Zesty Veggie Cooler
Revitalize your day with this refreshing Zesty Veggie Cooler, a nutrient-packed vegetable smoothie that combines the vibrant flavors of fresh garden veggies with a tangy twist! Perfect for a healthy breakfast or a refreshing snack, this smoothie blends nutritious ingredients such as ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and sweet bell peppers, all enhanced with zesty lemon juice and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Ideal for sharing with friends or enjoying solo, this smoothie is sure to be a hit at any gathering!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tomato juice
2 cups (no preparation needed)
Chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup (chopped)
Peeled and chopped cucumber
1/2 cup (peeled and chopped)
Lemon juice
3 tablespoons (freshly squeezed if possible)
Chopped scallions
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons (no preparation needed)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Hot pepper sauce
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a high-powered blender, combine the tomato juice, chopped red bell pepper, peeled and chopped cucumber, lemon juice, chopped scallions, Worcestershire sauce, salt, fresh ground pepper, and hot pepper sauce.
2
Blend the mixture on high until you achieve a smooth consistency, approximately 3 minutes.
3
Transfer the smoothie to a bowl or pitcher and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the smoothie to chill.
4
To serve, fill four tall glasses with ice and pour the chilled smoothie mixture evenly over the ice.
5
Garnish with additional scallions or a slice of cucumber if desired, and enjoy this refreshing treat immediately!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Zesty Veggie Cooler?
A Zesty Veggie Cooler is a nutrient-packed vegetable smoothie that combines garden-fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppers with a tangy, savory twist.
What are the main vegetables used in this recipe?
The primary vegetables include tomato juice, chopped red bell pepper, peeled cucumber, and scallions.
How long does it take to blend the smoothie?
It takes approximately 3 minutes in a high-powered blender to achieve a smooth consistency.
Should the smoothie be refrigerated before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the drink to chill.
Is the Zesty Veggie Cooler vegan?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegan; however, ensure you use a vegan-certified Worcestershire sauce as some traditional versions contain anchovies.
How should I serve this vegetable smoothie?
The chilled mixture should be poured into tall glasses filled with ice and served immediately.
What can I use for a garnish?
You can garnish the drink with additional chopped scallions or a fresh slice of cucumber.
Is this drink suitable for breakfast?
Absolutely! It is described as a perfect option for a healthy breakfast or a refreshing snack.
How much tomato juice is required?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of tomato juice as the base of the smoothie.
Does the cucumber need to be peeled?
Yes, the instructions specify using 1/2 cup of peeled and chopped cucumber.
What gives the drink its 'zesty' flavor?
The zestiness comes from 3 tablespoons of lemon juice combined with Worcestershire sauce and hot pepper sauce.
Is this smoothie low-calorie?
Yes, this drink is categorized as a low-calorie and nutritious beverage.
How much hot pepper sauce should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon of hot pepper sauce, though you can adjust this to your taste preference.
What type of bell pepper is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for red bell pepper for its sweet and vibrant flavor profile.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While you can use bottled juice, freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients used in the Zesty Veggie Cooler.
Do I need a high-powered blender?
A high-powered blender is recommended to ensure all the raw vegetables are fully liquefied into a smooth consistency.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
Yes, it contains 1/4 teaspoon of salt, which can be adjusted to taste.
What type of pepper is recommended for seasoning?
Fresh ground pepper is recommended for the most vibrant seasoning.
How much scallion is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of chopped scallions.
Can this be made in advance?
Yes, it should be made at least 30 minutes ahead of time to chill, and can be kept refrigerated until ready to serve.
Is this drink spicy?
It has a mild kick from the hot pepper sauce and Worcestershire sauce, but it is more 'zesty' than 'hot'.
Can I serve this at a gathering?
Yes, it is an ideal drink for sharing with friends and is described as a hit at gatherings.
What is the texture of the drink?
When blended properly for 3 minutes, the texture should be smooth and liquid, similar to a chilled vegetable juice.
How much Worcestershire sauce is needed?
You will need 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce.
Are there any sweeteners in this smoothie?
No, this is a savory vegetable smoothie and does not contain added sugars or sweeteners.
Can I substitute the red bell pepper?
While red bell pepper is preferred for its color and sweetness, you could use orange or yellow peppers for a similar profile.
Is it gluten-free?
Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check your Worcestershire sauce label as some brands contain barley malt vinegar.
How many servings does this make?
Based on the instruction to fill four tall glasses, this recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
What makes this drink refreshing?
The combination of hydrating cucumber, tomato juice, and bright lemon juice served over ice makes it highly refreshing.