Here’s how to make the very best kale smoothie, bright green with the most irresistible fruity flavor! It’s the tastiest way to eat your greens.
Why it’s the best kale smoothie
Really, this one’s the best kale smoothie…which is saying something, because we’ve made lots of kale smoothies that are too bitter, too thick, or too icy. This one has all the right ingredients to make an irresistibly tasty green puree. Why make this smoothie?
It’s got pure, sweet tart flavor. Really, you won’t be able to stop drinking it! No bitterness here.
It’s got a silky smooth, frosty texture. Just the right thickness for sipping!
It’s full of healthy ingredients. No sugary juices to make it taste good.
It’s plant-based. There’s no need to use milk or yogurt: it’s all fruit and leafy greens!
Baby kale vs Tuscan kale vs curly kale
There are several types of kale that you can use in this smoothie. Here’s a breakdown of each type:
Baby kale: Baby kale works well in a smoothie because it has a sweeter, mild flavor. It’s a young version of kale, harvested before it matures. You can find it sold in boxes at the grocery or bags at your local farmers market.
Tuscan kale: Tuscan kale is the next best option: it’s got a mild flavor and flat, dark green leaves. It’s also labeled as dinosaur kale or Lacinato kale.
Curly kale: Curly kale works too, but it has a pretty spicy flavor that’s more bitter than the other two. If you use this variety, you may want to start with less and add it to taste.
The trick to blending
Here’s a trick to blending this kale smoothie: first, blend the softer room temperature fruits and liquid. In this case, it’s the banana, apple, kale and water. Then add in the frozen ingredients: the frozen pineapple and ice. This helps it to blend easier: so you won’t need to endlessly stop, scrape, and start again!
Add-ins & variations
This kale smoothie is pretty perfect as is: but you can always mix it up with tasty additions! Here are a few options:
Ginger: Add ½ teaspoon grated ginger to the mix.
Mint or basil. Add a few fresh mint or basil leaves for an herbaceous spin.
Coconut. A handful of shredded coconut adds a tropical flair.
Smoothie storage
Smoothies are best eaten immediately. But this kale smoothie actually lasts 1 to 2 days refrigerated, stored in a sealed container or a mason jar with the lid on. It may separate, which is perfectly natural. Just shake it up and you’re good to go!
This kale smoothie recipe is…
Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Yield: 2 smoothies
INGREDIENTS:
1 large green apple
1 banana
2 cups baby kale leaves, loosely packed (or Tuscan or curly kale, roughly chopped)
1/2 cup water
10 ice cubes
2 cups frozen pineapple or mango
1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
INSTRUCTIONS:
Chop the apple, leaving the skin on. Break the banana into pieces and place them both in the blender. Add the water and baby kale leaves. Blend until smooth.
Add the ice, frozen pineapple or mango, and lemon juice. Blend again until smooth.