Cherry Berry Kale Smoothie
If you’re looking for a delicious way to eat more greens without tasting them, you’re in the right spot. This Cherry Berry Kale Smoothie is naturally sweet, creamy, and packed with good-for-you ingredients. Whether you’re trying to make breakfast easier or just want a nourishing snack, this high protein smoothie is a simple, satisfying option you can make in minutes.
As a nutrition coach and recipe developer, I’ve tested countless smoothie combinations over the years so you don’t have to. Frozen dark sweet cherries add the perfect touch of natural sweetness, while frozen kale blends in seamlessly, no earthy aftertaste here. If you’ve struggled to enjoy green smoothies in the past, this recipe will change your mind.
If you love smoothies that are high in protein and sneak in extra veggies, be sure to try my Blueberry Spinach Smoothie (no banana) , Raspberry Spinach Smoothie, and Pineapple Banana Spinach Smoothie. They’re all easy to make, naturally sweet, and perfect for busy mornings.
Ingredient spotlight
These are just a few of the ingredients I love to highlight. Be sure to check the recipe card below for the full list and exact amounts.
- Frozen dark sweet cherries – Naturally sweet, easy to find in most grocery stores, and already pitted so you can just toss them right in the blender. If you use fresh cherries, be sure to remove the pits and stems first.
- Frozen kale (or frozen spinach) – Do not use fresh kale here—TRUST ME, it tastes very earthy and unpleasant in smoothies. Frozen kale has been blanched, which mellows the flavor. If you don’t have frozen kale, frozen spinach is a great alternative.
- Protein powder – Vanilla or chocolate both work well. I test my smoothies using a sweetened protein powder. If you leave it out, you may want to add a pitted date or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
- Chia seeds – One of my go-to smoothie additions. They help thicken the smoothie and make it more filling so it keeps you satisfied longer.
How to make a cherry kale smoothie
Add all the ingredients to a high speed blender. Blend on high for 1 minute or until smooth.
Top tips
- Do not use fresh kale in the smoothie – it tastes earthy and unpleasant compared to frozen kale, use frozen spinach if needed.
- Use whatever berries you have on hand. Blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries all work well if you don’t have strawberries.
- Add sweetness if needed. If you prefer a sweeter smoothie (or are easing into adding more greens), blend in half a banana, a pitted date or two, or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
- If you don’t have a high-speed blender, consider using chia protein (ground chia seeds) instead of whole chia seeds to prevent them from staying gritty or getting stuck in your teeth.
Cherry Berry Kale Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Strawberries - fresh or frozen
- 1 cup Frozen dark sweet cherries
- ½ cup Frozen kale
- 1 serving Protein Powder - vanilla or chocolate
- 1 tablespoon Chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon Almond butter
- 1 cup Dairy free milk
Instructions
- Measure out the ingredients into a blender.1 cup Strawberries, 1 cup Frozen dark sweet cherries, ½ cup Frozen kale, 1 serving Protein Powder, 1 tablespoon Chia seeds, 1 tablespoon Almond butter, 1 cup Dairy free milk
- Blend on high for about a minute until smooth.
Equipment
Recipe Notes
- Be sure to only use frozen kale (fresh kale will ruin the flavor). If you don’t have frozen kale, swap with frozen spinach.
- The strawberries can be swapped with any berry you have on hand.
- If you like a sweeter smoothie, add half a banana, a pitted date (or two) or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
- Use a high speed blender for the best texture.
- Pour any leftovers into a popsicle mold or ice cubes for future use.
Nutrition Information
Optional Add-Ins to Boost Nutrition or Flavor
Want to make this smoothie even more satisfying? Try adding one or two of these ingredients:
- Hemp hearts – Add a boost of protein (3 tablespoons = 10g protein)
- Yogurt – Adds creaminess. Replace some of the milk with yogurt for a thicker smoothie.
- Cacao or cocoa powder – Turn this into a chocolate cherry smoothie. Add a little honey or maple syrup if it’s too bitter.
- Oats – Make the smoothie more filling and naturally thicker with 1/4 cup of oats.
