Best Kale Smoothie

Want to sneak more greens into your diet? Here’s how to make a refreshing kale smoothie! We’ll show how to…

Want to sneak more greens into your diet? Here’s how to make a refreshing kale smoothie! We’ll show how to balance the flavor of kale with fruits and add-ins for a creamy and satisfying green drink you’ll actually crave.

Kale Smoothie in a glass with straw and kale leaf garnish.

Here’s a smoothie so good, you’ll want to make it every day. Meet our favorite kale smoothie! Yes, we know. “Kale smoothie” sounds like it would be intensely bitter. This one is anything but!

This kale smoothie is full of fruity flavor from green apple, pineapple and banana. It tastes heavenly, yet at the same time you’re getting a big dose of nutrients from leafy greens. True story: this is one of the only ways we get our son to eat kale—and he begs us for more kale smoothie. Here’s how to make it!

Why we love this kale smoothie recipe

This kale smoothie is lusciously creamy, a satisfying drink you’ll actually crave. This is saying something, because we’ve made lots of kale smoothies that are too bitter, too thick, or too icy. This one has all the right ingredients to make an irresistibly tasty green puree. Here’s why to make it:

  • It’s has a pure, sweet tart flavor and a silky smooth, frosty texture. It’s irresistibly tasty and just the right thickness for sipping!
  • It’s full of healthy ingredients. There are no added sugary juices to make it taste good.
  • It’s plant-based. There’s no need to use milk or yogurt here, it’s all fruit and leafy greens.
Kale Smoothie recipe in a glass with straw and kale leaf garnish.

Ingredients for this kale smoothie

This short ingredient list of a kale smoothie is all you need to make this beautiful, bright green puree! Here’s what you need:

  • Kale: Use either baby kale or Tuscan kale. We prefer baby kale since the flavor is sweeter and milder, but you can use Tuscan kale roughly chopped and loosely packed. Curly kale has a spicier flavor, so we’d recommend starting with less than the specified amount in the recipe.
  • Green apple: Apple is the key to a great kale smoothie; it brings in a bright, sweet tart flavor.
  • Banana: Banana features in many of our smoothie recipes to make a creamy texture and add natural sweetness.
  • Frozen pineapple or mango: Frozen pineapple seals the deal with its icy texture and beautiful fruity flavor.
  • Lemon juice, water and ice: Lemon juice accentuates the fruity flavors, and ice helps add texture and body. A little water is all you need to get it to blend.
Tuscan kale leaves.

Types of kale

There are several types of kale that you can use in this smoothie. Here’s a breakdown of each type:

  • Baby kale: Baby kale works well in a smoothie because it has a sweeter, mild flavor. It’s a young version of kale, harvested before it matures. You can find it sold in boxes at the grocery or bags at your local farmers market.
  • Tuscan kale: Tuscan kale is the next best option: it’s got a mild flavor and flat, dark green leaves. It’s also labeled as dinosaur kale or Lacinato kale.
  • Curly kale: Curly kale works, but it has a spicy flavor that’s more bitter than the other two. If you use this variety, you may want to start with less and add it to taste.

The trick to blending

Here’s a trick to blending this kale smoothie. First, blend the softer room temperature fruits and liquid. In this case, it’s the banana, apple, kale and water. Then add in the frozen ingredients: the frozen pineapple and ice. This helps it to blend easier: so you won’t need to endlessly stop, scrape, and start again!

Two kale smoothies.

Add-ins & variations

This kale smoothie is delicious as is, but you can always mix it up with tasty additions! Here are a few options:

  • Ginger: Add ½ teaspoon grated ginger to the mix for a spicy finish.
  • Mint or basil. Add a few fresh mint or basil leaves for an herbaceous spin.
  • Chia seeds. Chia seeds add fiber and some protein; add 1 to 2 tablespoons to your taste.
  • Coconut. A handful of shredded coconut adds a tropical flair.

Smoothie storage

Smoothies are best eaten immediately. But this kale smoothie actually lasts 1 to 2 days refrigerated, stored in a sealed container or a mason jar with the lid on. It may separate, which is perfectly natural. Just shake it up and you’re good to go!

A few favorite smoothies

We’ve got lots more where this came from! Here more smoothie recipes to try:

Dietary notes

This kale smoothie recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

Frequently asked questions

Won’t my kale smoothie taste bitter?

Not necessarily! This post offers tips on choosing the right kale variety (baby kale is less bitter) and using masking ingredients like bananas, mangoes, or pineapples to balance the flavor.

What kind of milk is best for a kale smoothie?

This kale smoothie recipe uses water, but you can also use milk. Any milk you enjoy works! Popular choices include dairy milk, almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Consider dietary restrictions and the desired texture when choosing your milk.

Do I need a fancy blender for a kale smoothie?

A high-powered blender is ideal for achieving a smooth and creamy consistency. However, many regular blenders can handle kale smoothies with the addition of some extra liquid.

Can I make kale smoothies ahead of time?

Yes, but be aware that the color may darken slightly, and the texture might thicken a bit and separate over time. This smoothie is best eaten within 1 day, but it does store up to 2 days.

How can I make my kale smoothie more filling?

Adding protein powder, nut butters, chia seeds, or even rolled oats can make your smoothie more filling and keep you satisfied for longer.

Print
Kale smoothie

The Best Kale Smoothie


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 smoothies

Description

Want to sneak more greens into your diet? Here’s how to make a refreshing kale smoothie, a creamy and satisfying green drink you’ll actually crave.


Ingredients

  • 1 large green apple
  • 1 banana
  • 2 cups baby kale leaves, loosely packed (or Tuscan or curly kale*, roughly chopped)
  • ½ cup water (or milk of choice)
  • 10 ice cubes
  • 2 cups frozen pineapple or mango
  • 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Chop the apple, leaving the skin on. Break the banana into pieces and place them both in the blender. Add the water and baby kale leaves. Blend until smooth.
  2. Add the ice, frozen pineapple or mango, and lemon juice. Blend again until smooth.

Notes

*Our preference for the type of kale to use in a smoothie is baby kale. Tuscan kale is a second choice. Curly kale can work, but it has a spicy flavor and is more bitter than the other two. If you use this variety, you may want to start with less and add it to taste. 

  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Blended
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Keywords: Kale smoothie, kale smoothie recipe

Fast and Easy Mango Mousse Recipe

Inside: Learn how to make this delicious and easy mango mousse that is a perfect and refreshing dessert for any time of year. This delicious mango mousse dessert brings back …

The post Fast and Easy Mango Mousse Recipe appeared first on My Latina Table.

Inside: Learn how to make this delicious and easy mango mousse that is a perfect and refreshing dessert for any time of year.

mango mousse in a cute gold and white bowl with a mint leaf on top

This delicious mango mousse dessert brings back so many amazing memories from growing up in Mexico. During the months of April and May, it is mango season. Where I grew up, everyone was excited for this time of year because it brought work for so many people.

The people that grew mangoes harvested them, packed, them, and sold them. Mangoes are so popular in Mexico and I will always remember with fondness that time of year and all of the fun activities and events that we all participated in.

This mango mousse recipe is easy to make, incredibly creamy, and perfect for a quick and easy dessert.

What is Mango Mousse?

Mango mousse is a delicious dessert that is made with fresh mangoes, heavy whipping cream, greek yogurt, and a few other simple ingredients. It only takes a few minutes to prepare, and a few hours until it is fully set and you can enjoy it.

three mango mousse bowls on a wooden board

Screenshot

The texture is light and velvety and the flavors are amazing. I made this for my kids and husband recently, and they all loved it and kept coming back for more.

What Ingredients do you need to make Mango Mousse?

To make this tasty recipe, you just need to gather the following ingredients:

  • 2 Tablespoons of Unflavored Gelatin
  • 1 Cup of Water to Dissolve the Gelatin
  • 2 Cups of Heavy Whipping Cream
  • 4 Mangoes (removed from the core)
  • 1 Cup of Sugar
  • 2 Cups of Plain Greek Yogurt

That is it! There are only 6 simple ingredients, and then you are ready to get started.

How Do You Make Mango Mousse?

Start by dissolving the unflavored gelatin in the cup of water over medium heat, stirring until it is dissolved.

Next, whip the heavy whipping cream with a mixer until it is light and creamy.

Mango mousse being scooped out with a golden colored spoon

Add the rest of the ingredients to a blender with the gelatin mixture, and blend together. Fold in the heavy whipping cream and add to a dish of your choice and refrigerate for 4-5 hours and it is ready to enjoy.

Try These Other Tasty Desserts from My Latina Table

mango mousse in a cute gold and white bowl with a mint leaf on top
Print

Fast and Easy Mango Mousse Recipe

Learn how to make this delicious and easy mango mousse that is a perfect and refreshing dessert for any time of year. 
Course Dessert
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword mango, mango mousse
Prep Time 10 minutes
Refrigerating Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings 12 Servings
Calories 265kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp Unflavored Gelatin
  • 1 Cup Water
  • 2 Cups Heavy Whipping Cream
  • 4 Mangoes the Pulp
  • 1 Cup Sugar
  • 2 Cups Plain Greek Yogurt

Instructions

  • Dissolve the gelatin in the water in a saucepan over medium heat
  • Whip the heavy whipping cream with a mixer
  • Combine all of the ingredients (including the gelatin) except the whipped cream in a blender and blend well.
  • Fold in the Whipped Cream and place in a dish and refrigerate for 4-5 hours.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 265kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.002g | Cholesterol: 46mg | Sodium: 27mg | Potassium: 201mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 1331IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 0.2mg

 

The post Fast and Easy Mango Mousse Recipe appeared first on My Latina Table.

Jerk Cauliflower Tacos with Mango Hot Sauce

Weeknight-friendly meals with weekend flavor? Those are our jam! Introducing a new one to try this season: Jerk Cauliflower Tacos with Mango Hot Sauce. These Caribbean-inspired tacos combine tender roasted cauliflower, fiber-packed black beans, creamy …

Jerk Cauliflower Tacos with Mango Hot Sauce

Weeknight-friendly meals with weekend flavor? Those are our jam! Introducing a new one to try this season: Jerk Cauliflower Tacos with Mango Hot Sauce. These Caribbean-inspired tacos combine tender roasted cauliflower, fiber-packed black beans, creamy avocado, and the star of the show: a zesty, sweet + spicy sauce!

Just 30 minutes until plant-based taco night is on. Grab your tortillas, friends!

These tacos owe their glory to the magical flavor combination that is Jamaican Jerk Seasoning.

Jerk Cauliflower Tacos with Mango Hot Sauce from Minimalist Baker →

Vegan Sushi Bowls with Mango & Quick-Pickled Carrots and Cucumbers

Making sushi rolls is a difficult skill to master, but putting all the components of sushi in a bowl? So much easier.
This article was written and published by Oh My Veggies. It may not be reproduce or republished without permission of the author. The …

Making sushi rolls is a difficult skill to master, but putting all the components of sushi in a bowl? So much easier.

This article was written and published by Oh My Veggies. It may not be reproduce or republished without permission of the author. The original article can be found here: Vegan Sushi Bowls with Mango & Quick-Pickled Carrots and Cucumbers.

Mango Lime Tart

A classic key lime pie with a mango twist, tart and tangy and velvety smooth, nestled in a sweet and salty graham cracker crust (with a surprise kick of spice). Topped with a squiggle of fresh whipped cream and gorgeous edible mango flowers, it makes for a truly stunning presentation. Talk about gorgeous: this mango […]

The post Mango Lime Tart first appeared on Love and Olive Oil.

A classic key lime pie with a mango twist, tart and tangy and velvety smooth, nestled in a sweet and salty graham cracker crust (with a surprise kick of spice). Topped with a squiggle of fresh whipped cream and gorgeous edible mango flowers, it makes for a truly stunning presentation.

Talk about gorgeous: this mango lime tart is dressed to impress, but you’ll be surprised how easy it is to prepare. Make it a day ahead of time to be sure it has plenty of time to set before slicing and serving.

Slice of Mango Lime Tart showing the creamy texture and bright yellow color of the filling, decorated with whipped cream and edible flowers.

Imagine, if you will a key lime tart… bright and tangy and perfectly sweet, rich and creamy and melt-in-your-mouth smooth. Now add mango and prepare to swoon.

This tart and tangy mango lime tart (you could say it’s a… tart tart.) features an ultra creamy mango lime custard filling nestled in a sweet and salty graham cracker crust with a pinch of cayenne that makes for a spicy surprise. Top that with a touch of freshly whipped cream and you have yourself one tasty tropical treat your tastebuds (not to mention your eyes) will treasure.

(more…)

Mango Salad

If you are looking for a simple salad recipe, you have come to the right place. This Mango Salad only takes 10 minutes to make, is colorful, refreshing, and SO delicious. Mangoes are tender, juicy, and oh so sweet and I love using then to make mango sa…

If you are looking for a simple salad recipe, you have come to the right place. This Mango Salad only takes 10 minutes to make, is colorful, refreshing, and SO delicious. Mangoes are tender, juicy, and oh so sweet and I love using then to make mango salsa and this easy salad. Along with ripe…

Rainbow Sherbet (Vegan, No-Churn!)

Prepare for the most nostalgic recipe to hit the internet this summer: rainbow sherbet(!!). This DIY, no-churn, dairy-free version is fresh, perfectly sweet, and packed with allll the creamy, fruity flavor of the classic. Refreshing is an understatemen…

Rainbow Sherbet (Vegan, No-Churn!)

Prepare for the most nostalgic recipe to hit the internet this summer: rainbow sherbet(!!). This DIY, no-churn, dairy-free version is fresh, perfectly sweet, and packed with allll the creamy, fruity flavor of the classic. Refreshing is an understatement! 

It features a naturally sweetened frozen fruit base with creamy coconut milk and tangy lime. We even snuck some spinach in there, but we promise you can’t taste it — just wholesome deliciousness here.

Rainbow Sherbet (Vegan, No-Churn!) from Minimalist Baker →

Mango Popsicles (Easy & Flavorful)

These mango popsicles will transport you to a tropical paradise since they are made with ripe mangoes, creamy coconut milk, a touch of maple syrup for natural sweetness, and a dollop of lime zest. Nothing can be as refreshing as them when temperatures …

These mango popsicles will transport you to a tropical paradise since they are made with ripe mangoes, creamy coconut milk, a touch of maple syrup for natural sweetness, and a dollop of lime zest. Nothing can be as refreshing as them when temperatures are high outside. Not a fan of mango? Do you also have...

Read More

The post Mango Popsicles (Easy & Flavorful) appeared first on My Pure Plants.

Limber

A limber is a refreshing and delicious Puerto Rican tropical fruit puree popsicle that’s the perfect budget-friendly option for cooling down on a hot day.

The post Limber appeared first on Budget Bytes.

No, this isn’t a recipe for how to warm up for exercise! A limber is a refreshing and delicious Puerto Rican frozen tropical fruit puree popsicle that you can make for next to nothing. Limbers are the perfect way to cool down on a sweltering hot day. And, trust me, island people know all about keeping things chill when temperatures hit the triple digits. This one will become a summer favorite!

Overhead shot of four mango limbers on a sheet pan filled with ice.

What Are Limbers?

Limbers are a popular frozen treat in always hot Puerto Rico. Tropical fruit purees or creamy milks are served in the small plastic cups they are frozen in. They’re named after the famous pilot Charles A. Lindbergh, who was obsessed with the icy fruit pops. My favorite flavor is mango, which is what we’re making today.

What Do You Need To Make Limbers?

This recipe is ridiculously easy and has an incredibly simple ingredient list. The hardest thing about it is waiting for the pops to freeze! Here’s what you need to make Mango Limbers:

  • Mango– preferably fresh. You can, of course, use frozen but you might need to up the amount of sugar you put in the mix, as it won’t be as flavorful as fresh. In a pinch, mango nectar or juice are good options too.
  • Sugar – helps sweeten the limber, as mango can sometimes be acidic, especially if they aren’t ripe. You can use your favorite sweetener here, to taste. Honey, agave nectar, brown sugar, and artificial sugars all work well.
  • Lime juice – this isn’t a must, but it’s nice to have that citrus note.
  • Ginger – fresh or powdered. Also not a must. But it adds a great pop of flavor.

How To Pick A Ripe Mango

When mangoes are ripe they should be aromatic and have some give when you press a finger into the skin. For limbers, I prefer to use small champagne mangoes, also known as Ataúlfo, Adaulfo, young, baby, yellow, or honey mangoes. They aren’t as fibrous as other mangoes and have a naturally deeply sweet flavor.

Side shot of hand holding a plastic cup with a mango limber poking out of it.

What DO You Freeze LimberS In?

Traditionally, limbers are frozen in small, usually 6-ounce, plastic cups. But single waste plastic isn’t our favorite at the Budget Bytes kitchen, so we used popsicle molds. You can use pretty much any squeezable freezer-safe container as your mold, and simply push the limber out once it;s frozen. If the limber is stuck in the container, just run warm water over the mold until the limber loosens.

Other Traditional Limber Flavors

If mango isn’t your thing, don’t miss out on this frozen treat! You can make it with almost any pureed fresh fruit or fruit juice and add sugar to taste. There are also creamy options. Try:

  • Coconut Milk with a little cinnamon
  • Tamarind Puree
  • Orange, Lemon, or Lime Juice
  • Pineapple
  • Condensed Milk with a little cinnamon
  • Guava Juice
  • Passion Fruit Juice
Overhead shot of four mango limbers on a sheet pan filled with ice.
Overhead shot of hand holding a mango limber with a white handle.
Print

Limbers

A limber is a refreshing and delicious Puerto Rican tropical fruit puree popsicle that's the perfect budget-friendly option for cooling down on a hot day.
Course Dessert
Cuisine Latin, Puerto Rican
Total Cost ($4.57 recipe / $0.76 serving)
Prep Time 10 minutes
Freezing Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings 6 limbers
Calories 24kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 whole champagne mangoes, fresh $4.00
  • 1/2 cup water $0.01
  • 3 Tbsp sugar $0.05
  • 1 whole lime, juiced (optional) $0.50
  • 1/8 tsp powdered ginger (optional) $0.01

Instructions

  • Slice around the seed of the mangoes by making two cuts all the way through each mango, each just off-center.
  • Use a large spoon to scoop out the mango flesh from the mango halves. Rough chop the mango flesh.
  • Add the diced mango, water, and sugar to a blender. Hold the seed over the blender and run the spoon over the seed to extract any extra flesh and juice. Optional: Add lime juice and powdered ginger.
  • Blend until a smooth puree forms. It should have the consistency of ketchup. If necessary, add a touch more water to thin out the puree. You should have about 3 cups of puree.
  • Fill the ice pop molds, small freezer-safe glassware, or 6-ounce plastic cups, but not all the way up as the filling expands as it freezes.
  • Freeze for 6 hours. Make it easy to unmold by dipping them in warm water. And then all you have left to do is to enjoy the most refreshing thing you'll have all day!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1limber | Calories: 24kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 0.01g | Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 1mg | Fiber: 0.02g

How to Make Mango Limbers – Step by Step Photos

Overhead shot of one hand holding a mango while the other hand slices it on a wooden cutting board. There are other mango slices on the board.

Slice around the seeds of the 4 mangoes by making two cuts through each mango from the stem to the tip. Each cut should be just off-center.

Hand holding a mango half and scooping out the flesh with a spoon.

Use a large spoon to scoop out the mango flesh from each mango half. Rough chop the mango flesh.

Overhead shot of mango and other ingredients in a blender.

Add the chopped mango, 1/2 cup water, and 3 tablespoons of sugar to a blender. Hold the seeds over the blender and run the spoon over the seeds to extract any extra flesh and juice. Optional: Add the juice of 1 lime and 1/8 teaspoon powdered ginger.

Overhead shot of blended limber in a blender.

Blend until a smooth puree forms. It should have the consistency of ketchup. If necessary, add a touch more water to thin out the puree. You should have about 3 cups of puree.

Overhead shot of mango puree being poured into popsicle molds.

Fill the ice pop molds, small freezer-safe glassware, or 6-ounce plastic cups, but not all the way up as the filling expands as it freezes.

Overhead shot of mango limber with a white handle.

Freeze for 6 hours. Make it easy to unmold by dipping them in warm water. And then enjoy the most refreshing thing you’ll have all day, guaranteed!

More Easy Frozen Treats

The post Limber appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Cabbage Salad

Let me introduce you to one of the BEST salads ever! This Cabbage Salad may not sound that exciting, but it is one of my all-time favorite salads. The colors, flavors, and textures are SO good. I love everything about it and whenever I make it for frie…

Let me introduce you to one of the BEST salads ever! This Cabbage Salad may not sound that exciting, but it is one of my all-time favorite salads. The colors, flavors, and textures are SO good. I love everything about it and whenever I make it for friends and family, they beg for the recipe.…