Though I’ve known about green smoothies for a long time now, my mind is still blown by that fact that I can rack up 4 servings of fruit and veg before the clock ever strikes 8 (or in our house, 11 – don’t judge).
You may or may not already be familiar with green smoothies. But here are two things you may not know about them:
1. You can throw your greens in the freezer so you always have dark leafy, nutrient-packed greens on hand. Look at that! So fancy! And it doesn’t affect the flavor or texture of your smoothie one bit.
2. You can craft a smoothie that completely hides the taste and texture of kale. And not a little kale, like handfuls. Let’s do this!
This smoothie is the same but different than my 5 Ingredient Detox Smoothie. They both contain frozen bananas, frozen berries and fruit juice. But this one hides kale like a boss and is packed with hemp seeds.
“Hey Sheila, why does that matter?” You’re probably thinking…
Well, Sheila and Rhonda, let me tell you. It matters because hemp seeds contain loads of fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals and all 20 of the essential amino acids, including the 9 essential ones. And all of that supports just about every part of your body function. You need hemp seeds in your life, period.
Smoothies are easy. I don’t need to tell you that! Just add everything to a blender and whirl. Yipee!
This smoothie is amazing. It’s:
Creamy
Cold
Satisfying
Perfectly sweet
Loaded with berries
Packed with kale
& Super healthy
And no, you really can’t taste the kale! Make this smoothie and then report back. I’ll wait…
Hide Your Kale Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 medium ripe banana (previously peeled, sliced and frozen // 1 banana yields ~3/4 cup)
- 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries (or sub blueberries)
- 1 heaping Tbsp hulled hemp seeds (organic if possible)
- 2 cups frozen or fresh kale (any kind)
- 2/3 cup 100% pomegranate juice
- 3/4-1 1/2 cups filtered water
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth, adding more water as needed. Taste and adjust flavors as needed. Add more banana or some agave for added sweetness.
- Serve immediately – enough for 2.
Notes
*Adding a bit of almond milk ups the creaminess.
*1 Tbsp of almond butter would add even more staying power.
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate.
Toddler Mom moving into sick season says
So good! First time around my only frozen ingredients were the berries, so I added some ice and it was delicious. Second time I had frozen the kale and bananas, so no ice needed and texture was perfect! I added a bit of fresh ginger and I am in love, especially since I can pump my kids with all of these antioxidants using this delicious smoothie. Ninja bullet blender did the trick for excellent texture. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!
Yay! We’re so glad you and your kiddos enjoy this smoothie. Thank you for sharing! xo
Carolyn says
This smoothie is delicious and so easy. Thanks for this winning recipe!
We’re so glad you enjoy it, Carolyn! Thank you for the lovely review! xo
Anna says
I love this smoothie! It’s the only one I’ve found that successfully blends the taste of Kale and berries and leaves me enjoying every gulp. The only caveat I have is that I have to make sure I use my Vitamix blender. I tried blending it in my magic bullet, and the Kale just didn’t get small enough, so if you have that problem, try a high quality blender. :)
We’re so glad you enjoy it, Anna! Thank you for sharing your experience! xo
VICKY P says
Great smoothie! Toddler approved! It was really liquid for me as well, so I added more bananas and it was great! My blender didn’t dissolve the kale either but still a great recipe! Thanks!
Yay! So glad to hear it! Thanks for the lovely review, Vicky!
Cathy says
I made a few changes, for what I had on hand, but it is really good. I have help protein powder, to avoid the grainy texture, added dried mango strips, since I had no pom juice, a date in case it wasn’t sweet, and added 1 cup of water and two ice cubes. Great taste and consistency. And no kale taste at all.
Thanks for sharing, Cathy!
Christina says
This smoothie is genius! Two cups of kale for breakfast and you don’t taste the kale at all! I was struggling to find a kale smoothie to make at home that tasted good- so thanks so much! I didn’t have pomegranate juice but used 100% cranberry instead- it was a little tart but still yummy. Thank you!
Thanks so much for the lovely review, Christina. We are so glad you enjoyed it! Next time, would you mind leaving a rating with your review? It’s super helpful for us and other readers. Thanks so much! Xo
Sandie cowell says
I am never without this smoothie. The only difference I make is that I also throw in a couple of handfuls of frozen Spinach! I will leave the pomegranate juice out next time though as it is too sweet for me. I will add more water and some extra frozen blueberries. I look forward to a nice cool glass of this every evening. I also have a glass of home made kefir every morning. I am almost eighty so want to grab every ounce of goodness that I can!
Sandie (UK)
Sandie says
I made this smoothie for the first time yesterday, and what a treat! I left it in the fridge overnight, and it really thickened up. Such a refreshing and tasty healthy smoothie. I am just about to make my second lot. I love it, thank you for this recipe
Yay! Thanks for sharing, Sandie!
Leanne says
I bought the pomegranate juice to make this but now after reading comments I’m nervous I got the wrong kind.. I got the 100% pomegranate juice that comes in a 32oz glass jar on the shelf where the only ingredient is pomegranate (like the cranberry juice that comes in the glass jar that you dilute into water). Is this the right kind?
Yes! That’s perfect!
Cici says
Should I Blanche the kale before I freeze it?
Hi Cici! While blanching is not required for freezing, it helps with longer term storage!
Emily says
Hi there. I’m drinking this right now! For me it is a straight liquid, not thick like your picture. There are also little chunky kale bits all throughout that are grossing me out a bit. I only have a ninja blender so maybe that’s why? I’m trying to get past it as I really want more energy. Any advice? The flavor is good. I can’t taste the kale other than the chunky bits.
Yes, that may be why it didn’t blend together properly. We love this blender and would highly recommend it!
Sarianna says
Anyone tried to replace the banana with Greek yogurt and add something else for sweetness? I can’t eat banana and it makes it really hard to find good smoothie recipes :( Avocados are out of the question too, both give me a stomach ache.
Hi Sarianna! That sub should work! We have many other smoothie recipes that may suit you better like this Blueberry Almond Butter Smoothie or our Banana-Free Gingery Mango & Berry Smoothie :D
Julie Keegan says
HOLY MOLY!!!!!! eeeeeek! i can’t tell you how excited I am!!! My goal for 2018 is to get more greens each day. Especially Kale. I’ve read so much about the benefits for longevity and disease prevention eating kale. BUT….i can’t stand Kale…always feel like I have to choke it down….and so after 1 ‘meal’ of Kale, i give up :( BUT……this week I’ve tried your Kale Chips (LOVED!) and now this smoothie…..and I am never going back! You’re right……..you. cannot. taste. the. kale. I’m drinking it right now and trying to taste it…..and I can’t. So happy!! I’ve found my vehicle for getting my greens in my body. Thank you so much for this!
Ps…i bought the R.W. Knudsen brand of Pomegranate juice. It comes in a glass bottle vs. the others that come in a plastic bottle. My other goal for 2018 is really paying attention to the packaging of my food products and choosing brands with more eco friendly versions.
xo
Jackie says
Love it!
Hannah says
Would using fresh pomegranate arils instead of juice work?
Hi Hannah! I’m not sure, and wouldn’t recommend it. But if you give it a try, let us know how it turns out!
Paul says
My wife and I have been making this smoothie for over a year now and it’s great.
I feel better within about 10 minutes of finishing one!
Only thing is though, here in Australia we’re still waiting for Hemp to become legal to consume (due to become legal by the end of this year). In the meantime, we’ve been using Chia seeds instead, which apparently still contain the 9 essential amino acids – so if you can’t put your hands on hemp seeds but have chia, then I recommend using that instead!
Thank you for such a wonderful recipe.
Mike says
I love this smoothie, and would like to reduce the amount of sugar and carbs. If I’ve done my math correctly, it looks like most of those come from the banana. Is that correct, and do you have any suggestions on what to use instead of a banana?
Michelle says
Cauliflower is a decent replacement for banana in smoothies. Do some research for yourself though because I’ve not actually tried it for myself.
Mareth says
Any special prep when freezing greens? Can Spinach and Romaine lettuce be frozen, too?
Hi! Nope! Just throw your greens in a freezer bag and you’re good to go! Happy blending!
Hillary says
I was so skeptical – I can always taste the kale. Not this time! I’m shocked and very happy :) I’m going to try added unflavored protein powder next time.
Jill says
Delicious! I loved the frozen banana and pomegranate juice. I didn’t have hemp seeds so used flax seeds and added a spoonful of vanilla yogurt for a bit of creaminess.
Rosalyn says
This was so great the best kale hider, everyone loved it! Thank You. ***Did use pumpkin seed instead
kristy says
Hi, Was in search for a wicked recipe. Found it, Make it, Smashed it! LOVVED IT!
Kristy
Tania says
I’ve been having this smoothie every morning for breakfast and I must say it’s absolutely delicious. Thank You!
Louise says
I tried to make it with organic apple juice, and I liked it a lot! Of course, I can’t tell if it’s better because I havent tried the original! I think this is going to be my new afternoon snack ?✨
Shennae says
For those of us who live in Australia where eating hemp seeds is illegal, what other seeds do you recommend?
Miranda says
I’m confused about the nutrition calculations you have on here. You are saying that each serving has 22g of protein but when I’m calculating it, it really comes out to just less than 5g of protein per serving. Where are you seeing all the extra protein?
Banana: 1
Mixed Berries: .5
Hemp seeds: 2.5
Juice: 0
Kale: 5.7
That’s for the full recipe amounts. What am I missing here??
Sorry for the confusion! It was a typo. I recalculated it just to be sure and it’s now updated!
Miranda says
Ahhhh thanks! I was actually hoping I was calculating something wrong so that I was consuming more protein ?
Love your blog and use it all the time, you have helped make it easy to follow a plant based diet!! Thank you!
MsBlackway says
Tried this and LOVED it! Was looking for a yummy smoothie recipe that was tasty, but not loaded with sugar. I even added cup of spinach to this and it was still sweet. I also added 1/2 cup of crushed ice. Thanks so much for sharing!
James60178 says
This is great. My eye doctor wants me to either eat more kale or take expensive kale supplements. I’m not into organic or detoxing so subbing ingredients doesn’t keep me awake. I use the Ocean Spray diet juices like Cran-Pomegranate or cherry with <1 gram of sugar. Apple instead of banana and it's all good. Thanks so much.
Mo says
Approximately how many ice cubes worth of kale/lemon juice = 2 cups? I’m just about to do the freezing routine and this would be handy to know. :-)
Angela says
This is a fantastic recipe and I use it almost twice a week! :) great source of leafy greens and you don’t even taste them!
Wonderful! Thanks for sharing, Angela!
Jeannine says
Can I make this smoothie ahead of time and refrigerate?
Elaine says
I love Kale smoothies as well. Just Kale, water, hemp powder, frozen mixed berries, and frozen cranberries – my secret ingredient. Its tartness covers the kale well and they keep well in the freezer all year long. I buy a ton of bags of cranberries after the holidays and just stash them – no freezer bag needed :)
Cheryl says
The smoothie i mix in a blender.
A bit of lite milk or almond milk. 1 Bannana. 4 to 5 tablespoons lite vanilla youghurt. 1 Avocado
2 hands of kale leaves. finish mix all in blender about 1 minute serve instantly taste good.
I found the avocado thickins & creamy a nice drink & fully filling.
JLx says
This sounds really good-I’m going to try it this weekend once I’ve acquired some frozen berries! Can I just check though-do you blend the frozen ingredients when they are still frozen or should you wait until they’re softer? I only have a hand blender so I hope it works ok with that :)
Thanks!
Dawen says
Usually you don’t thaw frozen foods for smoothies – if your fruit and such is still frozen when you blend it, the smoothie’s thicker. A lot of smoothies that use fresh ingredients will actually call for ice cubes to help thicken, so frozen fruit is killing two birds with one stone!
A hand blender, on the other hand, may not be able to handle frozen foods. So you may have to make do with thawed fruits and thin smoothies until/unless you can get a good regular blender.
Carly says
I have been a huge fan of all of your recipes and I just wanted to let you know that this is the best smoothy I have ever had with kale!! I plan on drinking this every day!
Yay! Thanks for sharing, Carly! I have a new smoothie recipe coming out in our cookbook that I think you’ll love. xo!
Talisha says
Can you use Chia seeds instead of hemp seeds
April says
I can sense the the kale is in there, but then again my taste buds have really woken up since I outgrew my allergies! This is the best kale smoothie recipe I’ve had so far.
I currently have a batch freezing in popsicle molds. I’ll report back with my kidlet’s opinion!
Caroline says
This is a great recipe! I’ve always been a healthy eater, but I’ve been trying to work new veggies into my diet and experiment with smoothies. Embarrassing, but this is really one of my first experiences with kale, and it was a great one. I threw in some plain Greek yogurt to add a bit more protein and to thicken it up a bit. I like to prep for the work week, how long do you think it would stay good in the fridge/freezer?
Jerah says
I’ve never taken a liking to healthy smoothies or healthy eating in general. I’m trying to be more healthy for this summer so I made one of these yesterday and I’m surprised at how good it is! I can’t taste the kale at all it’s amazing! I still haven’t tried it with the seeds yet but I definitely will soon. Thank you for sharing a yummy recipe!!!
Wonderful! Thanks for sharing, Jerah!
Sue says
Thanks for the great recipes and tips. I found your site while looking for more ways to eat green leafy veggies after reading about the MIND diet. I will never waste another green thanks to you!
Jean says
I just made this and used spinach and orange juice. I did not add any water, but used 1 full cup of OJ instead of 2/3. I have been looking for a way to get spinach down daily because other than salads, I really don’t like it. This will be a good addition to my daily routine. I’m really happy I tried it! Greens are not my thing , so I’m going to have to work my nerve up before I try kale.
Sarah Michelle says
Yummy! I just made this and am currently enjoying
Smoothie Lover says
Hello! Thanks for recipes! i want to use Kale smoothie for weight loss.
Rachel says
Good recipe! Just made it. I’m honestly not a fan of kale and this is the 1st recipe so far that makes kale edible. The pomegranate juice works pretty well to hide the kale flavor. I also added a splash of some leftover grape juice
Isabella says
Thank you for this delicious and easy to prepare smoothie. I used Navitas naturals organic pomegranate powder (2tbsp)- from Amazon or target. Been looking for a way to incorporate this powder into my smoothies and you solved my issue. Thank you! I also added 4 tbsp of Great Lakes collagen hydrolysate- which is cold water soluble and doesn’t effect the taste- has helped my joint pain and smoothed my wrinkles. Enjoy and thanks again!
Isabella says
Forgot to mention I used zico pure coconut water instead of plain water.
Tonia Brow says
I’m drinking my smoothie right now. It is delcious! Thanks for the recipe!
Kathryn says
Perfect recipe for a Kale beginner!! The taste is amazing!! Thank you!!
gemma says
Hi. New to all this.. I love this smoothie, am I OK to drink one of theses everyday?.. Not going to overload on anything?.. Many thanks.
You certainly can! I do. Just rotate your greens to include a mix of kale, spinach, parsley, etc., to keep your body guessing!
Josie says
would you use a full 2 cups of parsley? or would you just 1/2 spinach or kale and 1/2 parsley?
Joyce Joseph says
Thanks for completely making that taste of Kale disappear from my smoothie!!
Brandon says
I was never a fan of kale or the taste of pomegranate. Now I WANT to make this smoothie every single morning! I don’t have the time or patience to make breakfast so this ends up being a fantastically easy solution (that’s delicious and healthy too)!
Laura-Floraa says
I love the sound of this smoothie.
Bought kale for first time today and looking for different ways to try it so glad I found this page but slight problem with this smoothie..ive only got a juicer. Could I still make this yummy sounding kale smoothy just using a juicer?? :-\
Sallyann says
I just made this green kale smoothie and it was delicious. I will absolutely add this kale smoothie to my morning list of recipes.
Thank you!
TexasTrish says
I have a food sensitivity to bananas. Any suggestions for substitution?
Pineapple! Or stone fruit.
Dawen says
Avocados, actually! They give the creaminess that people use bananas for. Then you would probably want to add a little bit of something for the sweetness – some of that pineapple, maybe, or just some stevia or maple syrup, something like that. I haven’t played around with actually replacing the banana with avocado yet, though, so you might find one avocado per banana works, or a half per banana…
Kathryn Mader says
Hi Dana, I don’t see Hide Your Kale Smoothie listed under your All Beverages Recipes. I make your smoothies all the time and can you please put that one in there for easy reference…unless it’s there all ready and I somehow missed it (highly likely). I discovered the kale smoothie when I looked at your choc chip pancakes and down below they showed some pictures of recipes I might want to try and tra-lah!, there it was. Thanks!
Must’ve missed it. Will do!
Kyla says
This smoothie is seriously amazing. I am so, so glad I found it, and so glad you made it! I make it for my mom because she is trying to diet; but I always drink half of it before I give it to her, haha! I’d say that even though it doesn’t taste like it has kale, it does have a texture like it does have kale; but I’m sure that’s probably because I have a bad blender. Thanks for the recipe!
haha, nice! Glad you and your mom enjoyed it.
Stacie says
Yummy! Even my 3 year old daughter (who hates everything) is lovin’ it! We know how nutritiously wonderful kale is for us but it’s hard to consume a lot of it without going insane! We are juicing and smoothy-ing until we don’t feel guilty about our vacation food binge! We won’t talk about that! What’s on vacation, stays on vacation! Except the fat rolls I brought home with me! Ha! Thanks!
Suzanne @ hello, veggy says
As much as I love green smoothies, a change of colour is GREAT! Looks delicious!
Kasey says
Ahahahah. I love the reference ‘hide ya kale’ ;) Clever lady!
ha! Someone got it. I almost linked to the video in the post. Certainly one of the best you tube moments of all time.
Shikha @ Shikha la mode says
Frozen kale! Such a good idea – I always struggle with keeping ingredients fresh throughout the week for smoothies – great to know.
Jenny @ BAKE says
I love green smoothies, it’s never occurred to me to freeze the kale before to keep it from turning. I will be using that tip!
Jenn says
OK this is amazing I love it, both my hubby and I had it for breakfast this morning and kept says “Yeah I could drink this this isn’t that bad at all..IT’S ACTUALLY very TASTY” I would also like to mention that we have NEVER eaten Kale before and we’re very nervous to try it but in fact will be drinking this often!! Many thanks for this recipe you’ve showed us the rainbow to a new world of hiding our greens :)
Yay! So glad you guys enjoyed this. I think the banana + pomegranate juice creates the perfect sweet, berry creaminess to mask all that kale. Cheers!
Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchen says
I LOVE the idea of freezing Kale – why have I never thought of that? I have a big bag of hemp seeds that are dying to go into this smoothie! Can’t wait to try it! :D
Kate says
This looks so good! Even though I don’t particularly mind the taste of kale, you’ve sold me with the hemp seeds and pomegranate juice. Yum :)
natalie@thesweetslife says
hmm i have pom juice in my fridge right now…PERFECT!
Do it! And happy mommyhood, friend! Hope you’re having a blast!
JoyceT says
Wish that I had read this before going to Costco today, I would have bought Hemp Seeds.
I did get Chia Seeds and Pomegranite Juice. Tart Cherry Juice at Trader Joe’s.
Now I hav to get Kale, I didn’t know that you could freeze that too!
Thanks for your Smoothies recipes.
Abbie @ Needs Salt says
This smoothie looks awesome. I love that color! And all the different vibrant glorious fruits going into this. Awesome stuff.
I have never had a kale smoothie before, but I’m totally going to put an end to that very soon!
Pinning this!
Elisabeth says
That’s awesome! I never thought of freezing my kale! No more yellow kale for me!! I can’t wait to try this. Where would I look for hemp seeds? I’ve never tried them before.
Most health food stores have them, as well as healthy/organic sections in grocery stores. Otherwise, order them off of Amazon!
Caitlin says
you crack me up. i love the pic that says “hide ya kale!” you have so much fun with your blog, and it shows ;)
Thanks Caitlin! Hugs.
Ana Victoria says
I love this and will def go buy organic hemp seeds & pomegranate juice! We also have tried many fruit juices to hide and white cranberry juice or apple juice has worked the best. Thank you :)
Penny says
I can’t wait to try this!
Instead of the pomegranate juice, do you have any recommendation for what whole fruit would work well? I want to keep the smoothie raw, and the only juice that I have access to is pasteurized.
Thank you!
I’d say any dark berry would work best!
Ali | Gimme Some Oven says
This sounds delicious! And love that you tossed hemp seeds in there too!
Abby @ The Frosted Vegan says
I’m allll for hidin’ yo kale, just like this!
Clever Girl Reviews says
Sounds great, a little high in sugar but it’s too bad. Do you do anything to prep the kale?
I’ve been buying bagged organic spinach and kale lately and I just throw the whole bag in the freezer. But if you buy it as is, just rinse, dry, put in a freezer safe bag or container and put in the freezer!
Donna says
What do you mean buying spinach & kale as is?
Donna says
Buying spinach & kale “as is” makes no sense. Please explain.
Pablo says
Not bagged
Ashley M at (never)homemaker says
I love using hemp seeds. Great recipe! In fact, I might just have to make myself a green smoothie this morning — thanks for the inspiration.
Of course! Hope you enjoy it, Ashley :D
Katy says
How do you go about freezing your fresh greens? I’m going to be stocking up today but I hate slimy spinach. I’m definitely going to give kale a try, this smoothie looks super creamy!
Clever Girl Reviews says
Katy,
You can Pre-blend the spinach with coconut water and a dash of lemon juice first. The put into an ice cube tray or popsicle molds. I’ve used the popsicle route because it’s easy and you get the right amount!
April says
Sweet! I was just thinking that I need to start freezing my produce since I never get through it fast enough when I keep it in the fridge.
Mel says
I make my vegetables in the juicer, or in smoothie form, and then freeze them in individual servings. It’s been working out great, and tastes great too!
Lola Gasabova says
Do you think freezing makes the nutrients go away?
hailey says
costco and bjs routinely sell frozen bags of kale (sometimes mixed w/spinach). one less step!
Maryea {happy healthy mama} says
Love adding greens to my smoothies! I’ll have to try pomegranate juice as the liquid–I’ve never tried that. I’ll have to let you know what my little ones think. That’s the ultimate test. :)
They’ll love it! Let me know how it goes, Maryea!
Ruthie says
Is it ok to use chia/flax seed blend instead of hemp seeds?
Lincoln says
Looks good ill try it, i normaly use cranberries to kill the kale taste
Khk says
Cranberries worked well to disguise kale. Also used grape juice instead of pomegranate.