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!

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!

A glass containing vitamin c smoothie. It's topped witha wedge of pineapple and a straw.

Why You’ll Love This Smoothie

  • It comes together in no time at all and is perfect for breakfast or as a mid-afternoon snack.
  • It’s made with just five ingredients! I’m willing to bet you have most (if not all!) of these ingredients in your kitchen right now.
  • This smoothie is loaded with Vitamin C, Vitamin A and has a good amount of antioxidants, calcium, iron, and potassium. You also get a little healthy fat (9 grams), protein (8 grams) and fiber (8 grams). These components make the smoothie more filling and the healthy fat content helps your body absorb the fat soluble vitamins.
Ingredients measured out out to make a vitamin c smoothie: pineapple, frozen banana, grapefruit, baby kale and hemp seeds.

Ingredients Needed

  • 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 â€“ 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.
Side by side photos of a blender, with the ingredients to make a vitamin c smoothie, before and after blending.

How to Make This Smoothie

Prepare grapefruit: Press 1 grapefruit through a juicer (or citrus 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 as it should release enough juice to allow the smoothie to blend up properly.

Blend: Add frozen banana, pineapple chunks, kale and hemp seeds into the blender with the grapefruit. Blend on high until mixture is smooth and creamy.

Serve: Pour into a glass and enjoy!

Overhead view of a vitamin c smoothie in a glass topped with a pineapple wedge and hemp seeds.

Variations

While it’s easy to think you can just throw a bunch of ingredients into the blender and your smoothie will turn out, I’ve found that isn’t actually always the case! I love the combination of flavors I’ve shared for this smoothie, but if you want to switch it up, here are some ideas:

  • Grapefruit – while grapefruit is one of the main ingredients in this smoothie, I bet it would be equally as delicious with an orange or orange juice as well.
  • Kale â€“ not a fan of kale? Switch up your green and add spinach or your favorite leafy green!
  • Banana â€“ I know not everyone is a fan of bananas. The banana provides sweetness and creaminess to the smoothie. You can use frozen mango, fresh (or frozen) avocado or frozen zucchini to add creaminess to the smoothie.
  • Hemp seeds â€“ you can use flax or chia seeds instead
  • Ice cubes – if you want a thicker smoothie, throw in a handful of ice to the blender!
  • Add more protein – if you want to add more protein, feel free to add a scoop of protein powder, collagen or Greek yogurt!
A glass of vitamin c smoothie. A pineapple wedge is on the side of the glass and a straw is sticking out of the top.

More Healthy Smoothie Recipes

More Grapefruit Recipes to Try

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

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5 from 6 votes

Vitamin C Smoothie

This vitamin C smoothie combines grapefruit juice, frozen banana, pineapple and kale for a tasty drink that's loaded with immune boosting nutrients!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1 smoothie

Ingredients  

  • â…” 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!

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!

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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19 Comments

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

  2. 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!

  3. 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.

  4. 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!

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