Kale juice recipe—just saying it used to make me wince. Years ago at brunch, I saw a bright green drink sitting next to the quiche and muffins. I assumed it’d taste like liquid grass. Still, I took a sip—and wow. It was fresh, lightly sweet, and had none of that bitter bite I expected. That glass introduced me to the power of a good kale juice recipe. With the right balance of ingredients, kale can go from “no thanks” to “yes please.”
Back at home, I played with combos, and eventually landed on this version. It’s become my go-to kale juice recipe: crisp green apple, citrusy orange and lemon, spicy ginger, and of course, vibrant kale. It’s now as much a staple in my kitchen as a tray of vegan pad Thai or vegan sheet pan quesadillas.
Table of Contents
Why Kale Juice Is My Go-To Morning Reset
This kale juice recipe isn’t just healthy—it’s a total refresh for your body and brain. I love it first thing in the morning. It wakes me up better than coffee ever did. The apple gives it sweetness, while the lemon and orange brighten things up. Ginger adds just the right kick to start the day.
And since I’ve started drinking this regularly, I feel more energized and less bloated. It’s a simple kale juice recipe, but one that really delivers. I keep it on rotation along with easy favorites like carrot ribbon salad or cozy creamy lemon orzo. Whether you’re new to green drinks or already love them, this is the one to try.
Ingredients & What Works Well with Kale
What to Juice with Kale for the Best Taste
The secret to a great kale juice recipe isn’t just fresh kale—it’s what you pair it with. Kale on its own can be grassy and a bit harsh, but when you add the right fruits and roots, everything changes. For this blend, I love using green apple for a sweet base, cucumber for extra hydration, and citrus fruits like orange and lemon to brighten things up. A little fresh ginger gives the juice a warm kick that makes it feel extra refreshing.
If you’ve made juices before that tasted too “green,” this combo will surprise you. It’s balanced, crisp, and smooth—great for both first-time juicers and anyone looking to mix up their usual green drink routine. I often enjoy this alongside a slice of fruit and ricotta cake for a naturally sweet snack or after a light lunch like pickled cauliflower.
Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Kale (stems removed) | 1 bunch |
| Cucumber (peeled, cut into strips) | 1 large |
| Orange (peeled and quartered) | 1 large |
| Lemon (peeled and quartered) | 1 small |
| Green apple (cored and sliced) | 1 medium |
| Fresh ginger (peeled) | 1-inch piece |
Kale Juice Recipe: A Simple Green Juice You’ll Actually Love
- Total Time: 10
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A fresh and energizing kale juice recipe made with apple, citrus, and ginger—perfect for mornings or mid-day boosts.
Ingredients
1 bunch of kale, washed and stems removed
1 large cucumber, peeled and cut into long strips
1 large orange, peeled and quartered
1 small lemon, peeled and quartered
1 green apple, washed and cored and cut into slices
1” piece of ginger, peeled
Instructions
1. Wash and prepare the kale, cucumber, orange, lemon, green apple, and ginger.
2. Add all ingredients to the juicer and juice.
3. Stir the juice, taste, and adjust if needed.
4. Serve immediately or store in airtight glass in fridge for 24 hours.
Notes
For a sweeter version, add a splash of apple juice.
Shake well before drinking if stored overnight.
- Prep Time: 10
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Juicing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10 oz
- Calories: 125
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 21mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Choosing the Right Combinations for Nutrient Boost
This kale juice recipe is designed to give your body a natural kickstart. Kale brings the vitamins, cucumber cools you down, and ginger wakes up your digestion. The citrus fruits—especially orange—deliver a blast of vitamin C while cutting through kale’s bitterness. Green apple adds sweetness and fiber without overpowering the juice.
What I love most is how well this juice plays with other fresh meals. It’s the perfect pair to a morning bowl of masters egg salad or even a post-workout treat alongside a natural zepbound recipe when I want something clean and energizing.
How to Make This Kale Juice Recipe
Ingredients Breakdown
The beauty of this kale juice recipe is how little prep it needs. Six ingredients, one juicer, and about five minutes of your time. There’s no complicated prep, no soaking, and no special tools other than a juicer. Just grab your produce, wash, peel, slice—and juice.
If you’re not into heavy breakfasts, this is the kind of morning fuel that leaves you feeling light but energized. It’s also a great reset drink after a weekend of indulgence or late-night takeout. I like keeping it on rotation along with sippable treats like this strawberry pineapple smoothie or a big glass of water with lemon.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Juicing
- Wash and prep everything. Start by rinsing your kale thoroughly. Remove the stems and tear the leaves into smaller pieces. Peel the cucumber, orange, lemon, and ginger. Core and slice your green apple.
- Feed ingredients into your juicer. Begin with the cucumber and kale to create a green base. Then follow with the citrus and apple for sweetness. Add the ginger last to let its sharp flavor shine through.
- Stir and taste. Once all your ingredients are juiced, give the liquid a quick stir. Taste it—if it’s too tart, you can add a splash more apple juice or a small drizzle of honey (though I usually find it perfect as-is).
- Serve cold. Pour into a chilled glass and enjoy immediately. You can also store leftovers in an airtight glass container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
This kale juice recipe is all about freshness, so I recommend making it in small batches. Trust me, once you take a sip, you’ll want it freshly made every time.
For a fun brunch idea, I like serving this alongside dark chocolate hemp energy bites or even a chilled mocha iced coffee for guests who want both green and caffeine.
Serving Tips & How to Store Kale Juice
The Best Times to Enjoy Your Kale Juice Recipe
Once you’ve made your first batch, you’ll see how versatile this kale juice recipe really is. I love having it first thing in the morning, especially after a late dinner the night before. It’s also the perfect afternoon pick-me-up—way better than that second cup of coffee. The ginger gives it a little spice, and the citrus adds brightness that helps reset your palate.
Sometimes I serve it in small glasses as a pre-lunch refresher when we’re hosting. It pairs surprisingly well with light snacks, like spiced pear bread or even something savory like crispy garlic butter potatoes.
How to Store It Without Losing Freshness
Since this kale juice recipe doesn’t have any preservatives, it’s best served fresh. But if you need to make it ahead, pour the juice into an airtight glass jar and keep it in the fridge. It’ll stay tasty for up to 24 hours. Shake it well before drinking, as separation is totally normal.
If you want to prep ingredients in advance, store them cut and ready in the fridge. That way, juicing in the morning takes less than 2 minutes—no excuses. I even pre-portion them into small containers, just like I do with smoothie bags.
FAQs
Is it good to drink kale juice every day?
If you’re wondering whether it’s safe to enjoy this kale juice recipe daily, the answer is: for most people, yes—in moderation. Kale is packed with nutrients like vitamin K, calcium, and antioxidants, making it great for skin, digestion, and immune support. Drinking it daily can help meet your veggie intake. That said, if you have thyroid issues, consult a doctor first. Kale contains goitrogens, which can affect thyroid function if consumed in very high amounts. I stick to a few servings a week and mix it up with juices like this ginger bug recipe for variety.
What is best to juice with kale?
This kale juice recipe works because of its balance. Kale is bold, so you need ingredients that mellow it out while boosting flavor. Apple, cucumber, orange, lemon, and ginger are perfect partners. They bring natural sweetness, acidity, and spice. Want to switch it up? Pear, pineapple, or even celery are tasty options. Just skip anything too starchy like bananas—they’re better in smoothies, not juice.
What not to put in a green juice?
Some ingredients just don’t belong in a green juice, especially if you’re aiming for something refreshing and digestible. Avoid things like bananas or avocados—they’re too creamy and can clog your juicer. Also skip overly sweet fruits like grapes or mango, which spike sugar levels fast. If you’re juicing for wellness, it’s best to stay on the lighter, hydrating side. That’s why this kale juice recipe keeps it clean and simple, just like my go-to cottage cheese banana bread—another recipe that knows its role and doesn’t try to do too much.
Is it better to blend or juice kale?
Both methods have their perks. Blending kale into a smoothie keeps the fiber intact, which can help with digestion and keep you full longer. Juicing, on the other hand, removes the pulp but delivers nutrients quickly and is easier on the stomach. For me, a kale juice recipe works best when I want something hydrating and fast-absorbing—like a midday refresher or post-workout reset. It all depends on what your body needs and how you like your greens.
Conclusion
This kale juice recipe isn’t just another green drink—it’s one you’ll actually crave. It’s quick to make, full of clean, natural ingredients, and refreshing any time of day. Whether you’re looking to jumpstart your mornings, fuel a midday slump, or simply sneak more greens into your diet, this blend hits the spot.
The best part? It’s flexible. Once you get the base recipe down, you can switch up ingredients to match your mood or fridge stock. A good juicer, fresh produce, and five minutes are all you need to make this green powerhouse part of your daily (or weekly) routine.
Want more real-life recipes and cozy kitchen stories? Follow me on Pinterest for weekly ideas, and catch my home-cooking thoughts over on Medium.
