Tropical Kale Smoothie
This Tropical Kale Smoothie is a creamy, healthy vegan smoothie with no refined sugar. It’s packed with kale and is bursting with tropical flavors!
I first published this Kale Smoothie on January 5, 2015, before I’d fully embraced green smoothies. It took me forever to come around, because despite loving greens, I just couldn’t wrap my head around adding them to smoothies.
The original recipe for this smoothie was rather non-committal — my “green” smoothie was more yellow green, and I claimed that I would probably make this kale banana smoothie even greener down the road.
You think?
Now this is a green smoothie, and it completely reflects the way I love my smoothies now. The best part is that my kids love them as much as I do.
I’m a big lover of kale, and have a lot growing in my garden. This kale fruit smoothie is a great place to use it up because it includes a whopping 2 cups of kale.
TWO CUPS!
I can barely contain my excitement when I see my kids guzzling their smoothies down — they’re getting a whole serving of greens!
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- I know a lot of people don’t like kale because they find it bitter, but with the ripe banana, mango and pineapple, the bitterness is camouflaged with sweet tropical flavor.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.
- You can make this smoothie with all frozen fruit, so you don’t have to worry about using anything up before it goes bad on your counter.
Recipe ingredients
No single flavor stands out in this kale banana smoothie. It just tastes like the perfect blend of tropical fruit!
Ingredient notes
- Coconut milk. I used refrigerated coconut milk that’s sold in a carton. Make sure yours is unsweetened.
- Banana. I prefer to slice my banana in advance and freeze it overnight. Frozen banana makes the kale smoothie ultra creamy.
- Lime juice. Adds a nice pop of citrus and brightens the flavors right up, and balances everything out perfectly.
How to make a kale smoothie
I kept this banana, mango and kale pineapple smoothie as simple as possible. You just add everything to a blender and let it work its magic.
- Place all ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
FAQs
If you’re really in a rush most mornings, you can measure out the frozen fruit in advance and seal it in a zip-top freezer bag. Then, all you have to do is add the pre-portioned fruit, coconut milk, lime juice and fresh kale to the blender.
Yes! I used fresh kale to make this kale banana smoothie, but frozen may be substituted.
To freeze kale for smoothies, rinse it well and pat dry. Remove the leaves from the woody stems, then lay flat on a baking sheet.
Freeze the leaves on the baking sheet to prevent them from getting squished (if that matters to you). Once frozen, seal inside a freezer bag.
Personally, I think this is the best kale smoothie as written and highly recommend giving it a try even if you think you don’t like kale.
However, spinach or a similar leafy green made by substituted, if desired.
Recipe notes
- I used lacinto kale in this recipe, but you can also use baby kale, which has a more mild flavor.
- I used refrigerated coconut milk because it’s lower in fat, but you can certainly used canned for an even creamier smoothie.
- If you’d rather use fresh fruit instead of frozen, simply add a cup or so of ice for a frostier smoothie.
More easy smoothie recipes:
- Banana smoothie
- Blueberry banana smoothie
- Pear smoothie
- Power green smoothie
- Strawberry banana smoothie by Gimme Some Oven
- Tropical smoothie
Did you try this recipe? If so, be sure to leave a review below and tag me @flavorthemoments on Facebook and Instagram
Tropical Kale Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 large banana frozen, and cut into chunks
- 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
- 1 cup frozen mango chunks
- 2 cup loosely packed baby kale leaves
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- I used refrigerated low fat coconut milk, but you may also use canned.
Nutrition
Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.
63 Comments on “Tropical Kale Smoothie”
This looks delicious Marcie! I’ve never had a green smoothie before, but now you have me craving one big time! I love the color of it! Pinning for later so that I can make this, this week! xoxo
I never thought I’d like green smoothies…EVER! The tropical flavors control that “green” flavor so the kale is barely there. I intend to add more kale next time…baby steps! 🙂
haha I was the exact same way until I actually tried a green smoothie – and then was like oh, this does taste good! This version looks awesome! I always put spinach in mine – I need to try the kale!
And thanks for including my chi-chi-chi chia smoothie lol 🙂
I’ve been eyeballing your pretty green smoothies for a while, among others thinking “really? they must be good!” I’m glad I finally got around to it. I’m a believer now! 🙂
What a cute name! I love mango smoothies 🙂
Thanks, Medha! I have fun with my titles sometimes. 🙂
This smoothie looks incredible, Marcie! I just made my first green smoothie last week, so I’m definitely late to jump on the bandwagon, too. And I’m so sad that I waited so long to try it out! I love the pineapple and mango flavors in here, sounds so light and refreshing. Pinned!
We’re late on the bandwagon together then, Gayle. At least we’re on it! Can’t wait to see your smoothie soon! We can make up for lost time….and thanks for the pin! 🙂
These smoothies are absolutely gorgeous! I love the color and I’m dying over how cute the name is! Pinning and definitely gonna have to give it a go! 🙂
Thank you, Sarah! I was trying to be witty and clever here. haha I loved the nutrition boost and I’m now a green smoothie believer! 🙂
Congrats on making your first green smoothie! I love that you’ve given it tropical flavours.
Are you going to be shocked if I tell you that I’ve actually NEVER made a smoothie. As in, no smoothie at all, not just a green one.
Anyway, you’ve encouraged me to think about making one, too. Perfect timing for January belt-tightening, too!
Hi Marcie, love smoothies and this looks like a really good one, looks delicious!
Thank you, Stacie, and I intend to make my smoothies even greener in the future. Gotta start somewhere! I love the richness and flavor of coconut milk — it just can’t be beat. Thank you for the pin! 🙂
I seriously cannot wait to try this smoothie. It is right up my alley and so creamy like I love my smoothies to be!
It doesn’t get better than tropical flavors in a creamy smoothie, does it? I’m glad you’re with me, Jocelyn! 🙂
Yay for green smoothies 🙂 I have been making more green smoothies after the holidays too and I absolutely love this version with all the kale and tropical fruit. This looks so refreshing and delicious and the name is so so cool! 🙂 Can’t wait to try this out!
Thank you, Kelly, and I need to try your super green goddess smoothie! 🙂
I was late too to the green smoothie bandwagon but now I am obsessed. Love the tropical nature of this smoothie (how surprising right?). Can’t wait to try! Happy New Year Marcie!
I’m obsessed too, and can’t wait to go even greener! Thanks, Z! 🙂
It looks delicious! I want to drink this and imagine that I’m in a tropical warm place! 🙂
Thanks, Liz, and me, too! This is the closest I’m getting to a tropical vacay! 🙂
I love the sound of this smoothie. Tropical flavors and kale are the perfect combination. I have so much kale to pick from my garden so this is perfect!
Great flavors and bright pictures, this smoothie does take my taste buds on a tropical vacation! Great and light option for a healthy breakfast (snack).
Happy New Year Marcie! All the best in 2015!
Thank you so much, Mira, and happy new year to you as well! 🙂
I need this smoothie in my life! Looks amazing Marcie! Pinning to try later!
Thank you, Manali! 🙂
Mmmmm I’m digging the tropical fruit and coconut milk in this! And such a great way to get your greens in! Pinning!
Thanks, Chris! I can actually get my kids on board with kale this way, so green smoothies all the way! 🙂
this looks SOOOO good and refreshing!
Thank you, Caralyn! 🙂
I need to start having smoothies for breakfast! I usually only do it when my kids are home on weekends and such, but I’m getting really hooked and them lately and want to make them more and more! Thank you for the pin, Dannii! 🙂
I love tropical green smoothies! Mine uses only pineapple, love the mango addition!
Thank you, Dorothy! We’re all mango fanatics here, so I had to add that. I was thrilled the kids went for it! 🙂
I will only drink my greens cuz I’m weird like that. So I love new green smoothie ideas!
I should have started drinking green smoothies long ago! 🙂
I absolutely adore smoothies like this one. We have smoothies on a daily basis and I will be adding this one to rotation.
I can’t wait to experiment more with green smoothies. They’re such a great way to get the kids more veggies! 🙂
Love the play on words Marcie haha! Beautiful beautiful smoothie – I LOVE Kale in anything! Happy New Year!
Thank you, Jessica! I love kale anything as well, and happy new year to you, too! 🙂
I’m ready to stay healthy too, and these smoothies are a great way to do it. I’m getting greens in my kids’ smoothies from now on!
Yum! This looks delicious! I’ve been on a green smoothie kick lately and this is one to add to the mix. Pinning
I intend to do this a lot more — I can always use the extra greens, and the coconut milk added such a nice flavor. 🙂
This is one great looking smoothie Marcie – I need to make this soon!
Thank you, Deb!
Yummmm! I am all about healthy smoothies & juices, especially post-holidays when I’m craving all of the veggies & fruits that I’ve been missing out on a bit. This smoothie looks perfect, and I love the video too!
Thanks so much Nicole!
Oh yum! I am loving this lush green looking tropical smoothie, Marcie. Love that you added coconut milk here. Would love to wake up to this smoothie. PS: Loved your video too.
Thank you Anu!
This smoothie sounds amazing, Marcie! I love the combo of tropical flavors with a big boost of greens. And how awesome that your boys love it too. Such a good way to sneak some healthy foods into them!
Thanks Sarah! My kids will eat their greens in salads too, but if I can get them even more I’m going to! 🙂
I love posts and recipes revisited! And how fun is it that you predicted you would make the first smoothie more green!? Ummm I think ya nailed it!! Love the name of this smoothie and I love the color! And the flavors!! I absolutely can’t wait to try this! Cheers, girlfriend!
I’m going to be spending a lot of time revamping old posts because yeah…there are a lot of pretty sorry photos and recipes that need upgrading! I knew I was being non-committal about green smoothies when I first posted this and that I’d probably come around. I sure did and love them so much now. Thanks and hope you have a great rest of the week!
I’m not going to lie, I am not a kale smoothie girl but this has me itching to give it a try! I love all the tropical goodness happening here! Thanks for sharing!
I hope you do Pamela…you just may change your mind! 🙂
I love that you updated this recipe! The photos are gorgeous, Marcie! And now I’m totally craving a green smoothie and going to make yours now 🙂 Have a great weekend!!
Thanks so much Kelly and enjoy your weekend!
Yum Marcie! Pinned!
Thank you Amanda!
So I recently tried kale in a smoothie and actually really liked it! I’ll have to give this a try next time and your new photos look so beautiful, Marcie!
I was so surprised when I tried my first green smoothie — all that fruit really covers up the flavor! Thanks, Danielle!
Thanks Anna!
That’s sounds great. I just crazy about green smoooothies with some frozen mangoes, bananas etc. Thanks for putting it together.
Sure thing — thanks Donna!