One of our most popular recipes is our Pineapple Banana Smoothie, which we fondly call the Pineapple Upside Down Cake in my smoothie recipe app, Daily Blends. It's dessert-level good! Before you run from the sight of spinach—give this a shot.... TRUST ME! This smoothie not only tastes amazing, it also has some added health perks that you'll definitely enjoy.
Banana and pineapple smoothie
This pineapple banana smoothie is inspired by a cake from my childhood: the Pineapple Upside Down cake. While it may be based on a super sweet dessert, this fruit smoothie is loaded with health benefits too:
- Only sweetened by fruit, no added sugar here!
- thick & creamy thanks to the protein-rich almond milk + bananas
- 100% plant-based to give you the healthiest smoothie without any of the tummy troubles that dairy often causes.
- Naturally boosted with calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin D, which gives you some delicious health benefits.
No wonder this pineapple banana smoothie is such a fav among our fellow smoothie lovers! Seriously, this is a fun smoothie for newbies as well as veteran smoothie drinkers.
Smoothie ingredient swaps + protein boosts
If you need to lower the sugar, then replace the banana with a half cup frozen cauliflower, or ¼ an avocado. That way you keep the creamy texture while cutting down on the sugar.
Want to turn this pineapple banana smoothie into a meal? I love adding in a scoop of natural almond butter, for a hint of nuttiness + a load of healthy fat.
If you want a protein boost without any change in flavor, then try a clean, plant based option. My completely plant based, organic Protein Smoothie Boost is a quality way to add protein to any smoothie you make. It gives your smoothie 10 extra grams of protein + healthy fat, without changing the flavor! That means this pineapple banana smoothie goes from 4.2 grams of protein to 14.2 grams, #kaleyeah!
What almond milk should I use in smoothies?
While water is an easy base to swap in for almond milk in this pineapple banana smoothie, I love the flavor + creaminess that the almond milk adds. You can either make your own almond milk (which is what I do!), or you can buy some from almost any grocery store. If you choose store bought, don't forget to check out my Rawkstar Report on the best almond milk brands currently on the market.
Liquid swaps for pineapple banana smoothie
If almond milk isn't your thing, no worries! Green smoothies are SO versatile, and I've got some great swaps for you. Honestly, you could swap in almost any non dairy milk you want (cashew milk and oat milk are my top choices for this pineapple banana smoothie). The thickness + texture changes depending on the liquid used, so keep that in mind. If water is your base of choice, then add in a tablespoon of hemp hearts so you don't lose the protein.
More healthy smoothies
Pineapples are a sweet, tropical ingredient found in many of my smoothie recommendations for beginners. They are flavorful and bright, as well as loved by many. If you're looking for more pineapple smoothie options, then I've got some great recipes for you!
- Pineapple Ginger smoothie
- Mint Pineapple smoothie
- Pineapple Kale smoothie
- Clear Skin smoothie
- Citrus smoothie
- Perfect Pineapple smoothie
What are some of your fav pineapple smoothie combos? Share in the comments so that we can all try some new flavors together!
Healthy Pineapple Banana Smoothie
Rate this Recipe Print RecipeIngredients
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup almond milk (unsweetened)
- ½ cup pineapple (frozen)
- ½ cup cherries (frozen)
- ½ banana
- 1 serving Protein Smoothie Boost (optional)
Instructions
- Blend spinach and almond milk until smooth.
- Add remaining ingredients, and blend until smooth. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Use at least one frozen fruit to make smoothie cold.
- Cherries can be substituted with berries.
Colleen
Excellent and so easy to make. Thank you for the recipe!
Simple Green Smoothies
So glad that you loved it Colleen!
Caroline Hileman
Tasty!
Raychel
One of my favorites! I thought this would be super similar to another favorite of mine, chocolate covered cherry, but the pineapple really changes it up. I'm glad I tried this one. I added protein smoothie boost.
Alannah
I love how the nuttiness of the almond milk toned down the tartness of the cherries to just the right balance.
Melanie
I forgot to rate the smoothie
Grace
Yummy! I used kale instead of spinach (to alternate the greens), homemade almond milk (also made with my Vitamix), a whole banana (because I didn’t have cherries), and threw in some hemp hearts.
Beatrix
Tasty. I found to make almond milk is very easy, so usually try to plan ahead and just use my own fresh home made almond milk
Suzie
I made this today right after I made coconut bombs - so left some coconut bomb in the blender before making this one 🙂 Very tasty. I couldn't taste the cherries. I will add a few more next time. Overall a good smoothie. I'd try this one again.
Stephanie P.
I’m not always the biggest fan of cherries, but I learned a couple years ago that I LOVE them in smoothies, this one is no different, nice and bright from the pineapple, tasty!
Gaynor Woronowycz
Hi Jen
Really love the recipes easy to make however when reviewing nutrition facts some concerns that the sugar content is quite high.
Nicole
Went down easy - next time I'll jazz it up a little!
Lesley R
I'm not a huge fan of milk based fruit and veggie smoothies but I actually found the cherry and milk combo quite nice in this one. Took it to-go for lunch and it held up nicely in the lunch box!
Anne
My husband and I both really liked this one, just the right balance between tart and sweet.
Eve
This was better than I thought it would be. I think I would use water next time though. Just not a huge fan of almond milk and pineapple.
Courtney
I liked this. I added coconut smoothie cubes, which (I think) added some extra creaminess. I couldn't get cherries this week, but the berry medley I had worked. I love that I can make slight adjustments and still have a great smoothie!