This kale smoothie is a refreshing, nutrient-packed drink that’s perfect for starting the day or giving myself a healthy boost in the afternoon. Made with a few simple ingredients, it blends up smooth and creamy, with the right balance of earthy greens and natural sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how easy this smoothie is to prepare—just a handful of ingredients and a blender are all I need. It’s not only delicious but also loaded with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Whether I’m looking for a quick breakfast, post-workout fuel, or a midday refresher, this smoothie does the job. Plus, it’s easy to customize to match what I have in my kitchen.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Kale (fresh or frozen, stems removed)
- Banana (fresh or frozen, for natural sweetness)
- Almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- Greek yogurt (optional, for creaminess and protein)
- Honey or maple syrup (optional, if I want it a little sweeter)
- Ice cubes (for a cold, frothy texture)
- Chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional, for extra nutrients)
Directions
- I start by washing and trimming the kale, removing any tough stems.
- I place the kale, banana, almond milk, and yogurt into a blender.
- I blend everything until smooth, adding a bit more milk if it’s too thick.
- I toss in some ice cubes and blend again until it’s cold and frothy.
- If I want it sweeter, I drizzle in some honey or maple syrup and give it one last blend.
- I pour it into a glass and enjoy it immediately while it’s fresh.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 1 large or 2 small servings. It takes about 5 minutes to prepare from start to finish, making it an ideal quick breakfast or snack.
Variations
- I sometimes swap almond milk for oat milk or coconut water, depending on what I have on hand.
- For a tropical twist, I add frozen mango or pineapple instead of banana.
- I use peanut butter or almond butter for extra creaminess and flavor.
- To boost protein, I mix in a scoop of protein powder or more Greek yogurt.
- If I want a green smoothie with less sugar, I skip the banana and use avocado instead.
Storage/Reheating
This smoothie is best enjoyed fresh, right after blending. If I have leftovers, I store them in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Before drinking, I give it a good shake or stir, as separation is natural. I don’t recommend reheating it, since it’s meant to be enjoyed cold.
FAQs
How do I make the smoothie less bitter?
I balance the bitterness of kale by using a ripe banana and, if needed, a little honey or maple syrup. Using baby kale also helps, since it’s milder.
Can I use frozen kale?
Yes, I use frozen kale when I want a thicker, colder smoothie. I just make sure it’s pre-washed and trimmed.
Is this smoothie good for weight loss?
It can be part of a weight loss plan since it’s low in calories and high in nutrients. I often drink it as a meal replacement or snack.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. I skip the yogurt and use a plant-based milk to keep it dairy-free and vegan.
What can I add to make it more filling?
I like adding oats, nut butter, or protein powder to make it more satisfying and keep me full longer.
Conclusion
This kale smoothie is a simple yet powerful way I fuel my day. It’s quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Whether I’m looking to eat cleaner, boost my energy, or just enjoy a tasty drink, this smoothie fits right into my routine.
Print
Kale Smoothie
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 large or 2 small servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing, nutrient-dense kale smoothie made with banana, almond milk, and optional yogurt for a creamy, naturally sweet drink.
Ingredients
- 1 cup kale (fresh or frozen, stems removed)
- 1 banana (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup almond milk (or preferred milk)
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (optional)
- 1–2 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1/2 cup ice cubes
- 1 tbsp chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and trim the kale, removing any tough stems.
- Add the kale, banana, almond milk, and Greek yogurt to a blender.
- Blend until smooth, adding more milk if needed for consistency.
- Add the ice cubes and blend again until frothy and cold.
- Sweeten with honey or maple syrup if desired and blend briefly.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Use baby kale for a milder flavor.
- Add frozen mango or pineapple for a tropical twist.
- Stir in nut butter for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
- Boost protein with a scoop of protein powder.
- Swap banana for avocado to reduce sugar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large glass
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
