Emily! I was so excited when I first tasted it at FNCE! ๐
Now this is a smoothie perfect for my weirdness! Lentils....that's just genius!
It's getting weird, for sure. Thanks Rebecca!