Spring Garden Strawberry and Cucumber Bowl

by Meghan Rodgers

March 24, 2022

While some days still don’t exactly feel like spring, we’re all starting to rejoice at those little signs of lasting warmer weather to come. (Has anyone else seen those beautiful daffodils yet?) While it might not be time to hang up all those hearty winter soups and stews just yet — late-season snowstorms are famous in Pittsburgh! — there’s nothing wrong with dreaming of the sunny days ahead by beginning a slow return to healthier and more refreshing foods.

This Spring Garden Strawberry and Cucumber Bowl is smooth, creamy and oh-so-satisfying. It’s a great way to fill up on all sorts of healthy vegan nutrition. Plus, crunchy cucumber and hemp seeds add tons of texture. What’s more? Eating a smoothie with a spoon is just somehow more fun!

And don’t overlook that recipes like this are easily customizable. While it’s sometimes great to stick to a solid recipe, using what you have on hand is always a more eco-friendly option. No frozen strawberries? Try frozen blackberries or cranberries. No fresh mint? Basil will be just fine. No hemp or granola? What about your favorite healthy cereal instead? The options are endless, and by using what you already have in the pantry, you’ll lower your carbon footprint and you’ll help the planet — and that’s a recipe anyone can get behind!

Try this Spring Garden Strawberry and Cucumber Bowl for breakfast, a light lunch or as an anytime snack on a day when you need to add a little “spring” to your step.

Ingredients

• 2 cups soy milk (or your milk of choice) plus 1 more cup of soy milk (or your milk of choice)
• 1 orange (or two small clementines)
• ½ small cucumber
• ½ avocado
• 1 medium banana, frozen (set aside a few slices for garnish)
• 1 large cup of frozen berries (I used strawberries)
• 1 tbsp hemp seeds (or flax or crunchy cereal or nuts)

Directions

1. Add 2 cups of soy milk and all ingredients to a blender. Blend on high until smooth, scraping the sides if necessary. Remember, you want the mixture to remain thicker, so only add remaining cup of soy milk if necessary.
2. Pour mixture into a large bowl and cover with your choice of toppings.

Additional Ingredients for Toppings

• 2 fresh or frozen strawberries, sliced
• ½ small cucumber, diced
• 1 tbsp hemp seeds (or flax or crunchy cereal or nuts)
• Several mint, basil or herb leaves
• Honey (optional)
• Granola (optional)
• Shredded coconut (optional)

Meghan Rodgers is a media professional and writer covering travel, food and the environment. Find her writing on the food blog EverybodyCraves and her adventures on Instagram.