Kale Pineapple Smoothie
Ingredients
&w=3840&q=75){kind=small}
- 2 cups kale leaves – packed, tough stems removed and torn
- 1 1/2 cups frozen pineapple chunks
- 1 banana – ripe, peeled
- 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- 3/4 cups orange juice – chilled
- 1/4 cups water – cold, plus more as needed
- 1 tbsp honey – or to taste
- 1/2 cups ice cubes – optional, for a thicker smoothie
Instructions
1. Prepare the kale by removing any tough stems and tearing the leaves into smaller pieces. Pack the kale lightly into a measuring cup to get 2 cups.
2. Add the orange juice and water to the blender first to help the blades catch the greens.
3. Add the prepared kale leaves to the blender, followed by the frozen pineapple chunks and the peeled banana.
4. Spoon in the plain Greek yogurt, then drizzle the honey over the fruit.
5. Add the ice cubes if using for a thicker, frostier texture.
6. Blend on low speed to start breaking down the kale, then gradually increase to high and blend until completely smooth and vibrant green, 45–90 seconds. If the mixture is too thick or not circulating well, stop and scrape down the sides, then add a splash more water and continue blending.
7. Taste the smoothie and adjust sweetness with a little more honey if desired, blending briefly to combine.
8. Pour the kale pineapple smoothie into two glasses and serve immediately while cold and frothy.
Kale pineapple smoothie is a bright green blended drink that balances leafy, slightly earthy kale with the tropical sweetness of pineapple and banana. The frozen fruit gives it a thick, creamy body, while yogurt and juice round out the tang and add a gentle richness. It is refreshing, lightly tart-sweet, and smooth enough to appeal even to people who are cautious about green smoothies.
Kale-based smoothies grew popular in the United States in the early 21st century as kale became a symbol of modern health-focused eating. Pairing kale with pineapple and other tropical fruits emerged in juice bars and smoothie shops as a way to soften kale’s bitterness and highlight its freshness. Over time, this combination has become a standard green smoothie flavor, reflecting both American wellness trends and the global availability of fresh and frozen produce.