Super Fruit Kale Smoothie

Super Fruit Kale Smoothie, a quick and easy healthy breakfast or snack! With just a handful of nutrient-packed ingredients, this is the perfect kid-friendly vegetable and fruit smoothie. 

Keeping up with our Kale theme but transitioning into April’s spring produce month, we’re kicking things off with a light and refreshing strawberry kale smoothie!

Now that we know how good kale is for us (most of us, anyway), it only makes sense to combine it with other superfoods like strawberries. Luckily, spring is the perfect time to stock up on fresh ingredients like berries, asparagus, zucchini, spinach, artichoke, spring peas and more that make healthy cooking easy. 

Don’t worry, we’ll have plenty of great recipes for you to choose from. If you want to get a head start take a look at this Cajun Salmon and Zucchini Pasta Salad, my favorite Spinach Strawberry Salad, or Artichoke Spring Pea Soup Plus, we have a new asparagus recipe coming soon! 🙂  

Given how bright and beautiful the berries in my local grocery stores have been, it seemed like a shame to pass them up. Full of nutrients like vitamin C, manganese, potassium, and fiber, berries of all kinds are a great way to boost your immunity and help fight off those pesky spring sniffles. Basically, when consuming them with Kale, you’re basically invincible. 

So, let’s get started! 

Kale Smoothie Recipe Ingredients

We might be shifting our attention to spring produce, but that doesn’t mean recipes have to be difficult or use a million ingredients! Made with five – technically six, but who’s counting – ingredients, this kale smoothie is the definition of easy. 

• Non-dairy milk – Milk is an essential ingredient to create a smooth and creamy texture.
  
• Strawberries – Fresh or frozen berries of any kind can be used. Just make sure the stems have been removed!
  
• Honey or Maple Syrup – Honey is a great natural alternative to the loads of sugar commonly found in store bought smoothies. You can use maple syrup for vegan option!
  
• Kale – If you use fresh Kale, be sure to soften it with lemon juice. Or, just toss it in frozen instead.
  
• Almond butter (or any other nut/seed butter) – Almond butter is full of healthy fats to keep you full and satisfied. If you need a nut free version, try adding cream sunflower seed butter!
  
• Optional Cinnamon – Similar to salt when baking, cinnamon brings out the natural flavors of the other ingredients. 

How to make strawberry kale smoothie (without any bitter taste!)

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1. Measure. You’ll want to start by measuring out all of the ingredients.  
   
2. Prepare ingredients. Make sure the produce has been washed, the berry stems have been removed, and the Kale has been softened.
   
   

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3. Blend. Toss all of the ingredients in a blender, and blend on a medium to high speed until smooth.
   
4. Enjoy! Yes, it’s really that easy!

Health Benefits of Strawberries 

I know we mentioned a few of strawberry health benefits above. However, if you’re still not convinced that you should definitely be consuming this superfruit, take a look at what strawberries can do for your health below.

• Increase HDL (good cholesterol)
  
• Maintain eyesight
  
• Protect against cancers
  
• Regulate digestion
  
• Reduce inflammation

Mix-ins and add-ins! Customize your kale smoothie!

If you’re looking to bulk this strawberry kale smoothie up a notch and increase the protein content, take a look at the following optional add-ins. 

• Greek yogurt: Of course, if you’re lactose intolerant, opt for dairy-free yogurt options. Vanilla is my go-to, but experimenting with different flavored yogurts can be fun!
  
• Protein powder: Consuming adequate protein can help build muscle, maintain strong bones, reduce hunger levels, and more. I recommend adding a collagen or vegan protein, but any you have on hand will do! 

• Banana: Nature’s candy, if the veggie flavor is still too strong for you, adding a banana is an easy way to add even more sweetness to your Kale smoothie without piling in tons of added sugar. 
  
• Avocado – This fruit can be used in place of almond butter in order to provide a smooth texture and creamy taste.
  
• Dates – Pitted dates are also nature’s candy and a great way to add sweetness without refined sugar. Not to mention fiber packed! For the whole30 smoothie option, swap the maple/honey for dates! Easy peazy!
  
• Fresh Mint – This is a soothing herb that definitely compliments the sweetness of strawberries. It’s also a natural digestive.
  
• Other super fruit BERRIES! If you have an abundance of blueberries or blackberries, then feel free to add those in. Just more super fruit superfood love!

Smoothies are one of the easiest ways to ensure you’re getting enough vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients. And when it’s this tasty, you’ll look forward to sipping one down every morning.

In good health,

LC

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Smoothies are one of the easiest ways to ensure you’re getting enough vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients. And when it’s this tasty, you’ll look forward to sipping one down every morning.

In good health,

LC