Pineapple Ginger Smoothie

To celebrate the three-day weekend, I created this energizing pineapple ginger smoothie recipe after learning Venus Williams, a pro tennis player, enjoys a morning smoothie boosted with ginger and kale.

If you want to start the day like a professional athlete, this nutrition-packed healthy pineapple ginger smoothie is perfect! I know fresh ginger might be out of your comfort zone and I get it! It packs a punch. So start SMALL and work your way to a good chunk in your smoothie. Your body will thank you!

Venus Williams Signature Smoothie

In 2011, Venus was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called Sjogren’s syndrome. Shifting to a plant-based diet drastically reduced some of her symptoms, including fatigue and joint pain. (This is not intended as medical advice. Please see a doctor if you experience symptoms.)

Take it from Venus, “Our bodies thrive on the things that we eat, it’s medicine for our bodies”, and choose foods that fuel your body in the best way possible. According to her interview with Shape, Venus’ morning pineapple and ginger smoothie is packed with foods that calm inflammation and deliver powerful antioxidants to her body. Check out my post to learn more about the best antioxidant foods.

Whether she’s acing it on the tennis court or dialing in her lifestyle brand, Venus Williams gives it her all, and her glowing skin is no exception. Her morning drink of choice is a tasty, zingy ginger shake, reminiscent of a gingersnap cookie but with major health benefits to power her through everything from business meetings to morning workouts.

Why this Pineapple Ginger Smoothie Rawks

Smoothies are an incredible way to pack in your daily servings of fruit and vegetables. Yet too much fruit and you could cause a sugar rush that leads to a crash. This pineapple ginger smoothie is beautifully balanced thanks to the high fiber, light protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Pineapple is a powerhouse of vitamin C, with just one cup providing 131% of your recommended daily intake which makes it an excellent choice during cold and flu season to help support your immune system. In addition ginger, not only provides potent anti-inflammatory benefits but ginger also adds both flavor and functionality.

Ginger also is an effective way to help with nausea and morning sickness. Additionally, in this smoothie, strawberries provide antioxidants that promote skin and heart health and almond milk offers a creamy, dairy-free base that ties the smoothie together. Together, these ingredients create a refreshing, nourishing drink perfect for any time of day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Baby Kale: Tender and mild in flavor, baby kale blends effortlessly into smoothies. Look for pre-washed baby kale in the produce section for an easy, no-prep option.
• Orange (Peeled): Bright and juicy, oranges bring a natural sweetness to the smoothie. Choose firm, vibrant oranges from the produce aisle, or use freshly squeezed juice for convenience.
• Ginger Root: Fresh ginger adds a bold, zesty kick that enhances the overall flavor. Look for firm, smooth roots in the produce section and store them in the fridge for lasting freshness.
• Almond Milk: A creamy, neutral base that pairs well with fruit flavors. Find unsweetened almond milk in the refrigerated section for a smooth and consistent texture.
• Frozen Pineapple: Frozen pineapple chunks add a tropical, sweet flavor with a refreshing finish. Look for pre-cut options in the freezer aisle to save time.
• Frozen Strawberries: Sweet and slightly tart, frozen strawberries bring a balanced flavor and vibrant color to the mix. Opt for bags of pre-washed strawberries in the frozen foods section.
• Chia Seeds: Chia seeds add a subtle nutty flavor and create a satisfying texture. You can find them in the baking aisle or bulk bins of most grocery stores.

How to Blend a Pineapple Ginger Smoothie

Fresh ginger isn’t as soft or blend-able as most of the fruits and veggies I blend, so how do I make it work?

1. Prepare your fruits and vegetables. Remove the kale stems and tear the leaves into smaller pieces. Peel and segment the orange, discarding any seeds.
2. Peel the ginger. While you can definitely get away with leaving the peel on some plants, I don’t recommend leaving the peel on here! You can use a veggie peeler or the back of a spoon.
3. Grate or finely chop the ginger. If you’re using a high-powered blender, then you should be able to completely blend up the ginger. If not, you should use the grating method or if the ginger root doesn’t blend easily, chop it into tiny pieces.
4. Combine the kale, grated or chopped ginger, orange segments, and almond milk in the blender.
5. Blend on high speed until all the leafy kale chunks are fully incorporated, and the mixture has a smooth consistency.
6. Toss in the pineapple chunks, strawberries, and chia seeds. 
7. Blend on high speed until the mixture is fully pureed. Don’t skimp on blending this smoothie fully, unless you want chunks of ginger going up your straw. Then puree as much as you can before enjoying.
8. Pour the smoothie into glasses and serve right away for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy this refreshing ginger smoothie!

More Smoothies with Ginger

Once you learn to like ginger in your smoothies, you’ll find it’s super versatile. Add it to pretty much any smoothie for a little kick and a whole lot of love:

If you make this Pineapple Ginger Smoothie, don’t forget to rate + review this smoothie once you’ve tried it. Your feedback is so helpful! And if you’re interested in more plant-based recipes (and exclusive content), sign up for my weekly recipe newsletter.