I have to admit, I don't always get my daily dose of dark leafy greens. That's why I made this mighty Kale Spinach Smoothie for that extra green boost. I like this kale spinach smoothie as a delicious alternative to breakfast or for a vitamin shot during the day.
If you have never made a smoothie with kale before then it's about time. However, before you dive in you should be aware of how to deal with kale when it comes to smoothie making.
Nothing is worse than a chunky green smoothie. Spinach is easy to get smooth but kale can cause quite a headache if you don't have a high powered blender like a Vitamix. If you know your blender isn't at the top of its class then I give you my....
3 Tips for a SMOOTH Kale Spinach Smoothie!
- Toss the stems. Kale stems are actually filled with a lot of healthy fiber. If you have a great blender then add a couple, if you'd like. Otherwise, don't! The stems could either result in a very chunky smoothie or in the worst case break your blender.
- Chop the kale leaves. The smaller the leaves are when you add them the easier it will be for your blender to pulverize them.
- Add the kale and liquid first. Then pulse! (If you blender has that option) Once kale has been further chopped up start blending until smooth before adding any more ingredients.
So, now you made a smooth green smoothie. How do you make it even better?
Toppings. Toppings. Toppings.
Green smoothies can be somewhat nauseating to look at at first. Adding some toppings can make it look like something tropical and drinkable instead :) That's not the only reason though. Adding healthy toppings like chia or hemp seeds can take your very healthy kale spinach smoothie and turn it into an Ultra-Insanely-Healthy-Super-Power-Inducing-Kale-Spinach-Smoothie! And who doesn't want/need one of those?
I chose to add white chia seeds. They're nutritionally the same as black chia seeds but I don't think my smoothie could have handled another dark ingredient. Oh, and don't forget that lemon slice. I like to squeeze more lemon into my smoothies as I drink it. I might just be weird though...
Kale Spinach Smoothie
Ingredients
- 2 cups Kale Leaves any type, I used curly kale fresh or frozen
- 1 ½ cups Chilled Water
- 1 cup Baby Spinach
- ½ of an apple core and seeds removed
- ½ of a cup frozen Mixed Berries
- 1 Banana
- Lemon Juice to taste
Extra Toppings
- Chia Seeds Hemp Seeds, Cacao Nibs, Fresh Berries (raspberries, blueberries,etc.)
Instructions
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Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Add lemon juice to taste and garnish with toppings of choice.
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Best enjoyed fresh or keep in refrigerator and drink within 2 days.
Recipe Notes
1.) Kale can sometimes be hard to make smooth in a smoothie. If you have a high powered blender this shouldn't be an issue. Otherwise, start off by adding kale and water to your blender first and blending until smooth before adding remaining ingredients. 2.) Up the amount of protein in this smoothie by adding chia or hemp seeds.
If you are looking for a smoothie that isn't green. Try my Papaya Banana Smoothie!
Otherwise, get your dose of healthy leafy greens into your diet with either some Vegan & GF Spinach Balls or a Cauliflower Kale Soup!
Anjali @ Vegetarian Gastronomy says
I Love kale/spinach smoothies...especially as after school snacks for my kids. This one sounds right up my alley Vanessa!
Lucie says
What a delicious way to get your green fix :) Thanks for the amazing tips too, I had a few bad experiences with the kale stems. Now I just chop them up and add them to stir fries later.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Mmm, a refreshing classic! Always have to have greens in my smoothies!
Jessie K says
Made this yesterday and it was real good. The lemon is perfect with it! Thanks!
Linda @ Veganosity says
I'm a weirdo, I love the look of a green smoothie. :) This sounds and looks great, especially with the lemon slice.
Jenn says
Yummy! I love greens in smoothies! I honestly never thought to add the stems in, but my blender is pretty tough. I might try that next time!
Hedi says
I wish I could have this, it looks so fresh and inviting, but sadly kale makes my tummy really upset!
Letty / Letty's Kitchen says
I love me a kale smoothie. With banana and apple to sweeten it up!
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit says
Without smoothies I don't think I'd ever get my daily dose of leafy greens! They are a lifesaver, and I never mind that green color. Thank goodness for the vitamix, I love the fact that kale can go down disguised as a creamy sweet sip <3 This sounds delicious and absolutely packed with good stuff!
Natalie Freed says
I feel like I NEED to have green drinks, smoothies, fresh veggies...all forms of greens in my life! Its just too hard to eat all the greens I should, so I'm always looking for ways to get them in. Green smoothies are definitely a staple. Great tips on the blending too.
Nicole says
I wish someone told me that I needed to blend the greens & liquid BEFORE adding the rest of the ingredients when I first started drinking green smoothies. Thankfully, it didn't take long to learn that little trick, but its made all the difference in being able to actually ENJOY a smoothie these past few years.
Uma Srinivas says
I always drink smoothie. I use kale too. I will try your recipe tomorrow. Looks great!
Sophia @Veggies Don't Bite says
I toss the stems every time I do kale because my hubby hates them, LOL. Such a great way to get loads of greens in!
Mel @ avirtualvegan.com says
I love green smoothies. In fact I have a new one coming to my blog very soon. I like your tip of squeezing lemon into the smoothie. It sounds delicious!
dixya @ food, pleasure, and health says
my go to breakfast every single day..i will have to try both greens sometime soon because i usually stick with spinach.
The Food Hunter says
this sounds tasty. I would try it
Gin says
I've never tried a green a smoothie but you make it seem like a good idea. :) I appreciate your tip about getting rid of the stems; will do.
The Vegan 8 says
I'm one of the few that isn't a green smoothie girl, haha! But I LOVE veggies soooo much, so I genuinely like to eat them, but drinking them grosses me out, so I just eat them. I think it's a great idea for people who don't like to eat them and covering them with fruit works great. I always love lemon in my smoothies too, so refreshing.
Michelle says
A great post work smoothie, thanks!
Manali @ CookWithManali says
What a pretty smoothie Vanessa, love the pictures :)
Donna says
We love our green smoothies around here. My life changed when I realised you had to put the kale and liquid in first to make sure the smoothie isn't chunky - now we love them even more. Love the flavour combo you have going on here