- Add kale (stems removed), avocado, banana, and baby spinach to a blender.
- Pour in unsweetened almond milk and water.
- Add chia seeds, honey, and ice.
- Blend until smooth.
- Pour into a glass and serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.
- Calories:452 kcal25%
- Energy:1891 kJ22%
- Protein:19 g28%
- Carbohydrates:52 mg40%
- Sugar:16 mg8%
- Salt:680 g25%
- Fat:25 g20%
Last Updated on 3 months by Neha Deshmukh
Kale Avocado Banana Smoothie Recipe – Easy Green Detox Blend
Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for ways to sneak more greens into your day. And honestly? Sometimes a salad just doesn’t cut it. That’s where this Kale Avocado Banana Smoothie comes in. It’s my go-to when I need a quick, healthy boost, and it tastes amazing – seriously! I first made this when I was trying to reset after a particularly indulgent weekend, and it’s been a staple ever since.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t your average green smoothie. The avocado makes it unbelievably creamy, the banana adds natural sweetness, and the kale… well, you won’t even taste the kale, I promise! It’s the perfect way to nourish your body with vitamins and antioxidants, and it takes just minutes to make. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to start your day or refuel after a workout.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this deliciousness:
- 1 bunch kale leaves (about 100g), stems removed
- 1 avocado
- 1 banana
- 1 bunch baby spinach (about 50g)
- 1 cup (240ml) unsweetened almond milk
- ½ cup (120ml) water (adjust to desired consistency)
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) honey
- 3 ice cubes
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk about these ingredients for a sec! They’re not just tasty, they’re seriously good for you.
- Kale: This leafy green is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins A, C, and K. Don’t be intimidated by it! Blending it makes it super easy to digest.
- Avocado: Creamy, dreamy avocado adds healthy fats and a luxurious texture. It also helps your body absorb all those lovely nutrients from the kale and spinach.
- Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds are a fantastic source of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein. They also help thicken the smoothie.
- Almond Milk: I love using unsweetened almond milk as a dairy-free alternative. It keeps things light and refreshing. You can easily swap it for any milk you prefer – oat milk, soy milk, or even regular milk work great!
- Honey: A little honey adds just the right amount of sweetness. I try to use local honey whenever possible, as it’s thought to have extra health benefits. But any honey will do, or you can use maple syrup for a vegan option (more on that later!).
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get blending! It’s super simple, I promise.
- First, grab your blender. Add the kale leaves (make sure you’ve removed those tough stems!), avocado cubes, banana, and baby spinach.
- Pour in the unsweetened almond milk and water. Start with ½ cup of water and add more if you like a thinner smoothie.
- Now, add the chia seeds, honey, and ice cubes.
- Blend everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. You might need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender a couple of times.
- Pour into a glass and serve immediately. Or, if you’re making it ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 48 hours.
Expert Tips
Want to take your smoothie game to the next level? Here are a few of my favorite tricks:
- Consistency is Key: If your smoothie is too thick, add a little more water or almond milk. Too thin? Add a few more ice cubes or a small piece of frozen banana.
- Prep the Kale: Massaging the kale leaves with a little lemon juice before blending can help break them down and make the smoothie even smoother.
- Freeze Your Fruit: Using frozen banana or avocado makes the smoothie extra cold and creamy. I always keep a stash of frozen banana slices in the freezer for smoothies!
Variations
This recipe is super versatile! Feel free to experiment and make it your own.
- Vegan Option: Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet smoothie, reduce the amount of honey or omit it altogether.
- Adding Protein Powder: A scoop of your favorite protein powder is a great way to make this smoothie even more filling.
- Tropical Twist: Add ½ cup of mango or pineapple for a tropical flavor. My friend, Priya, loves this addition!
- Spice Level: A tiny pinch of ginger or cayenne pepper adds a little warmth and zing.
Serving Suggestions
This smoothie is perfect on its own for a quick breakfast or snack. But you can also get creative! I sometimes like to drizzle a little extra honey on top or sprinkle with some granola for added crunch.
Storage Instructions
Leftover smoothie can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 48 hours. It might separate a bit, so just give it a good shake or stir before drinking.
FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers!
- Can I make this smoothie ahead of time? Absolutely! It’s great to make it the night before for a super quick breakfast.
- How long does it stay fresh? Up to 48 hours in the fridge, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
- What if I don’t have almond milk? No problem! Use any milk you like – oat milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or even regular milk.
- Can I use frozen kale? Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it slightly before blending.
- Can I add other greens like collard greens? You can, but collard greens have a stronger flavor than kale or spinach, so start with a small amount and adjust to taste.