Vegan Pineapple Strawberry Smoothie Recipe

I absolutely love this Pineapple Strawberry Smoothie recipe because it’s a deliciously refreshing way to get a boost of vitamin C and omega-3s without any dairy or added sugars. Plus, the natural sweetness from the fruits and the creamy texture from the almond milk make it the perfect guilt-free treat to start my day!

This love of starting my day with a vibrant Vegan Pineapple Strawberry Smoothie. Chock-full of the fresh pineapple chunks and strawberries, it’s a smoothie that, it’s hard to believe, not only tastes great but also serves up a vitamin C punch to wake up your taste buds.

I find that the creamy banana and chia seeds give it the kind of satisfying texture that you’d expect from a smoothie loaded with more fiber. Almond milk rounds it out nicely, but any unexpected flavor it might have is far surpassed by the flavor of the fresh pineapple and strawberries.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled
• 1 banana
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
• 1/2 cup ice cubes

Instructions

1. Start by washing the fresh pineapple pieces and strawberries under cold water. Make sure to rinse all the fruit well. Then, using a towel, pat the fruit pieces dry; be gentle so that you don’t bruise the strawberries.

2. If this has not already been done, hull the strawberries, and then peel the banana.

3. Mix the pineapple chunks, hulled strawberries, and peeled banana in your blender.

4. Put the unsweetened almond milk into the blender with the fruit.

5. Incorporate chia seeds in the blender and boost your smoothie with fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.

6. For a sweeter smoothie, drizzle in the tablespoon of maple syrup.

7. To give your smoothie a refreshing chill and the desired consistency, add the ice cubes to the blender.

8. Make certain that the lid is secured on the blender. Blend the ingredients at high speed until they are smooth and creamy.

9. Should the blender be paused during use, the sides should be scraped down as needed, and blending should be resumed. This guarantees that an even consistency is achieved in the mixture during the blending process.

10. Transfer the smoothie into a glass and serve without delay. Savor your delectable Vegan Pineapple Strawberry Smoothie!

Equipment Needed

1. Blender
2. Cutting board
3. Knife
4. Towel (for drying fruit)
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Spoon (for optional scraping)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use frozen pineapple and strawberries instead of fresh?Yes, frozen fruits can be substituted. If you’re using them, you might want to reduce or eliminate ice cubes to keep the smoothie thickness where you want it.
• Q: Is there a substitute for almond milk?You may use any milk that comes from a plant, such as soy, oat, or coconut milk, and that will keep it vegan.
• Q: Can I make this smoothie without the banana?Yes, you can omit the banana, though it contributes creaminess and sweetness. Think about adding a half small avocado or more strawberries if you want to keep the texture as close to the original as possible.
• Q: Are there any toppings that go well with this smoothie?Certainly! You might think to try adding fresh slices of fruit, a sprinkle of granola, or an extra tablespoon or two of chia seeds on top for even more flavor and texture.
• Q: Is the maple syrup necessary?Optional and adding sweetness, the maple syrup may be skipped if you want to keep the fruit salad less sweet. If the fruit is ripe enough, you might not need additional sweetener.
• Q: How many servings does this recipe make?This makes about 2 servings. You could, of course, increase the amounts to serve more and factor them into your watch week.
• Q: How can I make the smoothie thicker?To achieve a thicker smoothie, incorporate more ice cubes or decrease the quantity of almond milk. Opting for frozen fruits will also result in a consistency that is more akin to “smoothie” and less like “beverage.”

Substitutions and Variations

1 cup fresh pineapple chunks: Replace with 1 cup mango chunks for a flavor reminiscent of the tropics.
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled: For a tart, berry note, substitute with 1 cup raspberries.
1 banana: Substitute with 1/2 avocado for a creamy texture minus any flavor of banana.
1 cup unsweetened almond milk: Replace with 1 cup coconut water for a lighter, more hydrating option.
1 tablespoon chia seeds. Substitute: 1 tablespoon flaxseeds for similar nutritional benefits.

Pro Tips

1. Use Frozen Fruit for Thickness To achieve a thicker consistency without needing as much ice, consider using frozen pineapple chunks and strawberries. This not only enhances the texture but can also make the smoothie colder without diluting flavors.

2. Customize Sweetness Naturally If you’re looking to naturally sweeten your smoothie without adding maple syrup, use a very ripe banana. The riper the banana, the sweeter it will be, providing natural sweetness to your drink.

3. Boost Nutritional Value with Greens Add a handful of fresh spinach or kale before blending. These leafy greens will increase the nutrient content without significantly altering the taste of the smoothie.

4. Pre-Soak Chia Seeds If you have time, soak the chia seeds in the almond milk for about 10 minutes before blending. This can help the seeds blend more smoothly and activate their gelling properties for added creaminess.

5. Enhance with a Flavor Twist For an extra flavor kick, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a small piece of fresh ginger. These additions can add a refreshing zing and depth to your smoothie.