Vitamin C Smoothie

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This vitamin C smoothie combines grapefruit, banana, pineapple and kale for a tasty smoothie that’s loaded with immune boosting nutrients!

A glass containing vitamin c smoothie. It's topped witha wedge of pineapple and a straw.
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I’ve got another green smoothie for you today and this one is packed full of Vitamin C thanks to the fresh grapefruit, banana and pineapple!

Whether you’re trying to get more nutrients in, boost your immune system, eat healthier or just want a refreshing smoothie to enjoy, this recipe is for you!

Why You Gotta Try This One

Woman (Brittany Mullins) wearing a white shirt and sipping a green smoothie.

This smoothie has become a go-to for me anytime I feel like I’m on the verge of catching something. It’s bright, fresh, and gives you that instant “okay, I’m doing something good for my body” feeling. The grapefruit and pineapple combo is unexpectedly perfect.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients measured out out to make a vitamin c smoothie: pineapple, frozen banana, grapefruit, baby kale and hemp seeds.
  • fresh grapefruit or grapefruit juice – when most people think of Vitamin C they think of oranges, but grapefruit has a good amount of Vitamin C too. I like using fresh grapefruit for this recipe, but you can also use store-bought grapefruit juice to keep things easy.
  • frozen banana – frozen banana is the key to making smoothies with a creamy, thick texture. Just be sure to freeze your banana before you want to make this smoothie. Check out all my tips on how to freeze bananas.
  • pineapple – fresh pineapple is packed with nutrients and an important enzyme called bromelain, which metabolizes protein, eases inflammation and decreases bloating. Yes, please!
  • kale – I like using baby kale for this smoothie, but any variety of kale will work. Curly kale would be my second choice. Spinach would also be a great substitute!
  • hemp seeds – for some fiber and protein! I love the Manitoba Harvest hemp seeds.

Make It Your Own

Want to add a fun twist? Here are a few ways to play with this smoothie while keeping all that citrusy goodness intact:

  • Ginger kick: Add a small nub of fresh ginger (about ½ inch) for a spicy little zing and extra anti-inflammatory benefits. It brightens the smoothie and gives it a refreshing lift.
  • Superfood boost: Toss in a teaspoon of spirulina for a dose of greens and antioxidants or sprinkle goji berries on top for texture and even more vitamin C power.
  • A touch of sweetness: I think the banana and pineapple bring plenty of natural sweetness to this smoothie, but you can always add a spoonful of honey if you prefer your smoothies on the sweeter side.

How to Make This Smoothie

This Vitamin C smoothie couldn’t be easier. Just follow these two steps!

Frozen banana slices, pineapple, kale and hemp seeds and grapefruit juice in a blender.

Step 1: Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender.

Vitamin C smoothie ingredients blended together in a blender.

Step 2: Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into a glass and enjoy!

Brittany’s Tips

  • Use a high-powered blender like a Vitamix for the smoothest texture, especially when blending fibrous ingredients like kale or frozen fruit.
  • Peel your grapefruit well if using fresh. Remove as much of the white pith as possible to avoid bitterness.
  • Adjust the texture by adding more liquid if the smoothie is too thick or a few ice cubes if you want it extra cold and slushy.

If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.

5 from 6 votes

Vitamin C Smoothie

This creamy vitamin C smoothie is made with grapefruit, banana, pineapple, and kale. It's refreshing, easy to make, and full of immune-boosting nutrients.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1 smoothie

Ingredients  

  • cup fresh grapefruit juice or 1 grapefruit
  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1 cup pineapple, chopped into chunks
  • 1 cup baby kale , or curly kale
  • 1 Tablespoon hemp seeds

Instructions 

  • Press 1 grapefruit through a juicer for fresh grapefruit juice. If you don’t have a juicer, you can use bottled grapefruit juice or simply add 1 whole peeled grapefruit to a high-powered blender.
  • Add frozen banana slices, pineapple, kale and hemp seeds into the blender with the grapefruit. Blend on high until mixture is smooth and creamy.
  • Pour into a glass and enjoy!

Notes

  • Grapefruit: If you’re using fresh grapefruit, make sure to remove the peel and as much of the white pith as possible to avoid bitterness.
  • Greens: Baby kale has a milder flavor, but any kale will work. Spinach is a great alternative if you’re not a kale fan.
  • Sweetener: If your fruit isn’t super ripe, add a little honey or a soft Medjool date to sweeten things up.
  • Storage: Store any leftover smoothie in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within 24 hours. A splash of lemon or lime juice can help preserve freshness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1smoothie | Calories: 368kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 9g | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 30g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Smoothies
Cuisine: American
Keyword: vitamin c smoothie
Did you make this recipe?Mention @eatingbirdfood and tag #eatingbirdfood!
Overhead view of a vitamin c smoothie in a glass topped with a pineapple wedge and hemp seeds.

More Healthy Smoothie Recipes

More Grapefruit Recipes to Try

Be sure to check out all the smoothie recipes here on EBF.

About Brittany

Hey there, I’m Brittany, the creator of Eating Bird Food, cookbook author, health coach and mama of two littles. Here you’ll find quick and easy recipes that make healthy fun and enjoyable for you and your family!

More about Brittany
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5 from 6 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




19 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This smoothie is delicious and refreshing! Only difference I make is using spinach instead of kale. Once summer comes, I think this will be my go to recipe after working in the yard.

    1. YUM! Love this smoothie, Vickie, I agree is is SO refreshing. I am glad you are enjoying it too! Thank you for your review + star rating, I appreciate it!

  2. 5 stars
    Great healthy recipe. I made this twice, once with a whole grapefruit and the second with just the grapefruit flesh. I would highly recommend juicing the fresh grapefruit or removing all the white membranes completely otherwise it’s bitter.

  3. 5 stars
    This was my first time using grapefruit in a smoothie. It was good for something different and I always like to add greens to my smoothie. Thanks for another great recipe.

    1. I’m so glad you enjoyed this smoothie, Joy! Thanks for trying it and coming back to leave a review. I really appreciate it!

  4. Interesting recipe… this is the first for me to see the combination between banana and grapefruit into one glass of drink

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