Kale is more assertive than spinach, so this smoothie leans on pineapple, ginger and lemon to balance it. Strip the stems: they’re what makes kale smoothies bitter and fibrous.
Ingredients
You’ll need: Blender
Method
Strip the kale leaves from the stems and tear them into pieces.
Blend the kale with the coconut water until completely smooth, 45-60 seconds.
Add the pineapple, banana, ginger and lemon juice; blend until smooth.
Tips
Lacinato (Tuscan) kale is a little milder than curly kale.
Too bitter? Add more pineapple or a teaspoon of honey.
Nutrition per serving, approximate
- Calories
- 195
- Protein
- 4g
- Carbs
- 47g
- Sugar
- 30g
- Fiber
- 8g
- Fat
- 1g
Estimated from standard USDA values for the ingredients listed; brands vary.
Variations
Creamier: Add ½ cup Greek yogurt or a quarter avocado.
Nutrition at a glance
One serving has about 195 calories, 4 g protein, 8 g fiber and 30 g sugar (mostly from fruit). Values are estimates from USDA data for the exact amounts listed; swapping milks or yogurts changes them: try our smoothie calorie calculator to check your version.
Make it ahead
Pack the solid ingredients (fruit, greens, seeds, oats) into a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. In the morning, tip the bag into the blender, add the liquid and yogurt, and blend. A blended smoothie keeps in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours; shake before drinking. More on smoothie freezer packs.
Frequently asked questions
Should you remove kale stems for smoothies?
Yes, unless you have a high-powered blender: stems are tough and bitter.
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Gear for this recipe
Vitamix’s entry model blends nearly as smoothly as the 5200 with a shorter jar that fits under cabinets. It’s the high-end blender we’d recommend to most smoothie fans.
- Type
- Full-size
- Power
- 1,380 W (2 HP)
- Capacity
- 48 oz
- Warranty
- 5 years
More power than the BL610 plus Auto-iQ programs that pulse and pause for you: press “smoothie” and walk away. Smoother results with greens than cheaper Ninjas.
- Type
- Full-size
- Power
- 1,400 W
- Capacity
- 72 oz
- Warranty
- 1 year
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