Blueberry Pineapple Smoothie

Recipe features

• Dairy-free and plant-based!
• Easy and quick to make using simple ingredients!
• Only takes about 10 minutes to make!
• The blueberry smoothie is nutritious and refreshing!

Ingredient notes and substitutions

The pineapple and blueberry smoothie recipe utilizes simple ingredients, but please see the recipe card below for the exact measurements.

Blueberries - Fresh or frozen blueberries can be used for the recipe.  If you use frozen blueberries, frozen pineapple, and not spinach, the smoothie may have a slight icy texture.  I prefer to use a combination of frozen and fresh produce for a thick, creamy smoothie that’s not too icy.

For more recipes using blueberries, try a raspberry blueberry smoothie, blueberry cheesecake overnight oats, or a lemon blueberry chia pudding.

Pineapple -Frozen pineapple will create a thicker smoothie, while fresh fruit gives a thinner consistency.  If you use fresh pineapple, make sure it’s ripe.  Ice cubes can be added to chill the smoothie.  Since fresh fruit will add more liquid, start with less water if substituting the frozen pineapple for fresh.  If the smoothie is too thick, water can always be added.

For more pineapple-based beverages, try a pineapple slushy or an orange carrot ginger smoothie.

Navel orange - Add a peeled navel orange to the smoothie to pair its sweet, tangy flavor with pineapple and blueberries.  You’ll need to peel the orange, but there's no need to slice it, as it'll be pureed along with the rest of the ingredients.  Navel oranges typically do not have seeds, so if you substitute with an orange that does, you may want to remove the seeds before adding the orange to the blender.

Chia seeds - Use whole chia seeds to thicken and act as a binder for the smoothie.  A ripe banana will also work instead of chia seeds.  A ripe banana makes the smoothie sweeter and adds a banana flavor. 

Spinach - Add the optional fresh spinach to the smoothie for a serving of greens.  It does alter the color and slightly alters the taste.  Spinach is mild compared to other greens like kale, and the taste is covered up easily by pineapple.  

For more smoothies with spinach, try a spinach and beet smoothie or a spinach and cucumber smoothie.

Tips

• If you use frozen blueberries, frozen pineapple, and no spinach, the smoothie may have an icy texture.  
• If you use all fresh ingredients, then the smoothie won’t be cold and will not be as thick.  I like to use a combination of fresh and frozen ingredients to make a cold and thick smoothie.
• If it’s not sweet enough, add dates.  If the dates are not soft and squishy, soak them for about 20 minutes in the water used for the smoothie. Make sure they are pitted.

Variations

• Use a ripe banana (with brown spots) instead of whole chia seeds.
• Add hemp seeds before blending; they’ll blend into the smoothie.  Adjust the water if it becomes too thick.
• Use fresh kale instead of fresh spinach.  Remove the stems and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces before adding them to the blender.  You may need to add more water if you use kale instead of spinach.
• For a little kick, add freshly grated ginger.
• Make the pineapple blueberry smoothie into a smoothie bowl by using less water.  To make it easier on your blender to blend frozen fruit into a smoothie bowl, let the frozen fruit partially thaw before blending.  This reduces the need for so much liquid to puree the frozen fruit.  Then top it with oil-free granola, sliced banana, shredded coconut, pineapple chunks, dragon fruit, mango chunks, or fresh berries.

How to make a blueberry and pineapple smoothie

Add the frozen pineapple, blueberries, peeled orange, spinach (if using), chia seeds, and water to a blender.

Start on a low speed and increase the speed when the ingredients start to blend.

Blend until smooth.  Stop the blender if there are any air pockets, push down the ingredients, and then continue blending.  If the smoothie is too thick, add more water.

Serving suggestions

Smoothies tend to be delicious but not very filling.  I use them as an afternoon snack and not as a main meal.  To enjoy this smoothie as a meal, try pairing it with toast with roasted strawberries, avocado and tomato on toast, vegan avocado toast ideas, toast ideas, dairy-free overnight oats, or oil-free granola.

Storage

Refrigerator - The smoothie is best served immediately, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 24 hours.  If there is any liquid separation, stir it back in. 

Freezer - Leftovers can also be frozen in ice cube trays and used later to add flavor to other smoothies.

Frequently asked questions

Related recipes

• Cherry mango smoothie
• Blackberry strawberry smoothie

I hope you enjoyed the smoothie recipe!  If you did, feel free to rate and leave a comment.