Tropical Kale Smoothie 

When I score a BOGO deal on kale, I end up making two things: this tropical kale smoothie recipe and my famous kale caesar salad. Kale is a great way to rotate your greens and boost your fiber intake. Now, I know most kale smoothies taste like… kale. This one is different. The citrus cuts the bitterness and lets the fruit shine, so you get all the benefits of leafy greens without feeling like you’re drinking sludge.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This kale smoothie looks (and tastes) like something from a fancy juice bar, , but the secret’s out: you can make this at home with simple ingredients you can find at most grocery stores. Here’s what you’ll need to blend it up:

• Kale: Fresh curly kale or lacinato kale (also called dinosaur or Tuscan kale) adds an earthy base and bright green color. Look for crisp leaves in the produce section without yellowing or wilting. 
• Orange: This adds natural sweetness and a boost of vitamin C. Pick up a fresh orange from the produce aisle (any variety works, but organic is best!).
• Pineapple: Frozen pineapple gives the smoothie a bright, tropical flavor and helps create that frosty texture. If you’re using fresh pineapple instead, check out my quick guide on how to cut pineapple for easy prep!
• Mango: Frozen mango adds body and mellow sweetness, helping round out the flavor of the kale. If using fresh mango, here’s a simple guide on how to cut a mango.
• Chia seeds: A tablespoon adds healthy fats, fiber, and thickness to your smoothie. Look for chia seeds in the baking or natural foods aisle.

How to Make a Kale Smoothie

Making a kale smoothie is as simple as blend, sip, repeat. Here’s exactly how I do it to get that perfectly balanced texture every time:

1. Wash and de-stem the kale leaves, peel your orange, and measure out the frozen pineapple and mango. 
2. Pour the water into your blender base. Starting with liquid helps blend the greens evenly.
3. Add the kale and blend until smooth, scraping down the sides if needed.
4. Toss in the orange slices, frozen pineapple, frozen mango, and chia seeds. 
5. Start on low speed and gradually increase to high. Blend for about 45–60 seconds or until the mixture is completely smooth.
6. Give it a quick sip—if it’s too thick, add a splash more water. Pour into your favorite glass and enjoy immediately!

Recipe Tips

• Kale is tougher than spinach, so give your blender a little extra blend time to break it down completely or invest in a high-powered blender, like a Vitamix.
• Kale smoothies taste best right after blending, but you can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight jar for up to 24 hours.
• Add in extra banana or honey if you need additional sweetness to mask the kale taste
• Add in veggies like frozen cauliflower, spinach and sweet potato for additional nutrients.

Recipe Swaps and Add-Ins

One of my favorite things about this kale smoothie is how easy it is to customize. You can keep the tropical vibe or switch things up based on what you already have on hand:

• Liquid base: Swap water for coconut water to boost natural sweetness, or use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk for a slightly creamier blend. Check out the best almond milk brands to use.
• Fruit options: No pineapple? Frozen peaches, pears or extra mango bring that same bright, tangy sweetness. 
• Protein boost: For a more filling smoothie, add a scoop of my homemade protein powder, Greek yogurt, peanut butter, or a tablespoon of one of homemade almond butter to make it more filling.
• Seeds and superfood boost: Chia adds thickness, but flax seeds, hemp seeds, fresh ginger root or a pinch of spirulina work well, too.
• Sweeteners: If your fruit isn’t fully ripe, blend in a date or a small drizzle of maple syrup.

More Kale Smoothies You’ll Love

If you’re loving the bright, refreshing flavor of this simple kale smoothie, here are a few more kale smoothie blends that bring tropical vibes:

• Mango Kale Smoothie blends sweet mango and hearty kale for a smooth tropical drink.
• Kale Citrus Smoothie mixes zesty orange and grapefruit with kale for a bright, tangy sip.
• Kale Banana Smoothie gives you a creamy, dessert-like texture with potassium-rich banana.
• Pineapple Green Smoothie is tropical and tangy, balancing sweet pineapple with hearty kale for the ultimate feel-good sip.

If you make this kale smoothie, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. Your feedback helps me and all the readers in this community. And if you’re interested in more plant-based recipes (and exclusive content), sign up for my weekly recipe newsletter.