Tropical Pineapple Banana Smoothie

Tropical Pineapple Banana Smoothie

This refreshing and creamy smoothie is packed with tropical flavor and is perfect for a quick breakfast, a healthy snack, or a post-workout refuel. The combination of sweet banana and tangy pineapple creates a delightful balance.

Yields: 1 large serving or 2 small servings Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks (using frozen fruit makes the smoothie thicker and colder without needing ice)
• 1 ripe banana, fresh or frozen (if using fresh, you might want to add a few ice cubes)
• 1/2 cup milk of choice (dairy milk, almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, oat milk all work great)
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (optional, for extra creaminess and protein)
• 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, adjust to your sweetness preference and the ripeness of your fruit)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, enhances the flavor)
• A pinch of ground ginger or turmeric (optional, for an extra health boost and subtle flavor)
• For Garnish (as seen in image):
  • Fresh pineapple wedge
  • Diced fresh pineapple
  • Sliced fresh banana

Equipment:

• Blender

Instructions:

1. Prepare your fruit: If you’re using fresh banana, you can slice it into smaller pieces for easier blending. If your pineapple isn’t already chunked, cut it into 1-inch pieces.
2. Combine ingredients in the blender: Add the frozen pineapple chunks, banana, milk, and Greek yogurt (if using) into your blender.
3. Add sweeteners and flavorings (optional): Drizzle in the honey or maple syrup, add the vanilla extract, and any optional spices like ginger or turmeric.
4. Blend until smooth: Secure the lid on your blender and blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. If the smoothie is too thick, add a little more milk (1-2 tablespoons at a time) and blend again until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a few more frozen pineapple chunks or a couple of ice cubes and blend again.
5. Taste and adjust: Give your smoothie a taste. If it’s not sweet enough, add a little more honey or maple syrup. If it needs more tang, a tiny squeeze of lime or lemon juice can brighten the flavors.
6. Pour and Garnish: Pour the smoothie into a tall glass. Arrange a fresh pineapple wedge on the rim of the glass, and sprinkle diced fresh pineapple and sliced banana pieces on top, similar to the photo.
7. Serve immediately: Enjoy your refreshing Tropical Pineapple Banana Smoothie right away!

Tips for the Best Smoothie:

• Use frozen fruit: This is key for a thick, cold smoothie without diluting the flavor with ice. If you only have fresh fruit, add 1/2 to 1 cup of ice cubes.
• Adjust liquid: The amount of milk you need can vary based on the ripeness of your fruit and your desired consistency. Start with less and add more as needed.
• Customize: Feel free to add other ingredients like spinach (you won’t taste it!), chia seeds, flax seeds, or protein powder for extra nutrition.
• Make ahead: While best fresh, you can make this smoothie a few hours ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It might separate slightly, so give it a good shake or re-blend briefly before serving.

Enjoy your homemade tropical treat!