Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this Kiwi Smoothie because it requires only a handful of simple ingredients and almost no preparation. Kiwi brings a distinctive sweet-tart flavor, while banana adds natural sweetness and gives the smoothie a thick, creamy consistency.
I also find this recipe easy to customize. I can add other tropical fruits, leafy greens, seeds, or protein powder. I can also use plant-based milk and dairy-free yogurt whenever I want a dairy-free version.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 3 ripe kiwis, peeled and chopped
- 1 ripe banana, preferably frozen
- 1/2 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
- 3/4 cup milk or plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, optional
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds, optional
- 1/2 cup ice cubes, optional
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice, optional
Directions
- I peel the kiwis and cut them into chunks so they blend easily.
- I add the milk to my blender first, followed by the Greek yogurt.
- I add the chopped kiwi and frozen banana. If I want a brighter, slightly tangier flavor, I also add a little fresh lime juice.
- I add chia seeds if I’m using them, then blend everything on high until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- I taste the smoothie before adding any sweetener. When my fruit is already ripe and sweet, I often find that I don’t need additional sweetness.
- If necessary, I add a little honey or maple syrup and blend again.
- If I want a colder and thicker smoothie, I add ice cubes and blend until completely smooth. If the smoothie is too thick, I add another splash of milk.
- I pour my Kiwi Smoothie into a glass and serve it immediately.
Servings and Timing
I get approximately 2 small servings or 1 large smoothie from this recipe.
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Blending time: 1–2 minutes
- Total time: About 7 minutes
- Servings: 1 large or 2 small smoothies
Variations
Kiwi Strawberry Smoothie
I add about 1 cup of fresh or frozen strawberries for a classic sweet-tart combination. The strawberries change the green color, but I love the way their sweetness complements the kiwi.
Kiwi Mango Smoothie
I replace the banana with frozen mango or use both fruits together. Mango gives my smoothie a creamy tropical flavor that pairs especially well with kiwi.
Kiwi Spinach Smoothie
I add one or two handfuls of fresh baby spinach. The kiwi and banana help balance the spinach flavor while keeping the smoothie fresh and fruity.
Kiwi Pineapple Smoothie
I add about 1 cup of frozen pineapple chunks for an extra tropical version. I sometimes add coconut milk as well to give the smoothie an even more tropical flavor.
Dairy-Free Kiwi Smoothie
I replace regular milk with almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk and use my preferred dairy-free yogurt. I keep the frozen banana because it provides plenty of creaminess without dairy.
Storage/Reheating
I prefer serving my Kiwi Smoothie immediately after blending because fresh kiwi can affect the texture and flavor of dairy products as the mixture sits. Freshly blended gives me the best consistency.
If I need to store leftovers, I transfer the smoothie to an airtight container and refrigerate it. I try to drink it within 24 hours and stir or shake it thoroughly before serving.
For longer storage, I prefer freezing the prepared fruit rather than the finished smoothie. I portion chopped kiwi and banana into freezer-safe bags so I can quickly blend a fresh smoothie whenever I want one.
I don’t reheat this smoothie. I always serve it cold, and I can blend it with a few ice cubes if I want an extra-frosty texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen kiwi in a Kiwi Smoothie?
Yes. I can peel and chop ripe kiwi, freeze the pieces, and use them directly in my smoothie. Frozen kiwi makes the drink colder and thicker, so I may need to add a little extra milk while blending.
Do I need to peel kiwi before putting it in a smoothie?
I usually peel my kiwi because I prefer a completely smooth texture. Kiwi skin is edible, so I can leave it on after washing the fruit thoroughly, but it creates a slightly different texture and flavor.
Why does my Kiwi Smoothie taste bitter?
I can sometimes notice bitterness when the kiwi isn’t fully ripe or when the smoothie sits for too long. I use ripe, slightly soft kiwis and serve the smoothie soon after blending. Banana, mango, or a small amount of honey can also help balance a tart kiwi.
Can I make a Kiwi Smoothie without banana?
Yes. I can replace the banana with frozen mango, pineapple, avocado, or extra Greek yogurt. If the smoothie isn’t sweet enough without banana, I add a little honey or maple syrup.
Can I make a Kiwi Smoothie ahead of time?
I can, but I prefer making it shortly before serving. Fresh kiwi contains an enzyme that can interact with dairy proteins over time and affect the smoothie’s texture and flavor. When I need to save time, I prepare and freeze the fruit ahead instead, then blend everything just before serving.
Conclusion
This Kiwi Smoothie is a quick and refreshing recipe that I love when I’m craving something fruity and creamy. The combination of tangy kiwi, sweet banana, and smooth yogurt gives me a balanced drink with a naturally vibrant color.
PrintKiwi Smoothie
This Kiwi Smoothie blends ripe kiwi, banana, Greek yogurt, and milk into a creamy drink with a refreshing sweet-tart flavor. It is a quick choice for breakfast, a snack, or a cool drink on a warm day.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 1 large or 2 small smoothies
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 ripe kiwis, peeled and chopped
- 1 ripe banana, preferably frozen
- 1/2 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
- 3/4 cup milk or plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, optional
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds, optional
- 1/2 cup ice cubes, optional
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice, optional
Instructions
- Peel the kiwis and cut them into chunks.
- Add the milk to a blender first, followed by the Greek yogurt.
- Add the chopped kiwi and frozen banana. Add the fresh lime juice if desired for a brighter, tangier flavor.
- Add the chia seeds if using, then blend on high until smooth and creamy.
- Taste the smoothie before adding sweetener. If additional sweetness is needed, add honey or maple syrup.
- Blend again until the sweetener is fully incorporated.
- For a colder, thicker smoothie, add the ice cubes and blend until completely smooth. If the smoothie is too thick, add a splash of milk.
- Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use ripe, slightly soft kiwis for the best balance of sweetness and tartness.
- For a kiwi strawberry smoothie, add about 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries.
- For a tropical variation, replace the banana with frozen mango or add about 1 cup frozen pineapple.
- Add one or two handfuls of baby spinach for a kiwi green smoothie.
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and dairy-free yogurt.
- Frozen kiwi can be used for a colder, thicker smoothie. Add extra milk as needed for blending.
- For a banana-free version, substitute frozen mango, pineapple, avocado, or additional Greek yogurt.
- Fresh kiwi can interact with dairy proteins over time, so the smoothie has the best texture when served immediately.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir thoroughly before serving.
- For convenient preparation, freeze portions of chopped kiwi and banana in freezer-safe bags and blend them with the remaining ingredients just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 recipe
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 65 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 8 mg