Tropical Kale Smoothie 

When I score a BOGO deal on kale, I make this tropical kale smoothie recipe on repeat. Kale is a great way to rotate your leafy green vegetables 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 kale without feeling like you’re drinking sludge.

If you’re just getting started or want to mix things up, I’ve got you covered. If kale still feels a little intimidating, my best green smoothie is a great place to start—it’s beginner-friendly and always a crowd favorite. Rotating recipes like these keeps green smoothies exciting while helping you build a habit that actually sticks.

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. You can always buy more and freeze kale to use in future smoothies.
• 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 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 to cut mango.
• Chia seeds: This is one of the most common superfoods that 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. If you’re new to green smoothies or want a quick refresher, I follow the same basics I share in how to make a smoothie—starting with liquid, fully blending the greens, then adding fruit for a smooth, balanced result 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!

If your smoothie still turns out chunky after following these steps, it may be time to check out my favorite blenders for smoothies to get that perfectly smooth, creamy texture.

Recipe Tips

• Kale is tougher than spinach, so give your blender a little extra blend time to break it down.
• Kale smoothies taste best right after blending, but you can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight jar for up to 24 hours.
• Triple the recipe and make frozen meal prep smoothie packs with the extra servings.
• 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 my favorite 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, or a tablespoon of any nut butter to make it more filling.
• Seeds and superfood boost: Chia adds thickness, but flaxseed, hemp hearts, fresh ginger root or a pinch of spirulina work well, too.
• Sweeteners: If your fruit isn’t fully ripe, blend in natural sweeteners like 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 tropical smoothies with kale:

• Kale Mango 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.
• Coconut Oil Smoothie is boosted with healthy fats and lots of kale!

If you make this tropical 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.