Make a kale berry smoothie today! It's simple to prepare in a blender and made with just five ingredients. Perfect for breakfast, post-workout snacking, or an on-the-go meal.
Looking for a quick and easy morning meal? Give this kale berry smoothie a try. Smoothies are an easy way to add a few servings of fruits and veggies to your day, and can be very healthy when made with nutrient-dense ingredients.
This smoothie is creamy and thick, with a vanilla-berry flavor and a hint of earthy kale. Perfect for breakfast, a post-workout meal, or an on-the-go energy boost.
Frozen mixed berries and kale are blended with vanilla Greek yogurt, ground flaxseed, and your favorite type of milk. Plus, this smoothie is easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins, like a scoop of protein powder or a handful of almonds.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Frozen mixed berries - can be substituted with any frozen berries, like frozen blueberries or frozen strawberries.
- Milk - can be substituted with any unsweetened liquid you have on hand. I recommend cow's milk, almond milk, coconut milk, or even green tea. I do not recommend using fruit juices (like apple juice or orange juice) because they can add a lot of extra calories and sugar to your smoothie.
- Yogurt - can be substituted with plain Greek yogurt and a splash of vanilla extract for a lower sugar smoothie. Look for a brand of vanilla yogurt that isn't jam-packed with extra sugar (you might be surprised once you look at the labels!). Yogurt can also be substituted with ½ a banana for a similar creamy texture.
- Kale - I used baby kale, which is slightly softer and milder than curly kale. However, any type of kale, spinach, or other leafy greens will work here.
- Ground flaxseed - is an optional addition that has many health benefits, like omega-3 essential fatty acids and fiber. Flaxseed can be substituted with chia seeds, hemp seed, or wheat germ. The great part about adding flaxseed to your smoothie is that it doesn't have a strong flavor. Once it's mixed in, you won't even know it's in there!
Optional mix-ins
Want to add something extra to your morning smoothie? Here are my favorite mix-in ideas:
- Handful of almonds
- Scoop of vanilla protein powder
- Scoop of collagen peptides
- Dash of ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom
- Tablespoon of chia seeds, wheat germ, or hemp seeds
Can you taste the kale?
Yes, this smoothie has a slightly earthy, kale flavor. If you're sensitive to this, I'd suggest swapping the kale with baby spinach instead.
Or, start with half as many greens and work your way up gradually to the full amount. You can also swap out half of the berries with a sweeter fruit, like frozen pineapple.
How to make substitutions in a smoothie recipe
When making a substitution in a smoothie recipe, make sure to use the same ratios. For example:
- Substitute 8 ounces of milk with 8 ounces of green tea
- Substitute 1 cup of mixed berries with 1 cup of strawberries
As long as you keep your ratios the same, your smoothie will turn out consistently every time.
Kale Berry Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 1 cup frozen mixed berries, 5 ounces
- 1 cup kale
Instructions
- In a blender add milk first, then the remaining ingredients: yogurt, ground flaxseed, frozen berries, and kale.
- Blend until smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy.
Equipment Recommendations
Notes
- Nutrition information is calculated using 1% milk. Any milk can be used in this recipe (cow's milk, almond milk, coconut milk).
- Vanilla Greek yogurt can be substituted with plain Greek yogurt and a splash of vanilla extract. Or, substitute yogurt with ½ a banana for a similar creamy texture.
- Fruits should be frozen - they help give your smoothie a thick, creamy texture. If using fresh fruits, your smoothie will turn out thin.
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