This Blueberry Kiwi Smoothie is an awesome breakfast or post-workout smoothie. It's full of flavor, packed with protein and made without banana, too.
Oh how I adore kiwis, and lately I've been loving this in this kiwi smoothie recipe. They pair well with blueberries, and add a tropical twist to my typical smoothie routine. Honestly, this smoothie is basically summer in a glass.
I don't know about you, but I tend to enjoy a smoothie most days for a midday snack. My strawberry blueberry smoothie and my cherry smoothie tend to be my go-to's. So, it's nice to switch it up from time to time, and this vegan smoothie recipe is just the way to use up kiwis!
Recipe features
- It's fruity, but not too sweet, and made with easy-to-find ingredients
- Kiwis are full of vitamin C, and have a fair amount of fiber and and potassium too.
- It has protein without using protein powder! Hemp seeds have a ton of protein, and they taste better than protein powder (in my opinion).
Ingredients
Kiwi - I know many people don't eat the skin, but since we're just throwing the kiwi into the blender, I opted to leave it on and you couldn't taste it (or feel it) at all. Totally up to you if you prefer to peel the kiwi first or not.
Blueberries - You can use fresh or frozen blueberries -- fresh will produce a thinner smoothie, and frozen will make your smoothie thicker. Not a blueberry fan? Try pineapple, mango or even strawberries instead.
Hemp seeds - Hemp seeds are a great way to add protein to a smoothie without using protein powder. But, if you don't like hemp seeds, a scoop of regular or vanilla-flavored protein powder will work.
Mint - This may seem random, but trust me on this one! The mint pairs so well with the kiwi and makes the smoothie taste extra refreshing.
Milk - I used almond milk, but water, orange juice or any dairy-free milk will work.
Instructions
Like most smoothie recipes, this one is very easy to make. Simply add all of the ingredients to your blender and blend them up until the mixture is smooth, approximately 30-60 seconds.
Tips and tricks
- Want to bulk up this smoothie? Add more STUFF, like yogurt, spinach, chia seeds, half of an avocado, frozen cauliflower (like in this cauliflower smoothie), and/or a drizzle of honey.
- This recipe is made without banana, but feel free to add one is if you enjoy using banana as the base of your smoothies.
- Want this smoothie to be even more tropical? Add frozen tropical fruit mix, and use coconut milk as the liquid.
Are hemp seeds really full of protein?
There's 10 grams of protein in 3 tablespoons of hemp seeds. Not bad if you ask me!
Do you peel the kiwi first?
You don't have to! Since it's going into a smoothie and getting blended up into a creamy texture, you won't be able to taste the skin (or feel it!). But, if it makes you feel better, you can peel the kiwi before adding it to the blender.
More healthy smoothie recipes
If you made this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and star rating below. Thanks!
Kiwi Smoothie
Ingredients
- ½ cup blueberries fresh or frozen
- 2 kiwis
- 2 mint leaves
- 3 tablespoon hemp seeds
- 4 ice cubes
- ½ cup almond milk or milk of choice; more as needed
Instructions
- Cut kiwis in half and then add them, along with the remaining ingredients into a blender. Blend until smooth, 30-60 seconds. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
UPDATE NOTE: This post was originally published in January 2019. It was updated with new text and photos in July 2022.
Haley says
My favorite smoothie combination.
Liz says
These look SO good Erin! I've been craving so much fruit lately!
Erin says
Thanks Liz, me too!
Kara says
Question: My son loves chia seeds, can I swap that out for the hemp seeds?
Erin says
yes absolutely!
Anna says
Nice smoothie Erin. I like the use of mint. My kids love kiwis so I will try this with them. I use hemp protein powder quite a bit in breakfast smoothie.
- Anna
ps - Love the Whole 30 recipes (pics are always amazing on your site)
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
I need to get back onto the kiwi train- I think this recipe sound perfect mainly because it's so puuurty.
Dani @ DaniCaliforniaCooks says
Someone I work with keeps the skins on when she eats kiwis..thoughts?
Erin says
Soooo I Googled it and apparently the skins contain extra fiber and Vitamin C. I ate mine, but I could also understand not wanting to because the texture is kinda funky.
Georgie says
Now that I think of it, I haven't had a kiwi in forever! I don't dislike them, they just aren't in my regular arsenal of fruit. Hemp seeds on the other hand are like my food fairy dust. Sprinkle a little protein power on salads, smoothies or whatever I'm eating pretty much!
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says
I was the same way with kiwis and I think it was because of the seedy texture. I do love the flavor though so I think adding it to a smoothie is a brilliant idea. And I'm obsessed with hemp seeds too so I pretty much want nothing more than to reach through the screen right now and grab this beautiful smoothie!!
Christine@ Apple of My Eye says
Mhmmm I've always been a pretty big fan of kiwis! I love how pocket-sized they are (not that I actually put it in my pocket hahah) and how you can easily scoop out the insides. Even better in a smoothie! Gorgeoussss photos!
Julia says
Holy shit! Now that you mention it, I think it's been about 6 years since I've had a kiwi! And I have no excuse, because I actually love the dern things. This smoothie has got it going on, sista! Time to get me some kiwis and get to blending, fo' sho! So happy to hear you had a fun Easter and Happy Monday!
Erin says
Glad to hear I'm not the only one going through a kiwi drought. We need to eat extra kiwis to make up for lost time!
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
I'm pretty hit or miss when it comes to kiwis. I like them, but I just find it so hard to get a nice ripe one -- usually they end up being way too sour. That and the fuzzy skin kind of skeeves me out 😆
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Kiwis are a staple fruit for me! I'm eating one now! hahahahah! I'm glad you like them now 😉 And I'm one of those people who eats the skin too! The best part!
Erin says
I ate the skin too! I didn't know people didn't eat the skins.... lol though Google tells me it's super healthy so I don't feel so bad.
Kelly @ Kelly Runs For Food says
This sounds so good! I like kiwi, but for some reason I never pick them up at the store. I can't remember being a picky eater when I was a kid. My mom was really good about sneaking in healthy stuff into our meals, though!
Alicia says
I love kiwis! I just dont like how pricey they are sometimes and peeling them can be difficult because they get slippery. I actually disnt like blueberries for a while until I tried them again last year and started adding them to oatmeal. this smoothie looks delicious! as it gets warmer outside I definitely am wanting more smoothies and they are so easy to throw together
Erin says
You disliked blueberries?! Good thing you've hopped over to the good side 🙂
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
Happy Post-East Monday Erin! Oooh, those fresh mint leaves in this must make this such a refreshing - almost energizing and oh-so-goo-for-me smoothie! Glad you came to the kiwi side - they really rock! 🙂
Now, I am totally fascinated by this jello pretzel salad you had at your grandmas...do you have any pictures? What was in it other than pretzels and jello?
Erin says
Haha! If you type "jello pretzel salad" into Pinterest you can see what it looks like. It's so good!
Tina muir says
Yummy Erin! What a great combo! I have some kiwis in the fridge actually....they are meant to help you sleep....but I havent found they help that much....thats why they ended up in the fridge hah. This would be a great way to use them, loving smoothies right now! I would love if you joined us for meatless monday with this 🙂
Erin says
Kiwis help you sleep? Well..supposedly? Weeeeird!