Arugula Pineapple Smoothie

This arugula smoothie is refreshing, naturally sweet, and full of immune-boosting ingredients! Honeycrisp apple, sweet navel orange, and zippy arugula make one delicious and healthy smoothie.

Why you’ll love it

Arugula may seem like a bold choice for a smoothie, but it’s peppery bite pairs perfectly with pineapple and citrus! Here’s why you’ll love this arugula smoothie:

• Arugula is rich in calcium, potassium, folate, and disease-fighting antioxidants!
• It’s naturally sweetened with fruit! No processed fruit juice or refined sugar necessary.
• It’s low calorie, easy to make, and tastes delicious!

If you’re looking for a drink that tastes great, but also packs in the nutrients, this arugula pineapple smoothie is it!

Key Ingredients

Arugula – Also referred to as rocket, find arugula with the bagged and boxed greens in the produce aisle. It has small tender leaves and a peppery bite. I wouldn’t throw it in any smoothie, but it goes great with citrus and tropical fruits.

Yogurt – Yogurt creates a creamy texture! I used unsweetened Greek yogurt, but vegan or dairy-free yogurt works great too. You can add sweetened yogurt, but keep in mind you are adding sugar to the smoothie.

Banana – Naturally sweetens and thickens this green smoothie. Always use a ripe banana! Unripe bananas taste chalky and bland.

Honeycrisp apple – Or another sweet-tart apple! Remove the core and stem, but the peel can stay! It holds plenty of nutrients and it’s barely noticeable.

Frozen pineapple – A heaping 1 1/2 cups! Pineapple tastes amazing in green smoothies. Be sure to use frozen pineapple for a thick and frosty smoothie.

Citrus – The juice of a navel orange and lime specifically. Don’t skip this! Trust me, it adds that pop of refreshing citrusy flavor.

Plant milk – I used unsweetened almond milk, because it’s what I keep on hand. Another mild flavored plant milk works great too!

How to Make an Arugula Smoothie

It’s super simple! There’s only two steps, it’s ready in 2 minutes, and there’s virtually no clean up. Just throw your blender in the dishwasher and be on your merry way!

Combine the arugula, banana, apple, frozen pineapple, yogurt, and almond milk in the base of a high-speed blender. The better quality blender you have, the less you’ll notice greens in your smoothies!

Squeeze the juice from the orange and lime directly into the blender.

Blend until thick, creamy, and smooth!

Smoothie Making Tips

• Smoothies are very forgiving! If you’re smoothie is too thick, add a splash of plant milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, add more frozen pineapple to thicken it up.
• If you don’t have arugula, spinach is a good swap! Spinach is jam-packed with antioxidants and nutrients too.
• If you like a sweeter smoothie and you don’t mind the added sugar, you can add maple syrup, light agave, or swap the almond milk with orange juice. I don’t recommend honey since it hardens when it gets cold. It may not get incorporated fully.
• If possible, use a high-speed blender like a Vitamix or a Ninja. They have a powerful motor for a very smooth blend. Some appliances are worth the investment, and a good blender is one of them.

Arugula Smoothie FAQs

Health Benefits of Arugula

Arugula packs a nutrient punch! Check out these amazing health benefits:

• Rich in calcium, potassium, folate, plus Vitamins C, K, and A!
• Arugula is full of disease-fighting antioxidants that can reverse damage to your cells.
• Glucosinolates, the substance that gives arugula its kick, may protect you against certain cancers like breast, lung, prostate, and colon cancer.

I love to add this superfood into my daily meals/snacks.

Storage Tips

• Smoothies are always best enjoyed fresh! But if you need a minute before you drink it, pop it in the freezer so it stays cold.
• I don’t recommend storing it in the fridge overnight. It loses its thick and frosty texture.
• If you have leftover smoothie, make it into smoothie pops! Just pour the leftover smoothie into a smoothie mold and add popsicle sticks. Freeze for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, then enjoy!