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If you’re new to smoothies—or new to adding greens—this vegan tropical smoothie is a great place to start. It’s light, fruity, and refreshing, with just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients. The tropical flavors from pineapple, banana, and orange shine through, while the spinach blends in seamlessly (promise—you won’t taste it).
This is the kind of smoothie that builds confidence. No fancy powders, no complicated steps—just whole foods that come together into a smooth, bright blend you’ll actually want to make again.
Table of Contents
Why This Vegan Smoothie Is Perfect for Beginners
This recipe keeps things simple and forgiving. Spinach has a mild flavor that disappears when blended, making it ideal for first-time green smoothie drinkers. Frozen pineapple adds natural sweetness and chill, while banana creates a creamy texture without dairy. With water as the base, the flavors stay clean and light, letting the fruit do the work.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need five ingredients to make this smoothie:
- Spinach: This leafy green vegetable adds fiber and nutrients without changing the flavor.
- Water: A neutral base that keeps the smoothie light and refreshing, yet can be swapped with non-dairy milk.
- Orange: Brings brightness and natural sweetness.
- Frozen pineapple: Adds tropical flavor and a cold, creamy texture. You can alway cut pineapple and freeze it yourself.
- Banana: Smooths everything out and balances the citrus. You can alway freeze bananas to have on hand at all times for smoothies.
Free Green Smoothie Challenge
Go on a blending journey with me and explore smoothie recipes to increase energy, reduce inflammation + kickstart weight loss.
How to Make Vegan Tropical Smoothie
- Start by adding the spinach and water to your blender. Blend until completely smooth—this helps prevent leafy bits. Next, add the orange, frozen pineapple, and banana. Blend again until creamy and fully combined.
- If the smoothie is too thick, add a splash of water. If it’s too thin, add a few extra pineapple chunks.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy right away.
Recipe Tips
- Always blend greens with liquid first for the smoothest texture. You can learn all about that in my how to make a smoothie guide.
- If you’re using one of my recommended blenders for smoothies, keep as much of the white-pith around the orange as possible because that pith contains more Vitamin C than the rest of the orange.
- Using at least one frozen fruit will give you a refreshingly cold vegan tropical smoothie. I don’t recommend freezing the orange for this smoothie since it acts as part of the liquid as well. If you do freeze the orange, then just add a bit more water to break down the ingredients.
More Tropical Smoothie Recipes
Tropical smoothies are delicious and easy to make. Here are some other popular recipes I’ve created over the years that you might enjoy:
If you make this vegan tropical smoothie recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. Your feedback helps me and all the readers in this community. And if you’re interested in more plant-based recipes (and exclusive content), sign up for my weekly recipe newsletter.
Vegan Tropical Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup spinach
- ½ cup water
- ½ orange peeled
- ½ cup pineapple frozen
- ½ banana
- 1 serving homemade protein powder optional
Instructions
- Blend spinach orange, and water until smooth.
- Add remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.
Helpful Tools
Notes
- Use at least one frozen fruit for a refreshingly cold smoothie
- Use coconut water instead of regular water for an electrolyte boost
- This recipe uses less water than my other smoothie recipes because the orange acts like fruit AND liquid. If your orange is extra watery, don’t be afraid to lessen the amount of water to start.
- Feel free to swap spinach with other leafy green vegetables you have on hand (kale works great in this recipe too!)
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?
Leave a review for a chance to win signed copies of my cookbooks!Lots of smoothies ordered at restaurants contain dairy in the smoothie mix, protein powder, or boosters. If you want a true vegan smoothie, stick to a plant based milk (or water), real fruit, and leafy greens. Use vegan protein powder and dairy free yogurt to boost.
I recommend blending your smoothies in two steps. First, blend the leafy greens and liquid. Once there are no leafy bits remaining, then add in the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth. Thaw frozen ingredients slightly to make them easy to blend.
For the smoothest smoothies, look for a blender with a strong motor and good blade design. High-speed blenders are great for frozen fruit and greens, while personal blenders work well for quick, single-serve smoothies. Mid-range countertop blenders can be a solid option if you blend regularly. For a full breakdown and specific model recommendations, check out my in-depth article on the best blenders for smoothies.
Can totally taste the orange – love the colour – such a vibrant green – goes down smooth and feel great about getting my spinach in!
Sweet & tasty!
I had tried this before the Challenge started so today I substituted fresh squeezed orange juice, chia and flax seeds and 1/2 c. kale. Delicious!! It was much thicker with these additions but I liked the extra C and taste from the OJ. 🙂
Brilliant upgrades, Pat!
Yum!! Glad it’s green again. Lol!
LOL. We find green very comforting around here too Ruby!
Pleasantly surprised at how light and refreshing this one is. Love the colorful smoothies both before and after blending.
Smooth & just-right sweet! The protein powder is scheduled to arrive today. I look forward to trying with the powder.
I liked it. A little thinner consistency. I added chia seeds, kale and protein powder
Great add-ins Judith! Bonus points for you! 🙂
Tropical flavors are always my fav!! So good.
Best smoothie yet! So good!
So yummy and refreshing all I need is the poolside cabana. Seriously who needs a cocktail when these smoothies are so refreshing and nutritious and make delicious mocktails yummy for the entire family. I love the tropical blends; they really are my all-time fave. Today I added homemade protein powder and I used a blend of baby spinach, kale and chard for my greens and called it breakfast. Delish.
I’m here for it Dora!! Let’s add a tiny umbrella too!!! 🙂
This was DELICIOUS! So refreshingly tropical! I added protein powder for my breakfast,
Love this smoothie! So fresh and tasty. Loaded with nutrients all in one delicious serving!
Super tasty! Added parsley and it made it even more refreshing!
Parsley adds more vitamin A, C + K. Rawkstar move, Laura!
Who doesn’t love the tropical combo of banana and pineapple! Delicious, even though it is very green!
I can’t give full rating since I had to substitute the pineapple for allergies, but I loveeeee the boost the orange gives the smoothie! Add the protein boost and it’s an instant breakfast!
Wow, I liked this one! Maybe I’m getting better at my spinach portion or oranges are my new best friend lol.
Yay Amanda!! Lol. You crack us up! Some people totally prefer more tropical-type smoothies (those containing citrus fruits) over berry flavors. Can’t wait to see you blend up more of our recipes! 🙂
I’m obsessed with this one. The orange takes it to a whole new level! I added homemade protein powder to turn it into a meal replacement and it was perfect!
Let’s hear it for the orange!! And way to up your smoothie game with some clean protein!
Always a favorite. Especially good adding vanilla protein. Makes you feel like you’re at the beach!
Yum!! This is a new favorite!
Simple Green Smoothies!
You bless us with compassion and community!
We’re glad you’re part of our community, Amy!