Loaded with vitamin-rich greens like kale, chard, and mint, this naturally-sweetened, banana-free green machine smoothie is so refreshing and totally vegan! A healthy drink ready in 5 minutes, you’ll want to sip this every morning.
It’s important to mention that I am not a “smoothie” person. A large part of this being that when I do see one that looks delicious, I rarely have all ingredients on hand. Unlike with many recipes, “winging it” never works for me and I end up with a brown sludge that tastes like everything and nothing. I’ve accepted that I can never drink a smoothie by itself as a meal; I need to chew food to feel satisfied.
I do enjoy them from time to time! When thought of as more of a drink and less of a “snack,” I’m definitely on board.
For example, today’s “green machine.”
That color though!
I cannot take the credit for this inspiration: I stumbled across a very similar combination from Erthe Foods at the Little Italy Farmer’s Market. As soon as I sipped it I knew I needed to try to recreate at home!
How to make this green machine smoothie taste good
- Swiss chard has a milder flavor than pure kale, so we’re using a higher percentage of it here. It’s equally loaded with nutritional benefits!
- Mint and lime make this very refreshing and hydrating, making this great post-workout or if you live in a hot climate.
- Flax seeds help keep things creamy! Apples and dates add some nice natural sweetness.
I hope you all enjoy this simple green smoothie! Please let me know in the comments or on Instagram if you make this recipe!
Want more smoothie recipes? Give these a try:

Green Machine Smoothie
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 smoothie 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Loaded with vitamin-rich greens like kale, chard, and mint, this naturally-sweetened, banana-free green machine smoothie is so refreshing and totally vegan! A healthy drink ready in 5 minutes, you’ll want to sip this every morning.
Ingredients
- 3 leaves rainbow chard, washed
- 1 large leaf on-stem kale, washed
- 1 sprig mint, de-stemmed
- 1/3 cup lime juice (about 1/2 of a large lime)
- 2–3 Medjool dates, pitted
- 1/2 Granny Smith apple sliced
- 1 TBS grated ginger (optional)
- 1/2 – 1 cup cold water (or coconut water)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a high speed blender. If desired, add 1-3 ice cubes to thicken/chill. Serve immediately for best flavor!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drink
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 smoothie
- Calories: 228 calories
- Sugar: 42.4grams
- Sodium: 315 milligrams
- Fat: 0.7 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0.1 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.6 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 58 grams
- Fiber: 8.6 grams
- Protein: 4.4 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
Keywords: smoothie, green, kale, chard, drink, lime, machine
Sounds delicious -will definitely try this, sans protein powder. BTW your picture is beautiful – nice board and countertop!
I hope you like it! And yes thank you, I need to take advantage of nice props when I have them 🙂
Made this smoothie this morning, minus the dates plus extra mint. It was so delicious and filling too. Thank you, great recipe!
★★★★★
Yum, those sound like great additions! Thank you for commenting!