Baby kale, banana, chia seeds, and shelled hemp seeds combine into a nutrient-dense green smoothie that’s flavorful, satisfying, and easy to make. This Kale, Banana, Chia, Hemp Superfood Smoothie is vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free — a perfect breakfast or snack when you want a quick, healthy boost.
Kale, Banana, Chia, Hemp Superfood Smoothie
Kale, Banana, Chia, Hemp Superfood SmoothieI love starting the day with a green smoothie. They’re an easy way to include leafy greens and seeds for fiber, healthy fats, and protein. Some of my other favorite morning blends include Superfood PB Banana and Cocoa Smoothie, Strawberry Peanut Butter Swirl Smoothie Bowl, and Skinny Green Tropical Smoothie — all simple, approachable recipes that keep mornings stress-free.
I recently spent two exciting weeks on set in New York City for a cookbook photo shoot, which kept me away from the usual posting routine. It was an inspiring experience working with a talented team, and returning to a normal routine felt great. This smoothie was my Monday-morning reset: quick to make, energizing, and delicious.
For a natural sweetener I prefer dates. They add sweetness without refined sugar and contribute fiber and minerals. If your dates are a bit firm, soften them by soaking in hot water for a few minutes before blending. That helps them break down more easily in the blender. If you have a high-powered blender, run it a little longer to ensure a smooth texture.
Kale, Banana, Chia, Hemp Superfood Smoothie Recipe
This simple recipe yields one filling smoothie packed with vitamins, fiber, omega-3s from chia, and plant protein from hemp seeds. It’s an excellent choice for breakfast, brunch, or a nutrient-rich snack.
Details
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Total time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Serving size: 1 smoothie
- Calories: ~220 kcal
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or your preferred plant milk)
- 1 pitted date (soaked in hot water for a few minutes if firm)
- 1 tbsp raw shelled hemp seeds (or another seed of your choice)
- 1/2 ripe medium banana
- 1/2 tbsp chia seeds
- 3/4 cup baby kale (or baby spinach)
- 1 cup ice
Instructions
- Place the almond milk and pitted date in the blender first. If using a firm date, use the soaking water as part of the liquid to help blend smoothly.
- Add the hemp seeds, banana, chia seeds, and baby kale.
- Top with ice and blend on high until the texture is smooth and even, about 30–60 seconds depending on your blender.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately. If you like a thinner smoothie, add a splash more plant milk and blend briefly.
Tips & Variations
- Sweetness: Adjust sweetness by adding more or fewer dates, or substitute a small amount of maple syrup if preferred.
- Greens: Baby spinach is a milder alternative to baby kale and blends into a creamier texture.
- Protein boost: Add a scoop of plant-based protein powder or an additional tablespoon of hemp seeds for extra protein.
- Make it creamier: Use frozen banana instead of ice to make the smoothie naturally creamier without watering down the flavor.
- Date paste idea: If you make smoothies often, you can puree multiple pitted dates with a little hot water to make a simple date paste and store it in the fridge for quick use.
Nutrition Highlights
Per serving (approximate): 220 calories, 8 g protein, 30 g carbohydrates, 10 g fat, 8 g fiber, 14 g sugar, 158 mg sodium. This smoothie delivers a balance of macronutrients along with fiber, omega-3s from chia seeds, and plant-based protein from hemp seeds.
Why this is a good choice for breakfast
This smoothie combines leafy greens with fruit and seeds to provide energy-sustaining carbohydrates, plant-based protein, and healthy fats. The fiber from the banana, kale, and seeds helps keep you full longer, while chia and hemp add essential fatty acids and amino acids that support overall nutrition. It’s a practical, portable option for busy mornings.
Last step: If you make this recipe, try it once with baby kale and once with baby spinach to see which texture and flavor you prefer. Small changes make a big difference in enjoyment.
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Blue Diamond Almond Breeze. I only share products I use in my own kitchen on a regular basis. I created this recipe and received compensation to do so.