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If you’re craving something refreshing, zesty, and naturally energizing, this citrus smoothie recipe is light, bright, and loaded with vitamin C to keep your immune system strong and your energy high.
I’ve always loved lemons—so much that I even hi there so I just tried to update this long post it was called cleansing citrus smoothie so I change the name I’ve redone a whole update on this planted a Meyer lemon tree when I lived in Florida! While I could eat lemons daily, they can be intense in smoothies. That’s why I balance the tart kick with naturally sweet fruit and a creamy base. The result? A sunshine-in-a-glass smoothie that tastes amazing and fuels your body at the same time.
Table of contents
Why You’ll Love This Smoothie
- Boosts immunity: One serving is loaded with vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber.
- Naturally energizing: The combination of citrus and leafy greens helps fight fatigue without caffeine.
- Balanced flavor: Tart lemon pairs beautifully with sweet mango and banana for a refreshing treat.
- Quick + easy: Ready in just 5 minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have.
Kale Citrus Smoothie Ingredients
- Lemon: My love language in fruit form. Lemons bring brightness plus vitamin C, potassium, and B6.
- Kale: A true superfood, rich in fiber, protein, and vitamins. Remove stems to reduce bitterness.
- Mango: Adds natural sweetness and tropical creaminess. Frozen mango works perfectly here.
- Banana: Creates that silky texture every smoothie needs. Use less ripe for less sweet, spotted for sweeter.
- Water (or coconut water): Keeps it light and hydrating. Coconut water adds electrolytes for a natural energy boost.
👉 Make it a meal replacement: Add my homemade protein powder for plant-based protein, healthy fats, and fiber that will keep you full until lunch.
Ingredient Swaps + Variations
- Boost electrolytes: Blend with unsweetened coconut water.
- Go sweeter: Use a Meyer lemon for less tartness.
- Extra citrusy: Swap mango + water for one juicy orange.
- Leafy green switch: Spinach or Swiss chard instead of kale.
Kale Citrus Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup kale
- ½ cup water
- 1 lemon peeled
- 1 cup mango frozen
- ½ banana
Instructions
- Blend kale, lemon and water together until smooth.
- Add remaining ingredients and blend again.
Helpful Tools
Notes
- Use at least one frozen fruit to make this smoothie cold.
- To cut back on the natural sugar in this recipe, swap 1/2 banana with 1/4 avocado or 1/4 cup cauliflower.
- Swap kale with leafy greens of your choice.
- This recipe uses the lemon fruit, not just the juice, for extra fiber and nutrients. If you’re in a pinch, lemon juice works great too!
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?
Leave a review for a chance to win signed copies of my cookbooks!Common Questions
Almost any fruit can blend into a smoothie, but balance is key. Pair citrus with creamy fruits (like banana or mango) and leafy greens to prevent a sugar spike.
Blending a whole lemon into your smoothie is far more nourishing than pouring from a jar of lemon juice. When you use the real fruit, you get the fiber, essential oils, and antioxidants found in the peel and pith—nutrients that bottled juice leaves behind. Whole lemons also deliver a fresher, brighter flavor without preservatives or additives, giving you a zesty kick that tastes as good as it is good for you.
Yes! Spinach, chard, or any mild leafy green works well. Spinach gives a smoother, less earthy flavor.
This was yummy. I added some lemon zest for enhanced flavor, used orange instead of mango for more citrus and just enough coconut water to blend.
Yum! Lemon zest would be awesome in this one, Carissa!
I use lemon juice in a citrus smoothie and also add a mandarin so and an orange or alternately I have a grapefruit tree in my back yard and I add a few oueces if grapefruit v so I have a mixture lime a citrus cocktail
I just found your recipe, and this sounds delish. However, I am not a lover of mangos, any suggestions for a substitute? Thank you!
Hey Vida! Mango isn’t for everyone – we totally get that. 🙂 Try peaches, papaya, nectarine or apricot instead!
I’m still trying to get on board with Kale LOL Wondering if spinach would taste ok with this recipe?
Hi Tracy! Yes, you can sub spinach if you like. If you’re still trying to get on the kale train, give baby kale a try in your smoothies. The taste is much more mild than regular kale. Happy blending!
I read lemon juice and spinach have a diet trigger is the reason this popped up. I love Kale but I want to try with spinach due to what I read.
Sounds good, Kimberly!
“The lemon is a fantastic way to cleanse a few key organs. As toxins build up in the body, they force you to feel sluggish and glum. They also make you more susceptible to illness like the flu. We know how busy life can get. Nobody has the time to be sick- especially now that the holidays are here. Adding lemon to a green smoothie gives the organs that remove toxins a good cleansing, something we can all use this time of year.”
Is anyone really ignorant and gullible enough to believe this pseudoscientific, ridiculous “toxin” and “cleansing” nonsense?
Out of all these Green smoothies, which smoothie Would you you really recommend for weight-loss?! I am excited to know and try!
Hi Danielle,
Out of all of the recipes, one of my favorites is our Kiwi Berry Punch Recipe. It’s packed with low-calorie fruits and protein to make the perfect meal replacement when working towards your weight loss goals…
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/kiwi-smoothie
For weight loss this recipe is really nice as it is, bit with a little tweak even better.
I’d leave mango out. Add half a lemon with peal, inch of ginger root, coconut water instead of water, and 1/4 cucumber.
Hey Johanna,
Thank you so much for sharing that tip! It sounds delicious.
I am so happy you were able to make this smoothie your own and enjoyed it. You are a rawkstar!
I bought the 21 day spring and tried to down load and I wasn’t able to. I’m waiting to receive confirmation receipt with link.
Thank you,
Elizabeth Soteropoulos
Hi Elizabeth,
Oh no! I am so sorry if you’re having any trouble receiving your purchase. I just resent your copy of Fresh Start: Spring and it should be in your inbox shortly. If you continue to have any issues – please don’t hesitate to reach out to me through our contact page…
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/contact
I want to ensure you can access everything ASAP!
A good cleaning is what I need after Easter!!!
KALE YEAH! Thanks for blendin’ with us, Kimberley!
Love this site and all the recipes!
Thanks for the love, Lindsay! <3
How often do you recommend drinking this smoothie?
Hi Stacy,
Personally, I believe variety is the spice of life and like to blend a wide variety of recipes. But blending this recipe 1-3 times per week can definitely help your body detox and keep those yucky toxins from hanging out!
This green smoothie looks less scary than normal. Perfect for a New Year’s detox!
YAY!! Happy blendin’, Natalia!
Love It! My first green smoothie I ever made. I didn’t think I would like it because I’m very picky but I did. This will help me out a lot with my Chron’s disease.
Chron’s disease flare l ups are awful! I use lemon a lot to help ease my stomach when I’m not feeling well. This recipe is perfect for easing bloat and stomach cramps. Love it!