Makes 2 servings
Total Prep Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
2 cups (480 ml) kale, Swiss chards or spinach, roughly chopped
1 banana
1 apple or pear, cored
a small bunch of cilantro or parsley
1 lime, juice only
1 cup (240 ml) coconut water
Directions
Put all ingredients in a blender and blend away. Enjoy.
More Recipes You'll Love
Kale, banana, and apple smoothie is a bright green breakfast blend where the fruit does all the sweetening. Banana and apple round out the earthy kale, while lime juice and a bunch of cilantro keep it fresh instead of grassy. Coconut water blends everything into a light, hydrating drink that takes one minute flat.
Pro Tips
- Blend the kale with the coconut water first until no green flecks remain, then add the fruit. Leafy greens need the solo blend time to break down fully.
- Remove the kale stems before blending. The leaves blend silky; the stems leave stringy fibers that no amount of blending will fix.
- Use a frozen banana for a thick, cold smoothie without watering it down with ice.
- The lime juice is what keeps the apple from browning and stops the smoothie tasting flat — do not skip it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use spinach instead of kale?
Yes, spinach is milder and sweeter than kale. Swiss chard works too, though you may want to reduce the stems' quantity since they are stronger flavored.
Is this smoothie sweet?
Naturally sweet from the banana and apple, with no added sugar needed. For a sweeter drink, use a very ripe banana or add half a pear.
Can I make this smoothie ahead?
Best fresh since it is light and foamy, but it keeps a few hours in the refrigerator. Shake or re-blend briefly before drinking.
Recipe Card
Ingredients
Method
- Put all ingredients in a blender and blend away.
- Enjoy.
