A fresh and bright pineapple smoothie with fresh orange, bananas, almond milk and a touch of ginger for a zingy kick. Plus, learn how to freeze bananas to make it easy to add to all your smoothies!
Recipe and photos updated in February 2018. First published in April 2015.
Pineapple Smoothie
This is what I’ve been drinking this week – a fresh and sweet pineapple orange smoothie that takes about five minutes to whip up and goes so well with all the nice Spring weather we’ve been having.
I’ve been a little more conscious about what I’m eating lately and combining that new healthy eating mindset with some much needed evening walks, which is so good for my mood, my soul, and my waistlines (go figure!).
So much of what I love is wrapped up in butter, cream, and other delectable ingredients so I’ve tried to strike a good balance lately — a few indulgent treats a week and the rest of the time a bit more, how should I say… reasonable. Hence, this pineapple smoothie.
How to Freeze Bananas
Smoothies are generally pretty simple to make – add some fruit and other ingredients like milk or yogurt to a blender and puree until smooth – but it’s often having the right ingredients on hand that are ready to use that get in the way of my smoothie-making goals.
You can find a variety of frozen fruit already packaged and ready to use, but bananas are not always one of them. For the best pineapple smoothie consistency they’re best frozen, so thinking ahead and making it easy to pull some out the freezer is sometimes the reason I skip a smoothie in the morning. So, here’s what I did recently to ensure I have plenty of frozen bananas on hand for all the smoothies:
- I bought four bananas and sliced them into 1/4-inch slices
- I placed the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and popped it in the freezer.
- Once they were frozen I transferred the slices to a ziplock bag to have on hand in the freezer.
This whole slice and freeze on a baking sheet method solves two potential problems:
- If you freeze whole bananas it just makes it harder for the blender to puree them. Slices puree a lot easier.
- Freezing the banana slices on a baking sheet ensures you don’t end up with a block of frozen slices, the potential outcome if you just chuck all the slices in a bag together before freezing.
Other Ingredients You’ll Need
- Frozen pineapple chunks
- Orange: I used one whole orange, peeled and cut into segments. I have a high-powered blender that completely breaks down the segments, so if you’re worried you can always just squeeze the juice from the orange and add a few extra chunks of pineapple or sliced bananas.
- I used unsweetened almond milk, but regular milk or half and half (extra indulgent!) will work great, too.
- Ginger: I buy tubes of ginger paste (look for it in the produce department) because it’s super easy to measure and add to the smoothie, but the same amount of grated fresh ginger works, too. I love the flavor it adds to the smoothie – sort of a zingy surprise!
This pineapple smoothie is a bright and fresh way to start the day and now with plenty of frozen fruit on hand, I’ll be making this one a lot.
More Smoothie Recipes
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Pineapple Smoothie
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 smoothie 1x
Description
This pineapple smoothie has a whole orange, some banana, and a touch of ginger. It’s a bright and fresh way to start the day! See the recipe notes for some tips and tricks in making your smoothie.
Ingredients
- 1 orange, peeled and cut into segments (see notes)
- 1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks
- 1/2 a frozen banana (see notes)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger paste (see notes)
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth.
Notes
- I used a high-powered blender to make my smoothie, which can easily break down orange segments. If you are worried, you can just squeeze the juice from the orange and add it to the smoothie. If you do this, just add a few more banana slices or pineapple chunks.
- I like to slice and freeze banana slices to make it easy to add them to smoothies. To do this, just slice the bananas and place the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the freezer until the slices are frozen. Transfer the slices to a freezer bag and keep frozen.
- If you love ginger, increase the amount to 1 teaspoon for an extra kick of flavor.
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Blend
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 smoothie
- Calories: 209
- Sugar: 42.8g
- Sodium: 66.8mg
- Fat: 1.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51.1g
- Fiber: 5.5g
- Protein: 2.2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: pineapple smoothie, pineapple orange smoothie
The nutrition information in this recipe is an estimate only and was calculated using Nutrifox, an online nutrition calculator.
Marjory says
We always have a stash of bananas in the freezer! Love the addition of ginger and pineapple for the taste and their anti-inflammatory properties!
★★★★★
Amanda says
I’ve always been a fan of the pineapple/orange combo. It is such a bright flavor duo. The ginger is a great addition. It has so many health benefits which helps make this a nutritious and delicious treat.
★★★★★
Wishing U Well says
We should always make sure that our health is our priority, and this smoothie is something that will help us with this goal. It will not only keep you healthy, but will surely satisfy your cravings as well.
Becky Charlotte says
As a healthy buff and a fitness lover, I make sure to incorporate as much as fruits in my diet. I’m definitely all for that delicious-looking smoothie. Yum! I can’t wait to try it myself. Hope I get the recipe right though. LOL
April says
Haha! Yes, it’s a pretty complicated recipe 🙂
Marj says
That looks so great! It’s perfect for me here since it’s in the middle of summer where I live. Just about everyday we hit over 100 degrees.
Maya @ Treats and Eats says
I totally agree, it’s all about the balance. Which can be hard as a food blogger! The smoothie sounds delicious and a great way to get more fruit in the diet- yum!
April says
Thanks, Maya — it can be hard sometimes, so it’s important that I remind myself it’s all okay as long as it’s in balance. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Annie @ ciaochowbambina says
Like you, I’m all about striking a healthy balance. I cannot be deprived the joys of cooking all types of food. This smoothie will fit in perfectly with way I eat! Delicious!
★★★★★
April says
Deprivation = no good!
Rosemary @anitalianinmykitchen says
Hi April, you are so right. Eating right is what counts. I have never been a smoothie fan but your pineapple orange is making me think again, two of my favourite fruits. Thanks Have a Happy Easter.
April says
Thanks, Rosemary — I hope you like it!