Orange, Ginger, and Kale Smoothie

I’ve only recently jumped onto the kale bandwaggon. I already knew about its health benefits – a power of vitamins (A, C, and K), protein, omega-3 fatty acid, fibre, folate – and how it is one of the most nutritionally-dense foods out there. Since buying my new blender (yes!), I’ve been making green kale smoothies almost every day.

You don’t have to use every ingredient – and if you have some other greens, herbs, or superfood powders you want to throw in, all the better! Please don’t skimp on the avocado, peanut butter, or coconut oil, because so many of the vitamins in our beloved vegetables are fat-soluble. If you don’t add the fat, you won’t properly reap all the health benefits! Plus, each option adds great texture or taste to the smoothie, as well as added nutrition.

I was really put off green smoothies once, after my first failed attempt at making one. Now I’ve realised coconut water and fresh ingredients are the key to a delicious drink – often, I don’t even add any fruit at all! The coconut water and peas (if you choose to use them) add enough sweetness on their own. I love drinking salads!

I usually have this smoothie in the morning for breakfast, but have also drunk it for lunch and even dinner (with something else, of course!). It makes two servings, but I inevitably end up drinking both. Excessive? I think not! Just more salad for me, man.

This recipe can be gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, nut-free, egg-free, and vegan.

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Serves 1-2

Ingredients:

– 4-6 ice cubes

– handful frozen peas

– half an orange, sliced (use the zest, too!)

– large knob of ginger, peeled and sliced

– 1/3 cucumber, roughly sliced

– handful spinach leaves

– handful mint leaves

– 1-2 stalks kale, stalks removed, washed and torn

– 1 teaspoon cinnamon

– 1 teaspoon spirulina powder

– 1-1 1/2 cups coconut water (or coconut water + normal water)

– 1/3 avocado OR 1 heaping Tablespoon coconut oil (OR peanut butter)

Method:

1. Place all ingredients in your blender in the order given. Pulse until all is well crushed/ chopped, then blend on a high speed until smooth. Pour into two glasses, and enjoy! 🙂