This kale fruit smoothie is one of my favorite green smoothies! It's sweet, a little tart, and refreshing! When I'm craving a smoothie that is a little more bright, this is the one I turn to. With just 6 ingredients and packed full of nutrients, like vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants, it's an easy, nourishing smoothie you'll want on repeat.
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Loved this! I keep all my smoothie fruits and veggies pre-packed in the freezer, so I can just grab what I need and a liquid. I added plain Greek yogurt and flaxseeds for protein , and almond milk to help emulsify ( I didn't have coconut water) . Smooth, fresh, and filling! - Katie
About this Kale Fruit Smoothie
You guys, this might just be one of my favorite green smoothie recipes! While I am partial to non-green smoothies, like this peach banana smoothie and pineapple mango smoothie, this kale fruit smoothie is bright, refreshing and fruity. Here are the reasons this one is my favorite!
- Hydrating - I use coconut water and fresh lemon juice so this smoothie is actually hydrating!
- No banana - In my opinion, some smoothies have way too much fruit, which is why I love making smoothies without a banana (you won't find a banana in my mango avocado smoothie either).
- Uses the whole kiwi, even the skin - Did you know kiwi skin has a TON of nutrients and is fully edible! Once it's blended in the smoothie, you can't even tell.
- Nutrient-dense - Kale is one of the most nutritious leafy greens. And along with the kiwi and green apple, you are getting a good dose of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Doesn't taste like kale - A little lemon juice reduces the bitterness from the kale. While I do love kale, especially in my broccoli kale salad and superfood salad recipe, you won't taste it here.
I especially love this on a hot summer's day. It's perfect when you want something hydrating and light, but are sick of drinking plain water.
Ingredients
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Kale- I use curly kale, but Lacinato, or even baby kale will work. Be sure to tear the kale leaves from the thick inner stems before adding to your blender.
- Green Apple - I like the tartness of a green apple in this kale smoothie recipe, but any variation of apple will work.
- Kiwi - Don't peel your kiwi! The skin has a ton of nutrients and it's totally safe to eat! Simply cut the ends off the kiwi, cut into 4 pieces, and add to your blender.
- Honey - While I'm not typically a fan of adding sweetener to smoothies, the honey in this kale fruit smoothie really balances out the lemon juice and adds the perfect amount of sweetness.
- Coconut Water - You can use coconut water or regular water. Be sure to look at the ingredients and make sure you are buying coconut water that is just coconut water and doesn't have added sugar and/or other ingredients. Harmless Harvest is my favorite.
Clean food tips: Kale and apples show up on the Environmental Working Groups Dirty Dozen List time and time again, so I recommend buying organic. Raw honey is best as it's less processed and contains more nutrients.
Optional Variations
Add protein - Both almond butter and hemp seeds are good options for adding some protein.
- Almond butter - add 2 tablespoon for roughly 7 grams of protein.
- Hemp seeds - add 3 tablespoon of hemp seeds for roughly 9 grams protein (hemp seeds are a great way to add protein and healthy fats, like in my healthy raspberry overnight oats).
Or add both for 16 grams of protein!
Make it creamy - Okay, if you really want this to be creamy (but I swear, it's so good and refreshing without banana), you can add ½ frozen banana, ½ an avocado, or a handful of frozen mango.
Use spinach - If kale isn't your thing, or you only have spinach on hand, substitute spinach for the kale. You can also try my berry spinach smoothie.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Starting with the coconut water, add all ingredients to your blender.
- Step 2: Blend on high until smooth. Pour into a glass, sip and enjoy!
Sara's Tips and Notes
- Add the coconut water to the blender first. The ensures the blade has space to move around and evenly blend all the ingredients.
- Because this smoothie doesn't use any frozen fruit, it's not super cold. If you'd like it to be colder, add in a handful of ice cubes, or chop the kiwi, freeze and use frozen kiwi.
- With any smoothie recipe, the key is to taste and adjust to your liking. Want it sweeter? Add more honey. If it's too thick, add more coconut water.
Kale Fruit Smoothie Recipe FAQs
As with all smoothies, smoothie are best enjoyed fresh. If you do need to make ahead of time it can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The ingredients will separate as it sits, so just give it a good stir (or shake) before drinking.
Yes, simply use pure maple syrup in place of the honey. All other ingredients are naturally vegan.
Can I use frozen kale instead of fresh in a kale smoothie?
Absolutely! Because frozen kale shrinks when frozen, you'll use about ½ of what the recipe calls for in fresh kale.
While kale stems are completely edible, they are tougher and more fibrous, so if you don't have a high-speed/quality blender, they won't blend up well. If making for kids, I especially wouldn't use them, but it's totally up to you if you'd like to include them.
Yes! This is another great way to prep them. You can either freeze in popsicle molds and enjoy as a popsicle. Or, freeze in ice cube trays, allow to thaw slightly and then blend in the blender for a smoothie.
More Easy Smoothie Recipes to Try!
If you make this recipe, please let me know what you think! I would so appreciate you leaving a star rating and/or comment below. And don't forget to share a photo on Instagram or Facebook and mention @CleanPlateMama!
Eat Clean.Be Well!
-Sara
Kale Fruit Smoothie
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Equipment
- 1 high-speed blender
Ingredients
- ¾ cup coconut water (regular water works too)
- juice from ½ lemon
- 1 cup torn kale leaves, packed
- 1 green apple, cut into 1" chunks
- 1 kiwi, quartered (see notes)
- 1 tbsp. honey
- 1 handful of ice cubes (optional)
Instructions
- Starting with the coconut water, place all ingredients in a high-speed blender.
- Blend on medium-high until smooth. Taste and adjust as needed. Add more honey or lemon juice to taste. If it's too thick, add more coconut water.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy!
Notes
- I use curly kale, but Lacinato, or even baby kale will work.
- Cut the ends from both sides of your kiwi, then cut the kiwi into quarters and add to your blender, skin and all (the skin is the most nutritious part!)
- If all ingredients are at room temperature when adding to your smoothie, I recommend adding in a handful of ice cubes.
Nutrition
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Katie Schwindels says
Loved this!
I keep all my smoothie fruits and veggies pre-packed in the freezer, so I can just grab what I need and a liquid. I added plain Greek yogurt and flaxseeds for protein , and almond milk to help emulsify ( I didn’t have coconut water) . Smooth, fresh, and filling!
Sara says
Love the addition of yogurt and flaxseeds for protein! Thanks so much for sharing!
Cornish Granny says
Made this today added fresh mango juice instead of coconut water,no lemon or honey tasted absolutely amazing. I am in my 60s and Have been struggling for a while with my health and along with advice from a qualified herbalist I have completely revamped my eating habits. No processed food at all. Loads of fresh fruit and veg with fresh fish or beans and pulses with nuts and grains is now the way I am eating. Now pain free and mobile again also on no prescription meds at all which is truly unbelievable when I look at where I was 3 months ago.Feeling so much better and very happy to have stumbled on your site. Thank you will certainly be trying more of your inspirational ideas
Sara says
Oh the fresh mango juice in place of the coconut water sounds amazing! And so happy to hear that clean eating has had such an impact on your health... that's amazing. Can't wait for you to try some more recipes. I hope you enjoy them 🙂
Maggie S says
Can I use frozen kale or does it need to be fresh?
Sara says
You can definitely use frozen kale - you probably won't need a full cup of it though since frozen kale is a little more compact.