This detox cactus smoothie is creamy, with a lot of tropical zing. Healthy and very simple to make. It is highly irresistible and tastes just like the cactus smoothie from Crusssh juice bar.
Despite popular belief, I am not all chocolate, bread, and sweets. I have an intense fondness for smoothies. Detox cactus smoothies, in particular. When I stumbled upon cactus leaves at my local produce store, I knew I had to share this delicious drink with you.
I first discovered cactus smoothies in college (I've been coming up with a lot of college stories lately, haven't I?) While on a hunt for chocolate in a train station, I came across this little place called Crusssh which happened to sell these awesome vegan double chocolate brownies (whaat?!).
I also saw a sign that announced they were bringing back cactus smoothies.
Now, at that time, I never heard of using cactus for anything other than decoration, so I was intrigued and bought one. My life was changed.
How can I describe the amazingness that is the detox cactus smoothie? It is light, creamy, but tangy at the same time. Yes, tangy and sweet and kind-of tropical in the best way possible. There are only a few ingredients in this smoothie, but the complexity of the flavor is simply irresistible and even addictive.
When I discovered Crussh detox cactus smoothies, I would buy a large one to drink right away, and two or three more to drink later. I was an addict. I introduced my friend Erin to the smoothie and she drank hers so quickly that we had to turn around to get another. It was that good.
The Crussh version is sweeter than mine because they use pineapple juice as their base. I decided to use almond milk for more creaminess. Other than that, this is basically dead on.
This recipe makes a huge blenderful because, I quite frankly always end up drinking it all on my own. In the same day. And I know you will, too!
UPDATE: In the original recipe I shared, I also added aloe vera for my own twist. You can also add aloe vera if you want, but I honestly have been craving the real deal lately and took it back out.
Prepping Cactus Leaves for a Detox Cactus Smoothie
Prepping cactus leaves can seem daunting, but it is fairly easy. Wear clean gloves if you feel nervous about being pricked.
Grab a brand new dish scrubber and gently scrub the cactus in the opposite direction of the needles. The cactus leave will start to feel slimy as the needles come off. Cut off the edges around the cactus leaf.
If you want more delicious good for you smoothies, you need to try my avocado chocolate peanut butter smoothie
Don't have time to make this delish smoothie now? Pin it for later!
Recipe Card
Detox Cactus Smoothie
Ingredients
- 5 oz 1 ½ medium cactus leaves, needles removed and chopped
- ½ 12 oz approx fresh pineapple, cut in cubes and chilled
- 1 ½ 7 oz approx banana, sliced and frozen
- 5.3 oz 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 lime juiced
- 1 ½ cups 354 mL almond milk
- ⅓ cup 79 mL aloe vera water (optional)
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in the blender in the order shown above.
- Blend on low for 1 - 2 minutes, or until the cactus, pineapple, and banana are beginning to become well-blended.
- Slowly raise the speed to medium for one minute, then slowly raise to high, until you see a vortex in the middle of the smoothie.
- Once you see the vortex, blend for another minute, or until creamy.
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