This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I can earn a small commission from items you purchase (at no cost to you).

This tropical coconut water smoothie recipe is bright, sweet, and refreshing—like a beach vacation blended into a glass. It takes just 5 minutes to make and blends two cups of hydrating, naturally sweet goodness. And don’t worry… this isn’t one of those green smoothies that tastes like a grassy mistake. The pineapple, orange and coconut water completely smooth out the kale, giving you a light, vibrant flavor that goes down easy.

Table of Contents
  1. Why Use Coconut Water in Smoothies
  2. Best Coconut Water Brands
  3. Ingredients You’ll Need
  4. How to Make a Coconut Water Smoothie
  5. Coconut Water vs. Coconut Milk
  6. Popular Coconut Water Smoothie Combinations
  7. Coconut Water Smoothie Recipe
  8. Common Questions
Store-bought coconut water next to smoothie and bowl of fruit

Why Use Coconut Water in Smoothies

I enjoyed the taste of coconut water, yet it took me some time. If you’re not a fan yet, try using half coconut water and half regular water—you’ll still get the benefits without the full flavor.

  • Hydrating powerhouse: Natural, unsweetened coconut water helps replenish electrolytes—especially during long workouts or hot days. It’s lower in carbs and calories than most sports drinks, yet just as effective. (Check your label—some brands sneak in sugar or flavoring.)
  • Potassium-packed: With around 405 mg of potassium per cup, coconut water can help support heart health and balance fluids naturally. This smoothie alone packs nearly 1,400 mg of potassium—talk about muscle fuel!
  • Supports kidney health: Coconut water may help prevent kidney stones by promoting hydration and flushing out the system naturally.
  • Low in calories: Unlike even 100% fruit juice, coconut water averages only 40–60 calories per cup, keeping your smoothie light yet nourishing.

Best Coconut Water Brands

Choosing pure, unsweetened, unflavored coconut water ensures you get the cleanest taste, the best hydration benefits, and the most nutrient-rich base for any smoothie. These are my go-to brands:

Harmless Harvest uses organic sourcing and minimal processing—it’s the closest to drinking straight from a fresh Thai coconut.

ZICO is a clean, no-sugar-added option with naturally occurring electrolytes, making it a reliable everyday pick for hydration and smoothie blending.

Kirkland Signature offers an affordable organic coconut water that’s not from concentrate, giving you excellent quality in bulk.

Ingredients to make coconut water smoothie on table

Ingredients You’ll Need

This energizing blend has everything your body craves: leafy greens, electrolyte-powered coconut water, tropical fruit, and protein-packed chia seeds. It’s light, refreshing, and gives me a clean burst of natural energy—perfect before a workout or an afternoon pick-me-up.

  • Leafy greens: I like kale for a nutrient-packed base. If you’re new to kale, start small! Use half the amount, taste-test, and work your way up.
  • Tropical fruit: Pineapple, banana, and orange make this smoothie bright, sweet, and refreshing.
  • Banana: Add natural sweetness and a creamy texture. To lower sugar, swap ¼ avocado for the banana—you’ll still get a creamy texture with less sweetness.
  • Coconut water: The natural electrolyte base that gives this smoothie its hydrating edge.
  • Chia seeds: Add healthy fats, fiber, and protein for staying power.

Save this Recipe for Later!

Enter your info below and I’ll send it straight to your inbox to save for later.

How to Make a Coconut Water Smoothie

if using a high-speed blender, like a Vitamix, you can add all the ingredients at once and blend. If using a standard smoothie blender, I recommend using my 2-blend method for the creamiest results:

  • First blend: Kale, peeled orange, and coconut water until smooth.
  • Second blend: Add banana, pineapple, and chia seeds. Blend again until creamy and vibrant.

Coconut Water vs. Coconut Milk

Coconut milk and coconut water are not the same. Coconut milk combines water and coconut flesh for a rich, creamy texture, while coconut water is the naturally sweet, hydrating liquid found inside green coconuts. Use coconut water as a swap for regular water in smoothies—but not in recipes that rely on coconut milk’s creaminess.

Fresh oranges, kale and banana next to a coconut water smoothie.
RecipeFruits & GreensBest For
Pineapple Kale SmoothiePineapple, mango, kaleMorning energy boost
Pineapple Mint SmoothiePineapple, kale, mint, limePre-workout hydration
Island Green SmoothieMango, orange, spinachVacation vibes in a cup
Post-Workout SmoothieKale, pineapple, blueberries Post-workout recovery
Margarita SmoothieOrange, spinach, mango, lime5 o’ clock somewhere
Clear Skin SmoothiePineapple, avocado, spinachSkin health support

You can’t go wrong using coconut water as your smoothie liquid. It’s refreshing, hydrating, and gives your blends a light tropical twist. Don’t forget to rate and review this recipe after you try it—I’d love to hear how your coconut water smoothie turns out!

Dietary Adjustments & Substitutions

Need to swap an ingredient or accommodate a food allergy? Click the button below for tailored suggestions just for you:

Coconut water smoothie in glass with straw
4.82 from 22 votes

Coconut Water Smoothie

This refreshing coconut water smoothie blends pineapple, banana, orange, and kale into a bright, hydrating drink that comes together in 5 minutes. Made with unsweetened coconut water for natural electrolytes, it's lightly sweet, energizing, and perfect for breakfast or a pre-workout boost.
Prep: 3 minutes
Blend: 2 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Author: Jen Hansard
Save this Recipe
Drop your email & I’ll send it to you.

Ingredients  

  • 1 cup kale
  • 1 cup coconut water unsweetened
  • ½ orange
  • ½ cup pineapple
  • ½ banana
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds

Instructions 

  • Place kale, orange and coconut water in blender. Puree until smooth.
  • Add remaining fruit and blend again until smooth.

Helpful Tools

Notes

  • Remove the stems of the kale to help with the bitter taste. You can also use baby kale.
  • Swap kale out with the leafy green of your choice.
  • Blend in the chia seeds or sprinkle on top for a crunchy texture.
  • For a lower sugar smoothie, swap the banana with 1/4 of an avocado.

Nutrition

Serving: 16 oz | Calories: 261 kcal | Carbohydrates: 52 g | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 5 g | Saturated Fat: 1 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1 g | Trans Fat: 1 g | Sodium: 281 mg | Potassium: 1398 mg | Fiber: 11 g | Sugar: 28 g | Vitamin A: 6933 IU | Vitamin C: 166 mg | Calcium: 274 mg | Iron: 3 mg

Did you make this recipe?

Leave a review for a chance to win signed copies of my cookbooks!

Common Questions

What fruit goes best with coconut water?

Think tropical. Coconut water has a light, naturally sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with bright, juicy fruits like pineapple, orange, banana, mango, and other citrus. These fruits help balance the subtle coconut notes and create a refreshing, island-inspired blend. Berries, peaches, and kiwi also work well if you want a sweeter or more vibrant smoothie. Overall, any fruit that’s juicy, tangy, or tropical will shine when paired with coconut water.

Can I use spinach instead of kale?

Yes! Spinach is a great swap if you’re new to coconut water smoothies. It has a much milder flavor than kale and blends silky smooth, so your smoothie will still taste bright and tropical. You’ll keep all the nutrients without the stronger kale taste.

Does the orange need to be peeled?

Definitely peel the orange before adding it to your coconut water smoothie. The peel is too bitter, but you can leave on some of the white pith—it’s full of fiber and blends well. The fresh orange adds natural sweetness and balances the coconut water perfectly.

Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?

Absolutely. Using frozen pineapple or banana makes your coconut water smoothie extra cold and creamy without needing ice. Frozen fruit also gives it that smoothie-shop texture that feels extra refreshing.

Can I add protein powder to coconut water smoothie?

Yes! A scoop of plant-based vanilla or unflavored protein works beautifully in this coconut water smoothie. It blends smoothly and turns the recipe into a more filling breakfast or post-workout recovery drink.

You Might Also Like

7-Day Meal Plan: Lighter, Leaner You!

Get my FREE meal plan with simple, plant-based recipes to start eating healthier without overthinking every meal.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rating




Comments

  1. 4 stars
    Nice flavor profile. I was able to taste each individual ingredient. Didn’t use the full amount of liquid so I could achieve the consistency I prefer. No other modifications.

    1. Love that you’re making the smoothies “yours” and making them how you enjoy them, Carissa!

    1. Hi Denise! You’re so right, the combo of kale and citrus is definitely a winner!

    1. Just be careful, because it’ll trick you into believing you’re in a tropical paradise when you’re drinking it!

      haha! Seriously, it always reminds me of being at the beach! Enjoy!

  2. 5 stars
    Yum! Search for ingredients I had and found this Tropical Hydrator! Really easy and surprisingly filling!

  3. 5 stars
    This was amazing! Tastes like vacation in a glass. I was nervous about the coconut water, but it really is delish!

  4. 5 stars
    This was yummy for my tummy, so topically tasty a definite favourite. I will be drinking this one much more