Kale Smoothie (Delicious, Healthy and Vegan!)
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.
Give yourself a burst of energy in the morning by starting your day with this five ingredient kale smoothie. The flavorful combination of pears, apples, kale, almond butter, and almond milk is perfectly sweet, super satisfying, and kid-friendly too!
I feel like it’s next to impossible to have a bad day when you start off by drinking this fantastic kale smoothie. It’s naturally sweetened with apple and pear, but has all the health benefits of kale!
It’s a great on the go breakfast or snack! Just throw everything into your blender, and in minutes you have a healthy and complete meal.
It’s also excellent for those days when you need a healthy jumpstart. We all have those days when we’ve maybe indulged a little too much! This kale smoothie is a healthy way to give yourself a little detox.
Tools and Equipment You’ll Need
- Chopping Knife
- Cutting Board
- Vegetable Peeler
- A High Powered Blender like a Vitamix. You can also use a Regular Blender, but you won’t get as smooth a consistency for your smoothie.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
Recipe Ingredients & Notes
You only need 5 simple ingredients for this smoothie!
You can, of course, change things up as much as you’d like, but this ingredient mix of kale, apples, pears, almond butter and almond milk is guaranteed to satisfy every time you make it.
To make this a high protein vegan kale smoothie, just add 2 scoops of your favorite plant based protein powder (which should provide about 20 grams of protein in each scoop).
How to Make a Kale Smoothie – Step by Step
Step 1: Chop the apple and pear into small cubes. Remove the spine and stem of the kale, and roughly chop. Add all of the ingredients to a blender.
Step 2: Blend until smooth (1-2 minutes). Drink and enjoy.
What Makes This Kale Smoothie Healthy?
- Vitamins and Minerals: Kale is a superfood! It’s an excellent source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Magnesium and Potassium. In addition, the apples, pears and almonds in this kale smoothie are rich in Vitamin A, Calcium, Potassium, Copper, and Manganese.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Not only does this healthy green smoothie taste good, but it can also help fight against free radicals in your body. Antioxidants may help lower inflammation, and protect against heart disease and cancer. (source)
- Low in Calories: Each smoothie has only 150 calories! So you don’t have to feel overly full all morning, but it’s enough to keep you satisfied.
- High in Protein: If you choose to add protein powder to this smoothie, each serving will have about 25 grams of protein!!
Will Kids Enjoy This Kale Smoothie?
Most kids are going to be more than thrilled to sip on this healthy green smoothie for breakfast. The apples and pears give it a natural sweetness, that completely disguises the kale. They won’t even know that it’s super healthy for them. They’ll think they’re getting a treat, and you’ll feel good knowing you’re giving them something that’s super nutritious.
Recipe FAQs
Are Kale Smoothies Good For You?
The most important thing to remember is that not all smoothies are created equal. A green smoothie you find at a restaurant may be filled with added sugars and sweeteners, making it much closer to a dessert than a healthy drink!
But when you make your smoothie at home, you can control how much sugar or empty calories are being added to it. Which is why, most homemade kale smoothies are going to be healthy for you! This smoothie has 2 servings, so while 1 serving is 150 calories, if you consume the entire contents it will still only be 300 calories!
Is it okay to put raw kale in a smoothie?
Yes, it is okay to put raw kale in a smoothie. It’s also okay to eat raw kale (like in a salad or side dish). Keep in mind, Kale is very fibrous, and tough. When you put it in a smoothie, the blender it breaks down which makes it very easy to consume. If eating raw kale leaves, remember to remove the spine, and massage the kale to make it easier to eat.
How Long Will A Kale Smoothie Last?
This kale smoothie will last up to 48 hours in the fridge, but I think it tastes best when you drink it fresh. If you want to store it for later, put it in an airtight container and place it in the fridge. The ingredients will separate after it sits, so make sure to stir it or blend it again before drinking.
Recipe Variations
- Change up the fruit! Swap out the apple and pear to change the flavors. Bananas, strawberries, pineapples, mango, would give this smoothie a creamy texture and sweet taste without needing added sugar.
- Change the milk! You can swap the unsweetened almond milk for any other dairy-free milk of your choice. Cashew milk or coconut milk would also be tasty options. You could also use regular cow’s milk, but keep in mind this kale smoothie recipe would no longer be vegan friendly.
- Don’t have kale? In place of kale, you could also use spinach if you’d rather. Or you can use both kale and spinach! Both are great options and equally nutritious.
- Want it extra creamy? Add half of an avocado for a super creamy texture. Avocados have lots of healthy fats in them, and it will increase the nutritional value, but also increase the fat calories.
- Want more protein? Try adding ground flaxseed, ground chiaseed, oats, Greek yogurt (if you’re ok with a non-vegan option), or your favorite protein powder.
- Want it sweeter? Try adding dates which provide sweetness with no added sugar needed!
Top Tips For Making The Best Kale Smoothie
- Don’t add too much water. It’s a good idea to add a little bit at a time until you get it the right texture. Depending on the type of blender you have, you may not need any water at all. A high speed blender will easily break down the ingredients.
- I don’t recommend adding ice to this spinach smoothie, because it will water down the flavors. Instead, chop up your ingredients and freeze them together in a freezer bag the night before. Frozen fruits and veggies will yield a more frozen slushy/smoothie texture (and the more frozen produce you use, the less ice you will need)
- I recommend using a high powered blender for this smoothie recipe, so you end up with a super smooth, milkshake like texture.
- Make sure you de-stem the kale before adding it to the smoothie. You don’t want those fibrous tough stems unless you have a super high powered blender like a Vitamix that can pulverize everything!
- To save time, use pre-chopped kale or baby kale in this smoothie recipe.
Check Out These Other Healthy Smoothie Recipes!
- Banana Peach Smoothie
- Tomato Smoothie
- Spinach Ginger Smoothie with Nutmeg
- Fruit and Vegetable Smoothie
- Spinach And Banana Smoothie
- Blueberry Banana Blast Smoothie
If you have tried this Kale Smoothie recipe or any other recipes on my blog, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious, healthy, family friendly food!
🎥 Watch How to Make It
Kale Smoothie
Give yourself a burst of energy in the morning by starting your day with this five ingredient Kale Smoothie. The flavorful combination of pears, apples, kale, almond butter, and almond milk is perfectly sweet, super satisfying, and kid-friendly too!
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 154.2kcal
Ingredients
- 4 leaves kale 1-2 cups chopped
- 1 cup baby spinach optional
- 1 small apple
- 1 small pear
- 1 Tbsp almond butter all natural, nothing added
- 4 oz Unsweetened almond milk
- Water enough to make the drink smooth
- Ice optional, for serving only
- 1 scoop plant based protein powder optional
Instructions
- Put all of the ingredients in a blender – blend until smooth. Drink and enjoy.
Notes
Recipe Variations
- Change up the fruit! Swap out the apple and pear to change the flavors. Bananas, strawberries, pineapples, mango, would give this smoothie a creamy texture and sweet taste without needing added sugar.
- Change the milk! You can swap the unsweetened almond milk for any other dairy-free milk of your choice. Cashew milk or coconut milk would also be tasty options. You could also use regular cow’s milk, but keep in mind this kale smoothie recipe would no longer be vegan friendly.
- Don’t have kale? In place of kale, you could also use spinach if you’d rather. Or you can use both kale and spinach! Both are great options and equally nutritious.
- Want it extra creamy? Add half of an avocado for a super creamy texture. Avocados have lots of healthy fats in them, and it will increase the nutritional value, but also increase the fat calories.
- Want more protein? Try adding ground flaxseed, ground chiaseed, oats, Greek yogurt (if you’re ok with a non-vegan option), or your favorite protein powder.
- Want it sweeter? Try adding dates which provide sweetness with no added sugar needed!
- Don’t add too much water. It’s a good idea to add a little bit at a time until you get it the right texture. Depending on the type of blender you have, you may not need any water at all. A high speed blender will easily break down the ingredients.
- I don’t recommend adding ice to this spinach smoothie, because it will water down the flavors. Instead, chop up your ingredients and freeze them together in a freezer bag the night before. Frozen fruits and veggies will yield a more frozen slushy/smoothie texture (and the more frozen produce you use, the less ice you will need)
- I recommend using a high powered blender for this smoothie recipe, so you end up with a super smooth, milkshake like texture.
- Make sure you de-stem the kale before adding it to the smoothie. You don’t want those fibrous tough stems unless you have a super high powered blender like a Vitamix that can pulverize everything!
- To save time, use pre-chopped kale or baby kale in this smoothie recipe.
Nutrition
Calories: 154.2kcal | Carbohydrates: 25.4g | Protein: 4.3g | Fat: 5.8g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Sodium: 73.3mg | Potassium: 540.8mg | Fiber: 6.7g | Sugar: 14.3g
The color alone makes me want to make this brilliant smoothie, and I love the little dab of almond butter…I might be tempted to double (or triple!) that 🙂
Yes!! The more the better! I’m sure you’ll love this recipe Sue!
I bet you can’t even taste the kale with all the other deliciousness mixed in!
Totally!! The kale “bitterness” totally disappears in this smoothie!
I am always looking for a good detox smoothie recipe! Especially with the holiday coming up. This sounds delicious!
Thanks so much Danielle! Enjoy!
This recipe does indeed seem like it would give a burst of energy!! I love how simple the ingredients are also. Can’t wait to give this a go, thanks!
Yes!! I can’t wait for you to try this Adrianne!
I’ve been on detox for almost 3 days and I’m glad that I was able to read this recipe, I have another addition to my list of green smoothies. Thanks for sharing, by the way what type of blender are you using?
Glad you like this recipe! I use a Cuisinart blender for my smoothies, and sometimes I use the Ninja if I just want one serving. Hope that helps!
Anjali,
I love your blog! I just tried this recipe and it was awesome! I substituted a banana for the apple because that was what I had in the house. It tasted great.
Thanks for all of the awesome recipes:)
Aw thanks so much Allison! I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying my blog and my recipes! 🙂 And substituting a banana for the apple is a great way to switch up this smoothie!
Love this recipe! Quick and easy to do, and refreshing! Your recipes and blog are really inspiring!
Awesome!! Yes I love green smoothies – it’s such an easy way to get a ton of healthy veggies and fruits into your diet 🙂 So glad you liked this recipe and my blog as well!
I juice all the time and always looking for new recipes! sounds good! Im going to try it soon!
Oh great! Let me know how you like it Jordan!
I think it’s time that I detox my body! Thanks for sharing your green smoothie recipe!
No problem at all Jasmine!! I’m sure you will love it, and good luck with your detox! 🙂
Would sunflower butter be an okay substitute for almond/walnut butter? I have a severe nut allergy.
Yes! I think sunflower butter can definitely work – as long as you like the flavor of it (because it is very distinct flavor wise). Definitely try it out and let me know how it tastes!
:)You are welcome! Yes try the cucumber Anjali it gives a light and refreshing taste to it mmmmm…:)
Yum! Light & refreshing is my kind of drink!
Hi Anjali!! I love your blog and the recipes wow ! 🙂
This green smoothie is almost how I make mineeee and I love kale!! I make it with kale, celery, cucumber and pear 😉
This is how I start my every day, green smoothie power!! 😀
Hi Vessie!! Aww thank you so much!! I’m so glad you like my recipes! Aren’t green smoothies great?? They are really the perfect way to start the day! I’ll have to add cucumber to mine next time – that sounds delicious!!
LOL you’re welcome! Your recipes look super yummy btw. Indian fistbump 🙂
Haha! Thanks so much – love the fistbump Kaya! 🙂
I do my own version of a green smoothie which is possibly more sweet but is an amazing vitamin boost and anti inflammatory for runners.
– 1 whole banana ( potassium good for muscle strength and healing)
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup almond milk( rice or soy or coconut ‘milk’ for allergic folks)
– Plain probiotic yogurt or kefir ( to keep away yeast infections and help digestion throughout the day)
– Handful of kale
– Handful of collard greens
– Handful of spinach
– 4 or 5 Blueberries/substitute with frozen grapes
– 2 Strawberries
– Tiny bit grated ginger
Blend!
OMG I LOVE this recipe Kaya!!!! Thank you so much for sharing – I love that you put 3 types of greens in your smoothie. It seriously sounds delicious – I can’t wait to try it. Thanks again for the inspiration!
I’m allergic to almonds… any suggestions for substitutions?
I would try unsweetened soy milk (instead of almond milk), and 1 Tbsp walnuts (instead of 1 Tbsp almond butter). Let me know how that turns out!
This sounds delicious. Will the extra keep in the fridge or freezer?
Thanks Jill! I think extra will keep in the fridge for a day or two. The water might separate from the fruits/veggies, so you might have to shake it up before you drink it again. But I think definitely the next day should be fine. Let me know how you like it!
Just reading this recipe sounds refreshing! Although we had vegan nachos last night during the game, I had one too many. This sounds nice and light! Can’t wait to try it!
Thanks Maria! Haha it sounds like your superbowl experience was similar to mine – we had healthy veggie chili – but I had like 3 bowls 🙂 I definitely felt refreshed after drinking this smoothie yesterday & today! Enjoy!