This refreshing 4-ingredient smoothie is healthy and naturally sweetened. See how to make this simple drink in just 5 minutes.
Recipe Highlights
- A pina colada smoothie is a creamy fruit drink made in a blender. It’s so easy to make at home in just 5 minutes with 4 ingredients.
- Coconut and pineapple are the flavors that make are featured in a pina colada drink. This pina colada smoothie combines coconut milk with pineapple juice and frozen pineapple chunks to create the delicious pairing.
- Enjoy this smoothie as a quick breakfast, snack, or tasty afternoon treat.
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4 Pineapple Smoothie Benefits
1. Supports Immune Function
Pineapple and banana are high in vitamin C, an essential nutrient that’s essential for good health. Your immune system needs vitamin C to fight bad germs.
2. Contains Antioxidants
Polyphenols are antioxidants found in pineapple and banana. Antioxidants manage oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, which prevents chronic disease.
3. Improves Digestion
Pineapple and bananas are high in fiber, which maintains healthy digestion. Pineapple juice and chunks also have bromelain. This is a beneficial compound that supports protein digestion.
4. Promotes Heart Health
High blood pressure and high cholesterol are risk factors for heart disease. However, the pineapple and coconut milk in this smoothie can help.
Pineapple contains potassium, a mineral that manages blood pressure. Coconut milk has healthy fats that reduce high cholesterol.
RELATED: 12 Benefits of Eating Pineapple
Ingredient Notes
- Coconut milk: Coconut milk is creamy, dairy-free, and made from coconut meat and water. It has a stronger coconut flavor than coconut water.
- Pineapple juice: Pineapple juice is the liquid base and it’s naturally sweet, so there isn’t a need to add another sweetener.
- Banana: The flavor of banana works well with pineapple and coconut milk. It creates a thick and smooth texture.
- Frozen pineapple: Use frozen pineapple to thicken and chill the smoothie without ice. Ice will water down the flavor and texture.
For full ingredients and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Variations
Seeds: Chia seeds, flax seed, and hemp seeds are delicious add-ins for this smoothie. They have protein, vitamins, and healthy fats. Use 1 tablespoon to start.
Butters: Another tasty add-in is nut butter. Options include peanut, almond, and cashew butter. Start with 1 tablespoon so the flavor doesn’t take over your smoothie.
Protein powder: Protein powder or collagen powder will make your smoothie filling and creamier. Use ½ to 1 scoop, depending on the instructions on the product’s label. Unflavored or vanilla protein powder works best with this recipe.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Put coconut milk into the blender. Add pineapple juice.
Always add liquids first.
Step 2: Add banana and frozen pineapple.
Step 3: Blend on low speed, then increase to high.
Step 4: Pour smoothie into a cup. Serve immediately.
Photo Credit: amazon.com
Blender Tips
Add liquids first for an efficient blend.
To make sure your smoothie blends properly, add ingredients in the correct order. Start with liquids. Next, add any seeds or powders, followed with fresh fruits and vegetables. Finish with heavier ingredients ice and frozen fruit.
Use a blender tamper.
While the blender lid is on, use a tamper tool to push the ingredients down and toward the blades.
Chop fruit into chunks.
For best results, cut fruit into chunks. With a powerful blender, it can handle and break up larger chunks. With a less powerful blender, cut fruit into smaller pieces.
Blend on high.
When making a smoothie, start on low speed before moving to high. This will prevent the motor from getting too hot.
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Expert Tips
- Use ¼ cup coconut milk and ½ cup pineapple juice for a stronger pineapple flavor.
- When using fresh bananas, always use ripe ones. Unripe bananas are bitter and won’t taste good in the smoothie. You can tell bananas are unripe if most or all of the skin is green.
- If the smoothie is too thick, add a bit of coconut milk or pineapple juice and blend for 10 seconds.
- Store leftover smoothie in the refrigerator for 1-2 days in an airtight glass jar. For best results, enjoy the smoothie as soon as possible.
Questions You May Have
A pina colada smoothie is healthy if it’s made whole, fresh ingredients. Avoid using too much sweetener to keep it nutritious.
If you want to add ice, only use a few ice cubes. Using too much ice can water down the flavor.
Banana adds to the tropical flavor of this smoothie. If you don’t like or have banana, you can use half a cup of unflavored yogurt instead.
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- How to Make a Smoothie
If you tried this Pina Colada Smoothie recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and let me know how you like it in the comments below.
Pina Colada Smoothie
INGREDIENTS
- ½ cup coconut milk
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- 1 banana (sliced)
- 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
INSTRUCTIONS
- Put coconut milk, pineapple juice, sliced banana, and frozen pineapple chunks into a blender. Secure lid.Place ingredients into the blender in the order listed.
- Blend until smooth. Start the blender on LOW speed for 10 seconds. Increase speed to HIGH for a full minute.
- Pour smoothie into a cup. Serve immediately.
EQUIPMENT
NOTES
- Use ¼ cup coconut milk and ½ cup pineapple juice for a stronger pineapple flavor.
- When using fresh bananas, always use ripe ones. Unripe bananas are bitter and won’t taste good in the smoothie. You can tell bananas are unripe if most or all of the skin is green.
- If the smoothie is too thick, add a bit of pineapple juice and blend for 10 seconds.
- Store leftover smoothie in the refrigerator for 1-2 days in an airtight glass jar. For best results, enjoy the smoothie as soon as possible.