Recipes

Green Smoothie with Kale, Pineapple and Ginger

Kale and cucumber, sweetened with pineapple and apple, with a kick of fresh ginger.

By Lincoln Moore2 min read

Green smoothie in a tall glass with kale, pineapple, green apple, cucumber and fresh ginger

This is the Green 9 from our old menu, and it is the smoothie that converts people who think they do not like green drinks. Pineapple and apple do the sweetening, cucumber keeps it light, and fresh ginger gives it a clean, spicy finish that hides any bitterness from the kale.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup kale leaves, stems removed (about 2 large leaves)
  • 1/2 cucumber, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
  • 1/2 green apple, cored and chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, peeled and grated
  • 1/2 cup apple cider (unfiltered apple juice)
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • A small handful of ice (optional)

How to make it

  1. Add the apple cider, water, kale and cucumber to the blender.
  2. Blend on high for about 30 seconds until the kale is completely broken down.
  3. Add the apple, ginger, frozen pineapple and ice.
  4. Blend again for 30 to 45 seconds until smooth and frothy.
  5. Taste, add a squeeze of lemon if you want it brighter, and pour.

Tips for a smooth blend

  • Pour the liquid in first so the blades catch, then add soft ingredients, then frozen fruit and ice last.
  • Start on low and work up to high for 45 to 60 seconds. Leafy greens need the longer blend to turn completely smooth.
  • Use frozen fruit instead of ice wherever you can: it chills the smoothie without watering it down.
  • Too thick? Add liquid a splash at a time. Too thin? Add a few more pieces of frozen fruit.

Why it works

Kale brings vitamin K, vitamin C and fiber, and because the whole leaf is blended you keep the fiber that juicing throws away. Cucumber is mostly water, so it adds volume and freshness without much sugar.

Blending the greens with the liquid first is the trick to a smooth green smoothie: it gives the leaves room to break down before the frozen fruit thickens everything.

Make it your own

  • Milder greens: use baby spinach instead of kale.
  • Less sugar: swap the apple cider for water and a squeeze of lemon.
  • More staying power: add 2 tbsp hemp seeds or a scoop of protein powder.
  • Creamier: add half a frozen banana or a quarter of an avocado.

More smoothies: Green, Tropical, Peanut Butter Banana and Strawberry Banana. Or see every smoothie recipe and tip.

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