3 Ingredient Pineapple Smoothie
A quick 3-ingredient pineapple smoothie that’s all about the pineapple! It’s bold and tangy, yet sweet and refreshing. Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or breakfast on-the-go! This smoothie won’t last long.
Why You’ll Love it:
Pineapple makes my heart leap for citrus-loving joy. While technically not a citrus fruit, it has the same zippy qualities! It’s tangy, sweet, and oh-so juicy.
This pineapple smoothie recipe is just three ingredients and captures the essence of the bold, sunny-hued fruit. It tastes similar to dole whip, except in a sippable beverage form.
My kids devour this pineapple smoothie, especially frozen in popsicles (more on that later). It takes 2 minutes to make it and it’s easy to customize! It’s your smoothie and your the boss!
Key Ingredients:
Banana – Bananas add natural sweetness and produce a creamier texture. For the best results, choose a yellow, ripe banana. When a banana ripens, its starch converts to sugar. An unripe banana tastes slightly bitter and chalky.
Frozen pineapple – It isn’t a pineapple smoothie without pineapple! Be sure to use frozen pineapple for the right texture and nutrients. Canned fruit is processed more, with less nutritional value. Frozen fruit is what creates a thick, frosty consistency!
Pineapple juice – I used Dole 100% pineapple juice. It boosts the pineapple flavor! You can swap the juice with another kind, but you won’t get as strong a pineapple flavor.
How to Make a Pineapple Smoothie:
Smoothies are super-duper simple. One of the many reasons I love them!
You basically throw everything into the blender and blend, but for those who like a bit more guidance:
Combine ingredients: In the pitcher of your blender, combine the banana, frozen pineapple, and juice. Always place the softest ingredients closest to the blades. In this case, the banana. It’s easier on your blender! You can add the liquid any time, because it sinks to the bottom.
Blend: It’s best to start the blender on low, especially if you have a Vitamix. It prevents the mixture from getting stuck and not blending. Then, increase the speed to high. Blend until smooth.
Taste: Taste your smoothie. Is it sweet enough? Do you like the thickness? If the answer is yes, then you’re done! If not, adjust to your liking. To thicken a smoothie, add more frozen fruit. To thin it out, add more liquid.
Serve: Pour the smoothie into a large glass or two small ones and enjoy immediately!
Smoothie Tips:
- If possible, use a high-speed blender like a Ninja or a Vitamix. Most brands carry a high-speed model. It just means they have a powerful motor with at least 900 watts. I highly recommend a Vitamix if you can afford it. If not, a Ninja is a great budget-friendly option.
- If you’re using a Vitamix, you may need to use the tamper to keep the mixture moving. Use it to push the mixture toward the blades.
- The consistency is up to you! I prefer a smoothie that’s thick but pourable. I don’t like a runny smoothie. If you prefer a thinner smoothie, add more liquid, a little bit at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Be sure to use frozen fruit. Fresh pineapple is 86 percent water! Which means if you blend it, it basically turns into pulpy juice.
Pineapple Smoothie Variations:
This pineapple smoothie is easy to customize! Try one of these simple but tasty variations:
- Less sugar – This smoothie doesn’t contain added sugar, but the juice adds a lot of natural sugar. For less sugar overall, swap half the juice with unsweetened almond milk.
- Yogurt – For a boost of high-quality protein, add 1/3 cup of unsweetened Greek yogurt. It also makes it creamier!
- Protein powder – Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder for lots of protein! Choose a blend or a plant-based version for the best results. 100% whey protein gets foamy in the blender.
- Chia seeds – For a boost of omega 3 fatty acids, add a tablespoon of chia seeds. They add a nice texture too.
- Juice – You can swap the juice with apple, white grape, passionfruit, or orange juice.
Storage:
Smoothies are best enjoyed fresh and frosty cold! I always recommend making them when you plan to drink them.
However, if you decide to make them the night before, pour the smoothie into a vacuum insulated cup and refrigerate to keep it cold.
Or for a fun healthy snack, make the leftovers into smoothie pops. My kiddos love smoothie pops! Just pour the leftover pineapple smoothie into popsicle molds, add popsicle sticks, and freeze overnight. Yum!
Smoothie FAQs:
What fruit blends well with pineapple?
Honestly, it’s hard to go wrong with pineapple! This tangy fruit pairs well with bananas, mango, oranges, raspberries, watermelon, apples, and peaches. I have yet to find a fruit it doesn’t taste great with in smoothies.
Is pineapple good for you in smoothies?
Yes! Pineapple is a nutrient-dense fruit that helps aid digestion and boost your body’s immune system. It boasts antioxidants, beneficial plant compounds, vitamin C, and manganese. It’s low in calories at just 82 calories per cup and it contains 88% of the DV of vitamin C.
Pineapple Smoothie Recipes:
- Creamy Peach Pineapple Smoothie
- Pineapple Watermelon Smoothie
- Pineapple Raspberry Smoothie
- Pineapple Apple Smoothie
- Arugula Pineapple Smoothie
Pineapple Smoothie
Equipment
- blender
Ingredients
- 1 banana peeled
- 1½ cups frozen pineapple
- ¾ cup pineapple juice
Instructions
- In the pitcher of your blender, combine the banana, frozen pineapple chunks, and pineapple juice.
- Blend on low speed, then increase the speed to high. Blend until smooth.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately!
The sugar amount is way too high! But, they look delicious.
You can decrease the amount of sugar by swapping the pineapple juice with almond milk. I do it all the time! Thanks for stopping by!
It was awesome. I live in a rural area where fresh pineapples are not always handy. It will work with canned if its all you have.