This apple kale smoothie is naturally sweet and doesn’t taste like you’re drinking a salad. The banana, pineapple, and apple do the heavy lifting, and a little fresh ginger and lime juice keep it bright.
I love to make this on weekday mornings when I don’t have time for a full sit-down breakfast. Usually I pop a Gluten-Free Cottage Cheese Breakfast Biscuit from the freezer in the air fryer for a few minutes to have along with it.
This recipe is on the table in just about 5 minutes. Just have your bananas and pineapple frozen ahead of time!
Using almond milk makes this recipe naturally gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan!
Ingredients
Ingredient Notes
- Kale: Dinosaur or curly kale both work. You can also swap the kale with spinach!
- Apple: Granny smith is my go-to because it’s crisp and tart. I core it but leave the skin on.
- Banana: Use frozen to keep the smoothie thick. If using fresh, reduce the almond milk or add more ice.
- Lime Juice: Fresh is best. Lemon works too.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger gives it a nice bite. Use ¼ to ½ teaspoon ground ginger if that’s what you have.
- Almond Milk: I use unsweetened almond milk, but use any non-dairy or dairy milk. You can also swap the almond milk with coconut water for a different flavor!
- Ice Cubes: Ice cubes help thicken up the smoothie. Use more or less to reach your desired consistency.
Expert Tips
Recipe FAQs
You can, but it’s best fresh. If you make it ahead, store in a sealed jar in the fridge and give it a good shake before drinking. It may separate and get a little thicker overnight.
Yes a regular blender can work if you don’t have a high-powered one like a Vitamix, but blend longer to break down the kale. You may want to blend the kale and almond milk first, then add everything else.
Serving suggestions
On its own, this is more of a light breakfast. If you want something more filling, pair it with my Gluten-Free Breakfast Casserole or a Spinach Feta Egg Muffin. For something carby, a slice of Gluten-Free Banana Bread rounds it out.
More gluten-free smoothies & drinks to try
Did you make this recipe?
I’d love to know! Please rate it and leave a comment below. You can also share your pictures and tag @adashofmegnut on Instagram.
Apple Kale Smoothie
Ingredients
- 2 cups kale - packed
- 1 granny smith apple - cored and quartered
- 1 banana - frozen
- 1 cup frozen pineapple
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger - grated or 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 5 ice cubes - use more or less to reach your desired consistency
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk
**Use the toggle button above to turn the instruction photos on and off!
Instructions
- Add 2 cups kale, 1 granny smith apple, 1 banana, 1 cup frozen pineapple, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 1 tablespoon fresh ginger and 5 ice cubes to a high powered blender.
- Add 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk to the blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Pour into two glasses and serve.
Notes
- No frozen banana? Use fresh, but reduce almond milk to 1 cup or add more ice.
- Want it sweeter? Add more banana or pineapple.
- Make ahead: Freeze kale, banana, apple, pineapple, chia seeds, and ginger in freezer bags. Blend with almond milk and lime juice when ready. No ice needed.
Nutrition
THIS POST DOESN’T DO IT JUICETICE! IT’S AMAZING!!!!
Thanks Mikey! It’s berry tasty! Just kidding… There are no berries in it 😉