
Healthy Kale and Tropical Fruit Smoothies
Toast to a New Year
I just got a new Vitamix blender for Christmas so I’ve been going crazy trying out all kinds of new smoothies and other whole fruit and vegetable concoctions. Not that you can’t use an ordinary blender to make these, especially if you don’t mind a thicker consistency like the one pictured here. But the Vitamix instantly transforms your veggies into a sweet, smooth and velvety drink that is absolutely irresistible. I am not at all into new year diet fads and restrictions, but this is one healthy habit that I will happily indulge in straight through the year!

Blender Perfection
Intro to Kale Smoothies
Let’s be honest here, kale is an acquired taste. Like many vegetables, it’s bitter in raw form and some even think it’s a bit on the spicy side. That doesn’t sound like something you’d want in your sweet tropical beverage. But those are also some of the many reasons that I love it so much in garlicky kale pesto. If you don’t love the taste of kale on its own, you could also try baby kale. It’s easier on the taste buds especially in a raw salad. I use regular kale for my smoothies, but in order to make these exciting for the whole family, I combine it with a sweet combination of tropical fruits, like pineapple and banana. The great thing about these smoothies, besides being quick, easy and super healthy, is how very versatile they are. For instance, if you like rich and creamy smoothies, you can add soy milk. My girls like extra sweet smoothies so I add antioxidant rich pomegranate juice in theirs. If you like your smoothies to be extra cold, you can also add frozen pineapple or mango instead of ice. My taste is rather simple when it comes to these. I take mine heavy on the kale, light on the other fruits and with a twist of water and pomegranate juice. Pull out your blender and discover your own favorite healthy combination!
Ingredients
2 cups Kale Leaves, washed
1 Banana
1 1/2 cups Pineapple
1 Apple
1/2 cup Soy Milk or Pomegranate Juice
Preparation
- Combine all ingredients in a blender or Vitamix and blend until smooth and creamy. Sit back and feel good about the new healthy you!
Suggested Wine Pairings
Put away the corkscrew! This ultra-healthy beverage pairs perfectly with your favorite skinny jeans.
These are amazing. I keep reading about the great benefits of kale but haven’t found a food combo that tastes good. Until now! Let us know if you have more.