Pineapple Carrot Smoothie
A healthy smoothie made with carrots, pineapple and banana. Light refreshing, and filled with tropical flavors. With its beautiful color and slight sweetness of the carrots, it is the perfect way to start the day or recover from exercise. This shockingly simple smoothie is my current post-workout obsession. Couch + feet up + this smoothie + a spoonful of peanut butter (which turns into three spoonfuls of peanut butter) is how I unwind from a gym workout these days.This super healthy and bright orange smoothie that is like sunshine in a glass, made with 6-7 ingredients in 5 minutes and makes a perfect breakfast, lunch or snack!Its the creamiest of creamy and that is because of the frozen banana. Seriously, if you want a creamy smoothie that is thick enough to eat with a spoon, then frozen banana is your answer. I have to be honest. Most of the smoothies happening in my kitchen over the past few years are all green. (Or if berries are involved, a not-so-appetizing color of brown.) I’ve just gotten in the habit of blending up whatever fresh ingredients are on hand and then tossing in a handful of spinach or kale, since it’s such an easy way to eat my greens.But I’m kinda of obsessed with pretty colors. And as much as I may love green smoothies, every now and then I wake up just wanting to eat something that’s bright and cheery and sunshiny and, well, not green.This very orange (also very good for you) Pineapple Carrot Smoothie enters the picture. Typically smoothie recipes call for ice to thicken the texture, but I find ice waters it down. The frozen banana gets the job done without giving the smoothie a slushy texture. I love using them in my green smoothie and chocolate peanut butter protein smoothie,too.Frozen banana turns any smoothie into a delicious tasting almost “soft serve” creaminess when blended with vanilla extract and a splash of milk. Instead of milk, however, I sometimes use a little orange juice which pairs perfectly with the pineapple and carrot. Creamy, cool, citrusy, lip-smackin’ protein-packed sweetness. Vitamin C has never tasted so good and the touch of vanilla makes this smoothie so irresistible! Sometimes too I add a little orange zest to up the ante. That’s optional! And for an added nutritious punch, try adding a handful of greens like kale or spinach to the smoothie. I promise you will not taste it.I never thought about adding vegetables to smoothies until I tasted a lunchtime smoothie my sister made that included spinach, pear and walnuts. These are ingredients I like in a salad, and they work well together after taking a trip through the blender — especially with fresh ginger added to the mix. With that, I broadened my horizons and explored fruit and vegetable smoothies. I was thinking the smoothies would make great snacks, but in fact these make satisfying meals. This particular recipe is packed with vitamins, especially C and A, beta carotene, and antioxidant-rich flavonoids. Pineapple is an excellent source of manganese and contains an enzyme called bromelain that aids digestion.Get the energy boost you need from this delicious breakfast or treat or if you are looking to satisfy a craving in a healthier way – you need to give this pineapple carrot smoothie recipe a try!
Ingredients
- 1 small banana, sliced, frozen
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks, packed in juice (not drained) or fresh
- 1/2 cup carrots, chopped
- 1/2 cup milk of choice
- 1 scoop protein or collagen powder
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, or more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
Garnish
- Shredded coconut, grated carrot or pineapple chunks
Instructions
- Place all ingredients (except garnish) in a blender and process until smooth. Serve immediately.
If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites
