Pineapple Tropical Smoothie Recipe

Is it me or is it getting hot up in here!? Dreaming about the tropics still? That’s right, summer is around the corner and its time to hit the beach! Or is that just wishful thinking? Life is busy, it’s getting a lot hotter out there, and packing in the right nutrients into your body is still important. So sit back, and relax with a refreshing, with this nutrient packed Pineapple Tropical Smoothie recipe.

When the weather starts getting warmer, I start craving for refreshing, light, and easy-to-go nutrient packed smoothies. Pineapple is a very sweet and juicy fruit from the southern regions of Brazil and Paraguay. A fun fact to know, pineapple is actually a cluster of berries fused to the core. This versatile fruit is loaded with nutrition! Did you know, one cup of pineapple chunks has 82 calories, is an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamin C and a good source of thiamin and B6. Yum, I am all in! There is also emerging research on Bromelain, a digestive enzyme found in pineapple that can help with gut health and break down proteins in your body. It can even help with immunity and some research shows that the enzyme may reduce inflammation, blood clots, and cancer progression.

You can buy pineapple at the grocery store fresh or frozen. I personally love both! If you are looking for something easy and quick, frozen will be perfect for you. I usually get a 1 lb./16 oz. bag of frozen pineapple chunks at Trader Joe’s for only $1.99. Not bad! This super and easy recipe is a burst of flavor.

Prep Time:

-Total of 10 minutes

-Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of ice
• 1 cup of pineapple (fresh/or frozen)
• 1 large banana
• 1/3 cup dairy milk/or milk substitute of choice
• Garnish: sliced pinapple (optional)

Directions:

-Gather the ingredients

-Peel, core, and cut fresh pineapple. If fresh, make sure to chop pineapple to smaller chunks before adding to blender. Frozen pineapple chunks are perfectly fine as it is for blenderizing.

-Banana that is already riped, but not too brown. Break into smaller pieces.

-Place the ice, pineapple chunks, banana pieces, and milk in a high powered blender that can handle crushing frozen ingredients.

-Pulse and crush until it is completely blended and very smooth. If it is too thick, slowly add more milk until it’s at your desired consistency.

-Pour the smoothie into tall glasses and garnish with sliced pineapple and a cute straw.

-Enjoy!