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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.
Table of Contents
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 1/4 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 powder recipe 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 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 dairy-free 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
Ingredients
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup almond milk unsweetened
- ½ cup pineapple frozen
- ½ cup cherries frozen
- ½ banana
- 1 serving homemade protein powder optional
Instructions
- Blend spinach and almond milk until smooth.
- Add remaining ingredients, and blend until smooth. Enjoy!
Equipment
Video
Notes
- Use at least one frozen fruit to make smoothie cold.
- Cherries can be substituted with berries.
- Use the leafy greens of your choice.
- Use the dairy-free milk of your choice.
I wasn’t sure if it was the same smoothie for day 3 on the guide its called pineapple dream and on the blog its called pineapple upside down cake it was the same thing on day 2 but I looked more closely its just that the name of the smoothie is different than the guide ; it’s confusing when you have a migraine but I made it through . Yes this smoothie tastes really good I like pineapple taste in my smoothies and is delicious.
Really good; I upped the spinach and decreased the fruit to allow for less sugar. Not sure if it’s from this specific smoothie or because I’m on day 3 of the 10 day challenge but I will say my energy has been amazing today and stable (not a jittery or spiked energy). Feels great to feel great!
Really like the smoothies. Really giving me energy. I also like the tips. Blending the greens with the liquids before adding the rest of the ingredients is such a great tip! Cherries are amazing!
Didn’t have any cherries, so doubled up on the pineapple. YUM!
I had forgotten how yummy pineapple and cherries are in a smoothie!
Colour was very green today. Again today there was no discernible fruit flavour shining through, just a sweet-ish flavour. About half-way through I could feel a gag reflex starting so I dumped it back in the Vitamix with a tablespoon of coco powder, which improved it greatly.
Had day 3 smoothie and it was good. So easy to just toss the prepared items into little baggies,into the freezer then into the Vitamix. Although I liked all 3 days of smoothies liked day 2 the best.
I’m giving this blend a 3 mostly because of the ingredients I subbed and/or added to supplement as a meal replacement. I will provide another rating in the future when I blend as suggested. … So what didn’t I like? Since I am choosing to drink my smoothie as a lunch/meal replacement, I usually will add a protein powder, however today I opted to try the 4 tbsp of chia seeds and 2 tbsp of coconut oil suggested as meal replacement /smoothie booster combos. It didn’t work well for me. Maybe it had a bit to do with tartness of the cherries, but I also found my blend a bit oily and a tad bit coconutty for my taste. Side note, instead of plain almond milk, I’m using a coconut/almond milk blend.
Dora, did you make 2 servings of green smoothie or 1? The 4 Tbsp of chia seeds and 2 Tbsp of coconut oil is meant for 2 servings. You will want to half that (2 Tbsp chia seeds + 1 Tbsp coconut oil) if you are only blending 1 serving. I also use and like coconut/almond milk blend.
Made it,will drink later today.
So good not too sweet. I subbed coconut milk for almond milk.
I agree it’s like having desert in a glass. Very very good!
really liked this one
I luv, luv, luv this smoothie
Did I say “I luv this smoothie!”
I think the combo of the almond milk with pineapple and cherries is what works for me. There is a mellow sweetness that I like. I substitute the spinach with kale because I grow my own kale. And my cherries were a mix of tart and sweet. I have liked all 3 smoothies so far but this one is my favorite at the moment. Even beating out Beginner’s Luck for me
Tasty drink for pineapple lovers like me! The cherries added a nice level of tartness to the drink.
This smoothie is a bit sweeter than I prefer.
Used regular milk and kale. The pineapple balanced it out without being overly sweet and it still tasted good!