Kiwi Smoothie Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Soak Time: 0 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2
The Kiwi Smoothie is a bright, tangy, and nutrient-packed drink that brings tropical freshness to your glass. Made with ripe kiwifruit, banana, and yogurt, this smoothie combines natural sweetness with vitamin-rich zest. It’s refreshing, energizing, and perfect for breakfast, post-workout recovery, or a midday pick-me-up.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe kiwis, peeled and chopped
- 1 ripe banana (adds natural sweetness and creaminess)
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or plain yogurt
- ½ cup orange juice or coconut water
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup (optional)
- ½ cup ice cubes
- Optional garnish: kiwi slices, mint leaves, or chia seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the fruit: Peel and chop kiwis and banana into small pieces for smooth blending.
- Add ingredients to blender: Combine kiwi, banana, yogurt, orange juice, honey (if using), and ice cubes.
- Blend until smooth: Start on low speed to mix the ingredients, then increase to high for 30 seconds until creamy and frothy.
- Adjust texture: Add more liquid if you prefer a thinner smoothie, or a few extra ice cubes for thickness.
- Serve: Pour into glasses and garnish with fresh kiwi slices or mint leaves. Serve chilled.
History of Smoothies
Smoothies as we know them emerged in the 1930s after the invention of the electric blender, but fruit-based beverages date back centuries in tropical regions where fruit purees were common. By the 1960s, smoothies became popular in the U.S. health movement as nutrient-dense alternatives to sugary drinks. The kiwi smoothie gained popularity in the 1980s when kiwifruit—originally called “Chinese gooseberries”—became a global sensation thanks to New Zealand’s export boom. Their vibrant green color and high vitamin C content made them a favorite in wellness and juice bars worldwide. (The Nibble)
Health Benefits
1. Immune Support:
Kiwifruit contains more vitamin C per gram than oranges. One kiwi provides about 70–90 mg of vitamin C, helping strengthen the immune system and support collagen production. (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health)
2. Digestive Health:
Kiwis are rich in fiber and the enzyme actinidin, which helps break down proteins, aiding digestion.
3. Heart Health:
Regular kiwi consumption has been linked to reduced blood pressure and improved cholesterol levels due to its antioxidant and potassium content.
4. Skin Health:
Vitamin C and E in kiwis promote collagen synthesis and protect against oxidative damage, keeping skin vibrant.
5. Hydration and Energy:
The fruit’s high water content and natural sugars provide energy without added sweeteners, making this smoothie an ideal light meal or workout recovery drink.
Calories and Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Protein: 7 g
- Fat: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Vitamin C: 160% Daily Value
- Potassium: 450 mg
This smoothie provides a balanced combination of carbohydrates for quick energy, protein from yogurt for satiety, and antioxidants for overall wellness.
Variations
- Green Power Smoothie: Add a handful of spinach or kale; kiwi’s flavor will mask the greens.
- Tropical Kiwi: Include pineapple or mango chunks for extra sweetness and tropical flair.
- Vegan Version: Use coconut yogurt or almond yogurt instead of dairy.
- Protein Boost: Add a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder to make it a post-workout drink.

- Citrus Zest: Add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice for extra tanginess.
- Superfood Upgrade: Sprinkle chia seeds or flaxseed before blending for added omega-3s and fiber.
Pro Tips
- Use ripe kiwis—they should yield slightly to pressure for optimal sweetness.
- Keep the skin on (optional) for added fiber, but wash thoroughly if doing so.
- Freeze your banana ahead of time for a creamier, milkshake-like texture.
- Serve immediately to preserve color and vitamin C content.
Why You’ll Love It
This kiwi smoothie is light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor and nutrients. Its vibrant green hue and tropical aroma make it a visually stunning and healthful choice for any time of day. Whether you’re chasing a vitamin boost, a healthy breakfast, or a post-gym refresh, this smoothie delivers energy, hydration, and immune support—all in one glass.
References:
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “Kiwifruit.” https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/kiwifruit/
- Cleveland Clinic. “Kiwi: Health Benefits.” https://health.clevelandclinic.org/kiwi-fruit-benefits/
- Johns Hopkins Medicine. “How to Make a Healthy Smoothie.” https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/how-to-make-a-healthy-smoothie
- The Nibble. “History of Smoothies.” https://blog.thenibble.com/2022/10/03/history-of-smoothies-smoothie-recipes-for-global-smoothie-day/
- Healthline. “9 Proven Health Benefits of Kiwi.” https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/kiwi-fruit-benefits
- Harvard Book Store. https://www.harvard.com/