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This insanely tasty tropical kale smoothie recipe was originally created for my #1 best-selling recipe book, Simple Green Smoothies. Over the years, I’ve craved it more and more, and even started growing my own kale to use in smoothies.
This smoothie tastes like sunshine, and will cause you to fall in love with green smoothies.
I’m sure you’ve noticed kale’s rise to fame over the last decade. It went from an unidentified leafy green to the top dog of the produce section overnight. Kale comes from the cruciferous family (along with cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, and more). Kale is a supercharged superfood, because it is loaded with vitamins A, B6, C, and K, calcium, potassium, copper and manganese.
People typically identify kale by it’s sharp taste, and tougher texture, yet if this is you, then I’m gonna ask you to give it another try.
Kale Smoothie Ingredients
This recipe takes me back to my California roots through its tropical ingredient list:
- Orange: 92% DV of Vitamin C
- Pineapple: 761% DV of Vitamin C
- Mango: Vitamin C… and a natural sweetener.
- Chia seeds: The omega 3s and 6s in the chia seeds, as well as the protein boost, help turn that natural sugar into energy as your body processes it.
- Kale: This Top Superfoods List is a great way to boost your fiber intake + help your body process the natural sugar found in the fruit ingredients.
Easy Ingredient Swaps
If you want to turn this smoothie into a great pre or post workout beverage, then swap the water with coconut water, aka nature’s gatorade. Add even more superfood goodness by swapping the chia seeds with a plant-based protein powder, like my homemade protein powder recipe.
Tips for Blending a Kale Smoothie
While this kale smoothie recipe uses Lacinato kale, any kale will work. I highly recommend removing the stems of the kale before blending to eliminate as much bitterness as possible. You can compost the stems or even feed them to the backyard chickens. To tenderize kale leaves, wash them in water, then gently massage the leaves with your fingers.
When blending kale, tear it up into smaller pieces before tossing in the blender. Blend with just the liquid + kale first, until no chunks remain. Then add the remaining ingredients and blend again. This 2 blend method helps the kale break down quicker, especially if you’re using a non high-powered blender.
Kale Smoothie FAQs
Smoothies can be great for you, if you focus on using whole food ingredients. Ditch the added sugar and processed foods and use real whole food. Fresh or frozen kale can be used (both have great nutrition!). Just make sure to swap up your leafy greens to ensure your body gets well rounded nutrients.
Yes! Just make sure to wash it well and massage with your fingers before adding it to the blender. Also, de-stem the kale to ensure those tough stems don’t end up as chunks in your smoothie.
I love the mild flavor of Lacinato kale, yet curly kale is typically the easiest to find at the grocery store. I would stay away from Tuscan kale as it is a bit spicier. If the first kind of kale you try isn’t your fav, look for another kind!
More Kale Smoothies
Whether this is a new ingredient for you or a staple in your fridge, here are some more great smoothies that use kale:
- kale mango smoothie
- kale banana smoothie
- pineapple kale smoothie
- kiwi smoothie
- coconut oil smoothie
- fruit and vegetable smoothie
- ginger pineapple smoothie
- cherry smoothie
Really, swap out the leafy green in any green smoothie with kale. It might just become your go-to smoothie ingredient too! Let me know your thoughts about this smoothie by leaving a rating + review below once you blend it.
Kale Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup kale
- ½ cup water
- 1 orange peeled
- ½ cup pineapple frozen
- ½ cup mango frozen
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
Instructions
- Blend kale, orange and water until smooth.
- Add remaining fruit and blend again.
Notes
- Use at least 1 frozen fruit for a refreshingly cold smoothie.
- Swap kale with the leafy green or your choice.
- Swap in coconut water if you need natural electrolytes.
- Depending on how big and juicy your orange is, start with a little less water and gradually add more as needed to easily blend.
I prefer my smoothies to be less sweet and thicker. I added avocado and cinnamon.
Avocado is a great addition to this one, Randi!
Somehow kale is like fuel to me, Its a pity that you can only have it from october until february. I couldn‘d get any pineaple and it was still delicous
Kale is definitely a superfood, Claudia!
Kaleidoscope Bliss: A Nutrient-Packed Kale Smoothie with a Tropical Twist!
This kale smoothie, bursting with the vibrant flavors of orange, pineapple, mango, and the added crunch of chia seeds, is a true masterpiece. It’s not just a drink; it’s an experience—a delightful kaleidoscope of flavors and textures that tantalize the taste buds and leave you craving more.
The star of this concoction is undoubtedly the kale. Its earthy notes blend seamlessly with the tropical sweetness of fresh oranges, tangy pineapples, and luscious mangoes. The combination creates a harmonious balance that is both refreshing and invigorating. The kale, packed with vitamins K, A, and C, adds a nutritious punch, making this smoothie a powerhouse of antioxidants and essential nutrients.
What sets this smoothie apart is the ingenious addition of chia seeds. These tiny powerhouses are not only a great source of omega-3 fatty acids but also lend a delightful crunch to every sip. As you enjoy the smooth, velvety texture of the blended fruits, the chia seeds provide a satisfying contrast, elevating the overall drinking experience.
The freshness of the ingredients shines through in every mouthful. You can almost taste the sunshine in the sweet tang of the oranges, the tropical paradise in the juicy pineapples, and the velvety richness of ripe mangoes. It’s like taking a tropical vacation in a glass, transporting you to a beachside paradise with each sip.
In addition to its heavenly taste, this kale smoothie is incredibly easy to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and a good blender, you can whip up this nutritious delight in minutes.
This kale, orange, pineapple, mango, and chia seed smoothie is a true revelation for your taste buds and your overall well-being. It’s a testament to the fact that healthy eating can be an indulgent experience. So, if you’re in search of a refreshing, nutrient-packed smoothie that transports you to a tropical paradise with every sip, look no further. Prepare to be enchanted by this kaleidoscope of flavors that will leave you refreshed, revitalized, and craving more. Cheers to day 3 of the green smoothie challenge!
I can count on you to give the most in depth review, Tara and I’m here for it!!
the kale made it a bit more fibrous compared to the others. Maybe I could have blended more or I could use spinach next time.
Hi Justin! You can definitely use spinach next time if it’s too “kale-y”!
This Kale Smoothie is a delicious powerhouse of goodness! I blended the heck out of the kale and even after adding the homemade protein powder at the end (that already includes the chia seeds), I’ve got a very smooth smoothie as a satisfying lunch. I only need to pretend to chew. Great flavor with the fruit combo. Hooray for Day 3. Go Green!
“Powerhouse of goodness” is the best description of this I’ve heard yet, JuJu!
Not my favorite but I definitely didn’t hate it. It was a bit thin and heavy on the kale taste. Those negatives could probably be remedied by actually using the proper measuring tools. I won’t be adding to my rotation but it wasn’t terrible.
Hi Diane! If it’s too “kale-y” for ya, just swap it out with spinach!
I liked it! Had a half of very small avocado and added that too. Creamy and smooth!
Half an avocado would definitely make this one creamy, Robin!
thick and delicious, which surprised me without any banana in it. Yummy.
I love banana in a smoothie, yet this one definitely works without it!
Definitely more earthy undertones with kale than spinach but I love that! Pineapple, mango and orange bring a yummy sweetness to this!
SO glad you liked the kale in this one, Cathy!
Great way to boost your energy in the morning before a workout and tastes great!
Definitely an energy boost in this one, Aubrie!
Really good! Can’t taste the kale at all. Honestly, there aren’t many smoothies that I don’t like..,!
So glad you liked it, Kathleen!
I really like this smoothie. It feels extra healthy, but filling. I did not have enough pineapple so I added some blueberries.
Oohh I bet the blueberries were great in this one, Melissa!
Kale? What kale? The tropical goodness takes over in this one.
Hah! Love that, Sherri!
This one was pretty good and refreshing! The kale has a stronger flavor which can impact the overall flavor of the smoothie, and I tend to like the ones with spinach better, but it is nice to try other recipes without bananas.
You can definitely use spinach if you prefer, Sara!
I didn’t care for this one. I think it was kale. Next time I’ll try it will spinach instead.
Definitely try it with spinach next time, I think you’ll like it better if the kale wasn’t for you!
I had stopped using perfect measurements for smoothies for a while and I’m really enjoying the PERFECT consistency with using measurements again!!! So much thicker and creamier. I enjoy the taste change of the kale! So happy to be drinking green smoothies daily again!!!
So glad you enjoyed the kale in this one, Alanna!