Creamy Kale & Avocado Smoothie
The Creamy Kale & Avocado Smoothie is the epitome of a healthy yet delicious beverage. It masterfully combines the earthy notes of fresh kale with the rich, buttery texture of avocado and the natural sweetness of a frozen banana. This creates a perfectly smooth, vibrant green drink that is both satisfying and packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. It's an ideal choice for a quick breakfast, a post-workout recovery drink, or a wholesome afternoon snack.
Preparation
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
Primarily categorized as a Smoothie, this drink falls into the Health Drink category due to its focus on nutritious, whole-food ingredients. It is a popular choice for those seeking a healthy and functional beverage.
Serving
This is a substantial, cold beverage served in a large pint glass or tumbler. It is completely alcohol-free, making it a healthy option for any time of day.
Serving size
Approximately 450-500 ml / 15-17 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV (Alcohol-Free)
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Pint Glass
Glass treatment
None
Backstory
This smoothie is a product of the modern health and wellness movement, which gained momentum in the early 21st century. As people sought out nutrient-dense, plant-based meal replacements, green smoothies became a staple. The combination of kale and avocado is particularly celebrated for its blend of fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats, making it a go-to recipe in the health-conscious community.
Origin
While not tied to a single creator, this type of smoothie became widely popular in the United States and other Western countries during the 2010s, alongside the rise of "superfoods" like kale and avocado.
Creamy Kale & Avocado Smoothie
This smoothie is often known by descriptive names like "Avocado Kale Power Smoothie" or "Green Goddess Detox Smoothie," which highlight its healthy ingredients and revitalizing properties.
Original name
Creamy Kale & Avocado Smoothie
Alternative names
- Avocado Kale Power Smoothie
- Green Goddess Detox Smoothie
Characteristics overview
This smoothie boasts a luxuriously thick and creamy texture with a vibrant green appearance. Its flavor is a pleasant balance of fruity sweetness from the banana and earthy notes from the kale, resulting in a clean, refreshing taste.
Flavor
creamy, sweet, earthy, green, fruity
Aroma
fresh, green, banana, subtly earthy
Taste balance
sweet, slightly earthy
Aftertaste
clean, fresh, light
Fizziness
none
Color appearance
vibrant green, opaque, thick
Texture
thick, creamy, smooth, rich
Seasonality
refreshing, year-round
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor profile is defined by its exceptional creaminess and moderate fruity sweetness, with only a slight hint of earthy bitterness from the kale. This is a non-alcoholic, non-carbonated, and perfectly balanced health drink.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This smoothie combines leafy kale, creamy avocado, and a sweet frozen banana. Unsweetened almond milk provides the liquid base, with optional chia seeds for added nutrition.
- Kale2 cups (packed)Fresh, with tough stems removed.
- Avocado1/2 mediumRipe, peeled and pitted.
- Frozen Banana1 mediumUsing a frozen banana makes the smoothie cold and creamy without ice.
- Unsweetened Almond Milk240 ml / 8 ozCan be substituted with water, coconut water, or any other plant-based milk.
- Chia Seeds1 tablespoon(optional)Adds fiber, omega-3s, and helps thicken the smoothie.
- Lemon Juice1 teaspoon(optional)Adds brightness and helps cut through the richness.
Ice type
- None
Mixing equipments
The only equipment required is a high-speed blender, which is essential for breaking down the kale leaves and creating a perfectly smooth, non-gritty texture.
- High-speed blender for blending ingredients until smooth.
Instructions
To prepare, simply combine all ingredients in a blender, starting with the liquid, and blend until perfectly smooth. Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.
1. Wash the kale thoroughly and remove the tough inner stems. Peel and pit the avocado.
2. Add the almond milk to the blender first, followed by the kale, half avocado, frozen banana, and optional chia seeds and lemon juice.
3. Blend on high speed for 60-90 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy with no visible kale flecks.
4. Pour the smoothie into a large glass.
5. If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of extra chia seeds on top and serve immediately with a wide straw.
Garnishing
Garnishing is optional, but a sprinkle of chia or hemp seeds can add a pleasant texture and visual appeal to the finished drink.
- A sprinkle of chia seeds or hemp seeds on top.
Dietary Information
This smoothie is alcohol-free, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and soy-free. It contains nuts if made with almond milk, but can be made nut-free by substituting with water, oat, or seed milk.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This smoothie is moderately caloric, primarily from healthy fats and carbohydrates. The sugar content comes naturally from the banana, making it a wholesome choice.
Calories
Averagely 380 kcal / 1590 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 45 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 22 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This smoothie is perfect for starting the day as a nutritious breakfast, refueling after a workout, or as a healthy pick-me-up snack. It's also a popular choice for those on a detox or cleanse program.
- Breakfast
- Post-Workout Snack
- Healthy Snack
- Detox or Cleanse
Pairing suggestions
This smoothie is substantial enough to be a meal on its own. For a more complete breakfast, pair it with a source of complex carbohydrates like whole-grain toast or a side of granola.
- A piece of whole-grain toast with nut butter.
- A small bowl of granola or oatmeal.
- Enjoyed on its own as a meal replacement.
Creamy Kale & Avocado Smoothie: Your Green Powerhouse
The Creamy Kale & Avocado Smoothie is a fantastic gateway to the world of green smoothies. Its rich, creamy texture from the avocado and banana perfectly masks any potential bitterness from the kale, resulting in a drink that tastes as good as it makes you feel. Packed with vitamins, fiber, and healthy fats, it's a quick, easy, and delicious way to nourish your body. Whether for breakfast or a post-workout refuel, this smoothie is a vibrant and satisfying choice.
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