Pineapple smoothies are delicious, reminding me of hot summer days on a beach and ice-cold pina colada.
Unfortunately, many pineapple smoothie recipes available both online and in cookbooks call for some form of dairy, either yogurt, milk or cream. Fortunately, it’s easy to substitute, by using non-dairy milk, or simply adding very ripe banana and/or avocado to make the smoothie more creamy. (If you are wondering why, read this post and this post).
So today I have three pineapple recipes for you. One is a simple version of the classic, and two that are green pineapple smoothies. I call them green pina coladas.
Classic Pineapple Smoothie Recipe
1/4 fresh pineapple – peeled, cored and cubed
1 large ripe banana
1 cup non-dairy milk (such as almond, soy, etc.) or water
4 ice cubes (optional)
Green Pineapple Smoothie Recipe
As you already know I put greens practically into each recipe, as I don’t want to miss the opportunity to add more healthy nutrients to my drink. So this one is no different. All ingredients in this smoothie, from the bananas to the pineapple to the coconut to the greens provides a healthy source of vitamins and minerals that come together in a smoothie that is as good for you as it tastes.
Ingredients
- a 13.5-oz can of coconut milk
- 1 banana
- 4 cups fresh pineapple cut into pieces or frozen pineapple chunks (unsweetened)
- 1/2 bunch of spinach, kale or collard greens, stems removed (4-5 large leaves)
- a few pieces of ice, if you want it chilled
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients in your blender, beginning with the lowest speed setting and work your way up to the highest setting until the smoothie is creamy. Add more liquid or ice if the mixture is too thick and blend until desired consistency is achieved. Pour into a tall glass, sip and smile!
Ingredients
- 1 cup freshly cut pineapple, or frozen pineapple chunks
- 1 cup strawberries, fresh or frozen
- 1 ripe banana (optional)
- 2 leaves of spinach or other leafy greens
- 1 cucumber, peeled and/or 2 stalks of celery
- a piece of fresh ginger (optional, it gives the smoothie nice "zing" that I love)
- 1 cup water (more or less, to desired consistency)
Instructions
- Blend everything on high. A high power blender is best to blend tough greens, such as kale or collard greens (I use Vitamix).
- Add more water if needed to get things moving around in the blender.
- Pour into a pretty glass, drink, and smile!
Benefits of Pineapples
Pineapples are delicious (provided that they are ripe), so you don’t need encouragement to eat them, but here are some of the health benefits:
1. Prevents Free Radical Damage: Pineapples are a rich source of antioxidants. They fight against free radicals in the body, preventing cell damage. These antioxidants help protect you from diseases like atherosclerosis, heart diseases, arthritis, various cancers etc.
2. Thwarts Off Cold: Abundant in vitamin C and bromelain, fights against microbial infections.
3. Help Strengthen Bones: Rich amount of manganese present in pineapples helps in strengthening bones and connective tissues. A cup of pineapple juice gives you roughly 73% of the required manganese for a day.
4. Healthy Gums: Eating pineapple strengthens your gums, keeping your teeth healthy and strong.
5. Help Prevent Cancer: The abundance of antioxidants in pineapples helps fight against free radicals, halting the process of cell damage, preventing cancers.
6. Boost Heart Health: Powerful antioxidants keep free radicals away and lower the cholesterol levels, preventing heart diseases.
7. Boost Immunity: Rich content of vitamin C in pineapples boost your immune system by its strong antioxidant effect.
…and more…
How to Fix A Green Smoothie That You Don’t Love
It happens rarely, but it does happen. You made a smoothie that you don’t really care for. Don’t despair! The advantage of smoothies over other types of recipes, such as baking, is that they can be easily fixed.
- “My smoothie is too thick“: Add more liquid. The best liquid for smoothies is water, but any non-dairy milk or fresh juice can be used as well.
- “My smoothie is too watery”: Add more fruits and veggies. Bananas and avocados are great for making thick smoothies that are nice and creamy.
- “My smoothie is too savory“: Add more sweet fruits. Add a packet of stevia, 1-2 tablespoons agave syrup, or other sweetener. A few dates or other dried fruit will also work, but you’ll have to blend it really well.
- “My smoothie is too sweet“: Squeeze some lemon or lime juice into your smoothie. Add more greens and/or celery. Add a tart apple and blend well.
- “My smoothie tastes bland”: Perhaps you added too many ingredients that don’t complement each other, or not enough ingredients that have distinct taste. Whatever the reason, I find that adding spices, such as cinnamon, vanilla, a piece fresh ginger, a piece of lemon (or some lemon juice), or a few fresh mint leaves will add some instant zing to any smoothie that is too bland.
- “My smoothie is too “green” tasting“: Some greens have very distinct flavor. If you added too much strong tasting greens, such as mustard greens or dandelion, and the taste is too strong, you will have to dilute the smoothie by adding more fruits, mild greens and some condiments, such as ginger or lemon.
- “My smoothie has awful color, my child (spouse, etc.) refuses to drink it“. Best way to mask the color is to add some frozen blueberries or cocoa powder to the mix. Another way is to serve it in a non-transparent container with a straw.
Questions? Comments? Suggestions?
If you have a favorite recipe, why not submit it here in the comment section of this smoothie recipes blog for others to enjoy too!
I also welcome any comments, questions and suggestions. Thanks!
