A tropical thirst-quencher with a berry bent, this Strawberry Pineapple Smoothie is packed with protein powder and flavor to spare.
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It’s important to me that I supply you with recipes that aren’t just healthy but are also delicious. When I can, I feature recipes that are also a snap to make, so that you don’t have to slave away with frustrating concoctions that make you question whether the effort is worthwhile.
This is why I love this recipe for a strawberry pineapple smoothie. It satisfies all my preferences. First, the taste. You only need to read the title to get a sense of just how yummy it is. Strawberries AND pineapple?! Second, the nutrition. I’ve added a couple of special ingredients that will propel this smoothie above and beyond your typical blender drink (more on this below). Last, it takes no time at all to mix. In fact, I prefer to make it over the weekend and then freeze them as cubes to be hit up during the week whenever I want a snack but lack the time to make something.
I spend a lot of time developing smoothies because I think they’re ideal for so many occasions. With this particular recipe, I think I’ve attained perfection.
Is This Strawberry Pineapple Smoothie Healthy?
Yes, it definitely is. Thanks to the unsweetened almond milk, strawberries, and pineapple, we get our vitamins and minerals and a sweetness without adding any sugar. The vanilla protein powder aids with muscle growth and repair, while the collagen peptides tend to your skin and bones (more on this below). It is gluten-free and dairy-free, though the appearance of protein powder and peptides doesn’t make it conducive to a paleo diet, while the pineapple—high in carbs—prevents it from being featured in a keto diet.
What are Collagen Peptides?
Let’s start with collagen. Collagen is a structural protein found in skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues of animals. It gives them strength and elasticity. These supplements are broken down into smaller peptides and amino acids and then sent throughout the body where they spread the love to your skin, bones, and those parts that contain collagen. Some studies even show that collagen peptides aid with stomach and muscle health, though I suspect more research needs to be conducted before we can say this without doubt. It’s also a minor aspect of collagen’s game, and not really a reason to take it.
INGREDIENTS
- 8 oz. unsweetened almond milk
- 2 cups frozen strawberries
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 scoop collagen peptides
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
INSTRUCTIONS
Blend
Combine almond milk with strawberries and pineapple in a blender until smooth.
Enhance
Add protein powder, collagen, vanilla extract, and lemon juice, then pulse to mix.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
I mentioned earlier that I make this over the weekend then I freeze them as cubes, taking them out the day before to thaw. You can do the same thing. In fact, they’ll last for a few months in the freezer. Splitting it up into cubes makes it easier to thaw and serve. If you don’t think that far ahead, you can keep the smoothie in the fridge for up to two days in an airtight container (I usually keep leftovers in the blender bowl with the lid on). If I think it needs it, I’ll add a splash of almond milk and re-blend it to get that smooth consistency back.
Garnishes are important. It’s one thing for a drink to taste good, it’s another for it to look good, am I right? With that in mind, you should spend a little time focusing on what to hang on your rim. Strawberry and/or a pineapple wedge are obvious picks, as is a lemon wedge. Less obvious are mint leaves, coconut flakes, chia seed, flaxseed, crushed almonds/walnuts, cacao nibs, or honey. Just set/pour/sprinkle them gently upon the drink’s surface. They’ll add more nutrients and flavor, and a variety of texture.
I guess that depends on what texture you’re after. If you’re after a crunch, take a look at the suggestions for garnish above; you can add the nuts, seeds, or flakes to the smoothie before blending for a texture change. If you’re after something creamier, add plain Greek yogurt (it will also add even more protein!) or coconut cream, which goes well with the pineapple. You can also add crushed ice to your blender and turn this into a cool treat on a hot day.
Other Smoothies To Try
I have numerous smoothies for you to try on the site so don’t be stranger. Go exploring to see which tickle your fancy. If you like this one but want more of that tropical flair, try this Tropical Smoothie, made with banana, mango, pineapple, and coconut milk. Speaking of banana, you can pair it with peanut butter for this Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie (reminds me of a sandwich I used to eat as a kid). If you would rather go green with something not so sweet, this Kale Smoothie should do the trick.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. unsweetened almond milk
- 2 cups frozen strawberries
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 scoop collagen peptides
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Combine almond milk, frozen strawberries, and pineapple chunks in a blender.
- Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add vanilla protein powder, collagen peptides, vanilla extract, and lemon juice to the blender.
- Pulse a few times until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Pour the smoothie into two glasses and serve immediately.
- DEVOUR!
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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