Carrot Pineapple Smoothie: Tropical & Refreshing
This smoothie is a fantastic way to enjoy the sweetness of pineapple with the earthy goodness of carrots, along with a hint of warmth from spices and a creamy texture.
Yields: 1 large serving or 2 smaller servings Prep time: 5-7 minutes
Ingredients:
- For the Base:
- 1 cup (about 120g) chopped carrots (peeled if desired, but not strictly necessary for organic)
- 1 cup (about 165g) frozen pineapple chunks (using frozen fruit makes the smoothie cold and thick without ice)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) liquid of choice (water, unsweetened almond milk, coconut water, or orange juice for extra sweetness)
- For Creaminess & Flavor:
- 1/2 ripe banana (fresh or frozen, frozen will make it thicker)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon walnuts (optional, for healthy fats and a nutty flavor, as seen in the image)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional, for a little kick)
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- For Sweetness (Adjust to your liking):
- 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup, honey, or a pitted Medjool date (if you prefer a sweeter smoothie, especially if your pineapple isn’t very sweet)
- Optional Boosters:
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (for added protein)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flax seeds (for fiber and omega-3s)
- Handful of spinach or kale (you won’t taste it much, but it adds nutrients)
Equipment:
- High-speed blender
Instructions:
- Prepare the Carrots: If not already chopped, wash and chop your carrots into smaller pieces (about 1/2 inch to 1 inch) to help them blend smoothly. If you don’t have a high-speed blender, you might want to steam the carrots for 5 minutes until slightly tender, then let them cool before blending, to ensure a smooth texture.
- Combine Ingredients: Add all the ingredients to your blender in the following order:
- Liquid (almond milk, water, etc.)
- Chopped carrots
- Frozen pineapple chunks
- Banana (fresh or frozen)
- Shredded coconut
- Walnuts (if using)
- Spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg)
- Sweetener (maple syrup, honey, or date – if using)
- Optional boosters (protein powder, seeds, greens – if using)
- Blend Until Smooth: Secure the lid on your blender. Start blending on a low speed, gradually increasing to high. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no noticeable chunks of carrot. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender with a spatula a few times to ensure everything is incorporated. If the smoothie is too thick, add a tablespoon or two more liquid at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the smoothie and adjust sweetness or spice levels as needed. Add more sweetener if you prefer it sweeter, or a tiny pinch more of the spices if you want more flavor.
- Serve: Pour the smoothie into a tall glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with extra shredded coconut and a few more walnuts, if desired, to mimic the smoothie in the image.
- Enjoy Immediately: Smoothies are best enjoyed fresh!
Tips for the Best Smoothie:
- Frozen Fruit is Key: Using frozen pineapple (and banana if you have it) will give you a thick, cold smoothie without diluting the flavor with ice.
- Adjust Liquid: The amount of liquid needed can vary depending on your blender and how thick you like your smoothie. Start with the recommended amount and add more as needed.
- Soak Dates: If using Medjool dates for sweetness, soak them in warm water for 5-10 minutes before blending if your blender isn’t super powerful. This softens them and helps them blend more smoothly.
- Get Creative with Add-ins: Don’t be afraid to experiment with other additions like a squeeze of fresh orange juice, a dash of vanilla extract, or even a spoonful of Greek yogurt for extra protein and creaminess.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The color and some nutrients might degrade over time, so fresh is always best.
Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Carrot Pineapple Smoothie!
Leave a Reply