Easy Kale And Spinach Smoothie Recipe

Kale and spinach are both nutritional powerhouses. They're low in calories, full of vitamins, high in fiber, and rich in anti-oxidants. We should all eat more green vegetables, especially kale and spinach, and one great way to get that extra dose of greens is in liquid form. But if you've ever been traumatized by a bitter green juice or an oddly vegetal smoothie, this easy kale and spinach smoothie from photographer and recipe developer Susan Olayinka is a great way to get your greens in a convenient smoothie form without the funky taste. Starting your day with a nutrient-dense smoothie is a great way to get your daily dose of fiber and will keep you full and ready to start your day. 

"I am obsessed with green smoothies," Olayinka says. "Kale and spinach are the most common vegetables that I use. I had so much fun making this, I'm sure that readers will too." All you need are a handful of ingredients and two minutes. Let's go!

For this recipe, you'll pretty much just need fruit, lime juice, greens, and almond milk. The fruit helps mask the bitterness of the kale and spinach and brings some natural sweetness to the smoothie. "I can't taste the kale in the smoothie," Olayinka says. "It's covered up by the fruit and the lime [juice]."

For the fruit, use one banana and two cups of frozen mango. If you want your smoothie to have a more frozen texture, you can use frozen banana as well. You'll also need the juice of one lime. You can use bottled lime juice, but Olayinka recommends using fresh juice if possible.

You'll also need two cups of organic almond milk. Why use almond milk? If it's unsweetened, it's low in calories, and it's also naturally high in vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that helps fight disease. It is also often fortified with vitamin D and calcium during processing. It is, however, not a significant source of protein. If you're looking for a DIY project, it's not difficult to make your own almond milk.

And last but not least, you'll need one cup of spinach and one cup of kale. Spinach and kale are two nutritional powerhouses that will turn this smoothie a delightful shade of green but will not make its flavor a bitter shade of ugh. Both kale and spinach are high in vitamin K, a vitamin that helps with blood clotting and bone formation, and vitamin C, a key nutrient in fighting off disease. They're both also excellent sources of fiber. So be like Popeye and pop the spinach and kale in the blender along with the banana, mango, and lime juice.

Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend on high for twenty seconds. Pour into two cups and serve. Note that this recipe makes two servings. You can make one for you and a friend or store the extra in the fridge for later. Drink it on the go for an easy, nutritious salad in a jar, or enjoy it at home. No matter where, when, or with whom you enjoy this smoothie, you'll get the health benefits of the kale and spinach and fruity, balanced flavor from this smoothie with nary a bitter note in sight. Enjoy!