GREEN SMOOTHIES
I love having a smoothie for breakfast or a snack when it’s hot outside—especially if I’m starting to get sick of scrambled eggs, which I make for breakfast approximately every single morning. My favorite way to make a smoothie is with a really huge handful of greens. A big serving of vegetables makes me feel like I’m starting my day on the right foot. SERVES 2
PREP TIME: 5 minutes
COOK TIME: None
1 to 2 cups (480 ml) chopped kale leaves
½ cup diced pineapple
1 tablespoon (15 ml) (about a 1-inch chunk) fresh ginger, peeled
¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 handful ice
- In a blender, blend the kale, pineapple, and ginger until they start to combine.
- Add the orange juice and ice, and blend until smooth. If it’s too thick, add another splash of juice and blend again.
- Pour into 2 glasses and serve.
VARIATION 1 GREEN SMOOTHIES WITH SPINACH: Swap the kale for well-washed and drained spinach if you like it more or happen to have it in your refrigerator.
VARIATION 2 STRAWBERRY-BANANA GREEN SMOOTHIES: Blend 1 ripe banana, ¾ cup strawberries, and 1 to 2 cups (480 ml) chopped kale with ¼ cup almond or coconut milk and a handful of ice.
PREP TIP: Buy frozen fruit instead of fresh (or chop your own fruit and then freeze it) so you can skip the ice and have a more concentrated smoothie.
More Recipes You'll Love
Green smoothies that actually taste good — sweet pineapple, earthy kale, and a fiery kick of fresh ginger balanced with bright orange juice. Blended until silky with a handful of ice, they're a genuinely refreshing way to start the morning rather than a chore to choke down. Two glasses, five minutes, done.
Pro Tips
- Blend the kale and pineapple first before adding the liquid — breaking the leaves down early avoids green flecks in the finished glass.
- Use frozen pineapple or extra ice for a thicker, frostier smoothie that drinks like a proper treat.
- Fresh ginger is potent — start with the full chunk for zing, or halve it if you're ginger-shy. Peeling isn't strictly necessary before blending.
- If it's too thick, add orange juice a splash at a time rather than water, so the flavor doesn't dilute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use spinach instead of kale?
Yes — spinach is milder and blends even smoother. Keep the same volume; it'll taste a little sweeter and less earthy.
Are green smoothies good for meal prep?
Blend fresh if you can. If you must prep, freeze the measured ingredients in bags and blend with juice in the morning for best texture.
Is this smoothie Paleo?
Yes — just fruit, greens, ginger, orange juice, and ice. No dairy, no protein powders, nothing processed.
How do I make it more filling?
Add a scoop of almond butter or a handful of cashews while blending; the fat and protein keep you full far longer.
Recipe Card

Ingredients
Method
- In a blender, blend the kale, pineapple, and ginger until they start to combine.
- Add the orange juice and ice, and blend until smooth. If it’s too thick, add another splash of juice and blend again.
- Pour into 2 glasses and serve.




