Strawberry-Pineapple Smoothie

(16)

Blend almond milk, strawberries and pineapple for a smoothie that's so easy you can make it on busy mornings. A bit of almond butter adds richness and filling protein. Freeze some of the almond milk for an extra-icy texture.

Strawberry-Pineapple Smoothie
Prep Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
5 mins
Servings:
1
Yield:
2 cups
  • This smoothie blends strawberries and pineapple into a quick, refreshing breakfast.
  • Strawberries help boost gut health with antioxidants and fiber.
  • Almond butter adds creaminess and protein, making the smoothie richer and more filling.

Super simple with just a handful of ingredients, this Strawberry-Pineapple Smoothie will be your favorite to-go breakfast when you're headed out the door. Strawberries and pineapple are loaded with antioxidants and provide just the right amount of sweetness for this smoothie. Almond milk brings the creaminess, and protein-rich almond butter helps slow the digestion of this smoothie, providing lasting energy and stable blood sugar. Keep reading for our expert tips, including ingredient substitutions.

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too!

  • To make this smoothie extra icy, consider freezing the almond milk in ice cube trays or an airtight bag, leaving space for the liquid to expand as it freezes.
  • We like to keep family-size bags of frozen strawberries on hand for this recipe. In addition to frozen strawberries, feel free to add or substitute any kind of frozen berries, or consider freezing fresh, in-season fruits. Additionally, you can add frozen spinach or kale to help incorporate extra veggies into your day.
  • Feel free to substitute the almond milk with another plant-based milk and the almond butter with a nut butter of your choice.
  • We believe this smoothie is sweet enough as is, but you can add honey or maple syrup to taste if you prefer it sweeter.

Nutrition Notes

  • Strawberries have brain and heart benefits, thanks to their antioxidants. Their fiber will help keep things moving through your gut while also nourishing your gut's beneficial bacteria.
  • Pineapple is brimming with vitamin C and antioxidants, adding to these same nutrients from the strawberries. Vitamin C supports immunity and healthy skin. Pineapple also contains bromelain, an enzyme that helps break down protein and aids in overall digestion.
  • Almond milk is a non-dairy alternative to cow's milk. Unlike cow's milk, however, it contains minimal protein—just 1 gram in a cup, compared to cow's milk's 8 g. But it is a good source of calcium and vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant, protecting your cells. And since it doesn't contain lactose, like cow's milk does, it can be enjoyed if you're lactose intolerant. With that said, if you're allergic to almonds, you'll want to swap the almond milk for another type of milk, like soy, oat or cow's milk.
  • Almond butter brings the protein to this smoothie. Like almond milk, it's also rich in vitamin E. Plus, it's loaded with heart- and brain-healthy fats and fiber, and will help slow down the digestion of this smoothie, thereby stabilizing blood sugar.
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 1 servings

  • 1 cup frozen strawberries

  • 1 cup chopped fresh pineapple

  • ¾ cup chilled unsweetened almond milk, plus more if needed

  • 1 tablespoon almond butter

Directions

  1. Combine 1 cup strawberries, 1 cup pineapple, ¾ cup almond milk and 1 tablespoon almond butter in a blender. Process until smooth, adding more almond milk, if needed, for desired consistency. Serve immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I make this smoothie with fresh strawberries?

    We prefer to use frozen strawberries in our smoothies. Frozen fruit eliminates the need for additional ice, resulting in a thicker consistency. While you can add fresh whole fruit (including the stems), it is advisable to include some ice as well. However, keep in mind that the ice will melt and may dilute the smoothie.

  • How do I choose a ripe pineapple?

    Check to be sure the pineapple is golden yellow, slightly soft when pressed and has a fruity aroma at its base.

  • Can I used canned pineapple?

    Technically, yes. Do we recommend it? No. For best results and to avoid any possible added sugar, use a fresh pineapple. However, if you really want to use canned, drain the juice and freeze the pineapple.

  • How should I store the smoothies?

    Store the smoothie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. While the texture may not be as good as it was on the first day, you can minimize the chance of separation by filling the container to the top, which helps reduce oxidation.

  • What should I serve with a Strawberry-Pineapple Smoothie?

    If you're making this for breakfast on the run, it might be enough. However, it goes really well with eggs every which way, Oatmeal Waffles or Fluffy Pancakes, Everything Bagel Avocado Toast, Cauliflower English Muffins or fruit-based muffins such as our Whole-Wheat Strawberry Muffins, Banana-Zucchini Muffins or Blueberry-Lemon Crumb Muffins.

EatingWell.com, March 2019

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

255 Calories
11g Fat
39g Carbs
6g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 1
Serving Size 2 cups
Calories 255
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 39g 14%
Dietary Fiber 8g 28%
Total Sugars 24g
Protein 6g 11%
Total Fat 11g 14%
Saturated Fat 1g 6%
Vitamin A 538IU 11%
Vitamin C 140mg 156%
Folate 64mcg 16%
Sodium 168mg 7%
Calcium 438mg 34%
Iron 2mg 13%
Magnesium 81mg 19%
Potassium 546mg 12%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Additional reporting by
Carrie Myers, M.S.
Carrie Myers
Carrie Myers is a portfolio entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience in the health and wellness space. As a writer and editor, Carrie has worked for both consumer and trade print and online publications. She's been quoted in several articles as a health and fitness expert. Carrie is also a certified life and wellness coach and exercise physiologist, and the founder of CarrieMichele Co., a lifestyle company that helps women create lives they love where they can be authentic.
and
Linda Frahm
Linda Frahm has been a copy editor and fact checker working with food and nutrition content for the past 30-plus years for consumer print and online publications.