This post contains affiliate links.
Enjoying a smoothie after a long sweaty run or a spin class is honestly one of the most satisfying things. I usually don’t have much of an appetite after cardio, but I’m always thirsty—so a smoothie is the perfect compromise. I’m sharing a great post-workout smoothie to help you make the most of that hard work.
Check out my pre-workout smoothie recipe for ideas on how to fuel up before your run.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
While protein shakes and sports drinks have been popular choices for post-workout nutrition, smoothies are a lighter, nutritious alternative. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients, smoothies can help restore and refuel your body after a strenuous exercise session.
- Kale: This may surprise you, but kale has 4 grams of protein per serving! It is a powerhouse leafy green vegetable containing calcium, vitamins A, B6, C and K, potassium and manganese.
- Coconut water: While regular water works great as a liquid base, coconut water contains natural electrolytes. This is something you definitely want to replenish after an intense workout, especially if you sweat.
- Orange: Oranges are 86% water, making them a great food option to help rehydrate. I love bringing them along with me on a long run or blending them into a smoothie.
- Pineapple: While pineapple is higher in natural sugar, that sugar contains the energy boost you need after barre class. Learn how I cut pineapple if you’re using fresh instead of frozen.
- Blueberries: I use blueberries as a low-sugar fruit addition with antioxidants.
- Chia seeds: One of my top superfoods— its an easy way to add protein, healthy fat and fiber to any blend, and it’s pretty much tasteless.
- Protein powder: Pairing protein with carbs (like fruit) helps refill glycogen stores and improves recovery even more. I like to use whey protein isolate in this post-workout smoothie recipe because it has 25 grams protein and doesn’t alter the flavor. Plus, whey protein isolate is gentler on the stomach than traditional whey. If you’re vegan, swap with a plant-based protein powder.
Save this Recipe
Enter your info & I’ll send it to your inbox.
How to Make Post-Workout Smoothie
Did you know it only takes about five minutes to blend a deliciously creamy smoothie? I’ve got a no-fail, two-step process that gets me a smoothie I can enjoy, with ingredients that my body will love:
- Blend kale and coconut water until smooth. You don’t want any leafy chunks left.
- Add the remaining ingredients and blend again until smooth.
The reason I blend twice (even if using one of my recommended blenders for smoothies) is to give the kale time to break down because I don’t want to drink chunks. It doesn’t take a lot of extra time and lets me enjoy this smoothie that much more.
Is Protein Important After a Workout?
Yes—protein is important after a workout, especially if you want to recover well and feel strong the next day. After exercise, your muscles have tiny tears. Protein provides the amino acids your body needs to repair and rebuild muscle, which supports strength, endurance, and overall recovery. It also helps reduce soreness and can prevent that “wiped out” feeling later in the day.
More Workout Smoothies
If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other smoothie recipes along with some healthy workout snacks. Here’s a few smoothies recipes to start with:
- Vanilla Protein Shake: the smoothie I turn to when I need a meal after an intense run or gym session.
- Coconut Water Smoothie: a warm-weather electrolyte smoothie that’s better than Gatorade.
- Pineapple Ginger Smoothie: the smoothie pro athletes are drinking!
- Banana Chocolate Protein Shake: this one tastes like dessert yet is packed with protein for your hard-working muscles.
If you make this post-workout recipe, 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.
Post-Workout Smoothie
Jen HansardIngredients
- 1 cup kale
- ½ cup coconut water
- ½ orange peeled
- ½ cup pineapple frozen
- ½ cup blueberries frozen
- 2 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 serving whey protein isolate
Instructions
- Blend kale and liquid until smooth.
- Add remaining ingredients, and blend until smooth.
Recipe Notes
- Use at least one frozen fruit to enjoy a chilled smoothie (or pour over ice).
- Swap kale with another leafy green vegetable of your choice.
- Vegan? Try my homemade protein powder to boost this smoothie by 10 grams of protein as well as healthy fat.
- Swap coconut water for regular water.
Nutrition
Equipment
Common Questions
Smoothies are a great post-workout beverage. They can help refill your body with key nutrients you burned while working out as well as refuel your energy faster. Choose one that is filled with whole food ingredients and plants so that it won’t weigh you down.
My go-to smoothie has kale, coconut water, orange, pineapple, blueberries and plant-based protein powder. This way I get to replenish my electrolytes and protein and gain energy through the natural fruit sugars.
The faster you can replenish electrolytes and energy after a workout, the better! I like to prep my smoothie before I work out so it can chill in the fridge and be ready to consume immediately after the workout is over. It also contributes to hydration, which is a bonus.
This is perfect for me. I drain all my energy at the gym!
Hi Liz,
Cheers to fueling your body post-workout!
If you’re working out, especially with weights, don’t you need to replenish with protein to build muscle? Day 1 of the 7 day cleanse and I’m exhausted, worked out (with trainer), trainer said to do a cardio ride in addition and I had zero energy and was so hungry. ?
Hi Melissa,
Thank you so much for reaching out! You’re right, it’s important to add protein to your post-workout recovery, that’s why we’ve added one of our favorite plant-based protein options, chia seeds, to this recipe!
Completing Thrive: A Plant-Based Cleanse? We definitely suggest backing off from your regular work-out routine while completing this cleanse. Your body is working hard + using a lot of energy to remove toxins.
Not interested in limiting your workouts for the week? Adding additional protein to your day can help fuel your body, keeping hunger at bay and your energy up. We love reaching for plant-based options like seeds + nuts.
As we don’t know the workouts your completing. Discussing Thrive with your trainer, is a great way to ensure your workouts + diet are working together over the next 7 days!
Cheers 🙂
Hi,
Love your recipes! Thanks for sharing them!
Can I replace blueberries for strawberries?
Thank you
Hi Maria,
Thanks so much for your kind words! Feel free to swap out blueberries for any berry that you love :). Cherries are also a great berry swap!
Can i use just water instead of coconut water?
Hi Carrie,
Of course! Water is the perfect substitute for coconut water as they’re both a great choice when looking to rehydrate your body!
Learn more about our favorite liquid base options here…
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/dairy-free-smoothies
Fantastic smoothie! Made it as soon as i got home from the gym. (had to use orange juice instead of oranges) Be sure to chill the coconut water. i might even freeze it in ice cube trays. I feel so good now.. time to hit the shower!
Hi Lisa,
Rawk on! We’re so excited to hear this recipe was the perfect post-workout go-to!
Cheers!