Refreshing Kale Apple Smoothie

Kale Apple Smoothie - the perfect healthy addition to your morning routine. This nutrient-packed, banana-free, juice-free smoothie is naturally-sweetened with juicy apples and tender Medjool dates. Incredibly refreshing, super hydrating, and the perfect way to start your day!

If you think you don’t like green smoothies, think again. This smoothie screams sweet fresh apples and is the best green smoothie recipe to change any naysayer's mind.

I’m a big fan of smoothies! My Original Green Smoothie Recipe and this Incredible Iron-Rich Tropical Green Smoothie are fantastic, and you should definitely try them. But, it has come to my attention that some people prefer smoothies without bananas, and that is exactly what I'm delivering today!

This Kale Apple Smoothie is not only simple to make, but is super tasty! It’s naturally gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free. You’re going to love how quick and easy it is to jumpstart your day with a nourishing whole foods smoothie!

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HEALTHY INGREDIENTS 

Kale

Kale is considered a nutritional powerhouse, and for good reason! It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, easily digestible, and sweeter than some of its green leafy vegetable counterparts. Kale is great for anyone looking to bump up their dietary iron, antioxidants, Vitamin C, Calcium, or Vitamin K. To learn more about the health benefits of adding kale to your diet, read this article from Healthline. 

Fuji Apples

An apple a day keeps the doctor away! Consuming apples has been linked to reducing the risk of some cancers, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and diabetes. The fiber you get from the pectin and flavonoids can slow digestion, so you feel fuller after eating. Read more about the health benefits of apples in this article from NCBI.

Lemon

Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C. Lemons have many health benefits and studies suggest lemons could help with your complexion, cancer prevention, iron absorption, blood pressure, and boost your immune system. To read more in-depth about the health benefits of lemons, read this article from Medical News Today. 

Consuming food high in Vitamin C is especially beneficial to help your body absorb the dietary iron you’re getting from the kale in this smoothie.

Dates

Dates provide another great source of dietary iron for our Kale Apple Smoothie, and that’s good news for anyone battling anemia. They are also beneficial for providing energy, antioxidants, nutrients, and fiber. To read more about the healthy nutritional benefits from dates, read this article from Organic Facts.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Ice Water - Feel free to use coconut water in place of ice water if desired.

Kale - You could use spinach only if that’s all you have on hand.

Fuji Apple - I recommend using any sweet juicy apple  

Lemon - ¼ cup orange juice can be used in place of the freshly squeezed lemon juice. 

Dates - I highly recommend using dates for added sweetness and fiber. That being said, if you don’t like dates, you could use a banana in place of the dates. 

OPTIONAL ADD-INS

• Hemp Seeds
• Protein Powders
• Banana
• Yogurt
• Coconut Water

HOW TO MAKE 

Wash the produce and remove kale stems

Place kale, freshly squeezed juice of one lemon, apples with skins, ice water, and dates in a high-powered blender. 

Blend on high speed until the smoothie is thick and smooth.

Enjoy! This recipe makes two 8 ounce smoothies or one large 16 ounce smoothie. 

HOW TO VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

HOW TO STORE

Smoothies will keep in the refrigerator for 24 hours  as long as the lemon juice has been added. The pulp will rise to the top and water will settle on the bottom while storing your smoothie in the refrigerator. Be sure to shake well before drinking to ensure your smoothie is blended well. 

CAN I ADD PROTEIN POWDER TO MY GREEN SMOOTHIE?

For a macronutrient balanced smoothie consider adding whey protein powder, collagen protein powder, or a plant-based protein powder. For this smoothie, a plain or vanilla flavored protein powder works best. Simply add the recommended serving size, usually 1-2 scoops to the blender, and blend up with the rest of your ingredients.

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