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Try this healthy pineapple green smoothie for a delicious way to drink your greens and your protein without any leafy texture or flavor. It’s made with only 4 simple ingredients for a nutritious breakfast or post-workout meal.
Thanks to its tropical flavor, this easy smoothie recipe makes getting your greens an option even the kids will enjoy.
Benefits of a Pineapple Spinach Protein Smoothie
Aside from its delicious, creamy pineapple flavor, this green smoothie is packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein.
The vanilla protein powder and pineapple do a perfect job of masking the spinach with a tropical flavor, making it an excellent option to get those leafy greens into your picky eater’s day. And since it’s high in protein, I find this recipe perfect for a quick post-workout meal or whenever I need something on the go.
When I first started making this smoothie, even my 2 year old loved it. I ended up packing this smoothie in lots of lunchboxes every year, so my kids get that extra boost during the day! It’s either this one of my Chocolate Spinach Smoothie that my kids are enjoying, day after day.
Pineapple Protein Green Smoothie Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need for this green protein smoothie:
- almond milk: you can also use regular milk.
- frozen pineapple: high in vitamin C and Manganese. Frozen pieces give the smoothie a frosty, thick texture.
- spinach: a good source of vitamin K and A. Use fresh since frozen spinach can have an overpowering and bitter flavor.
- vanilla protein powder: as that extra vanilla flavor and as a boost of protein to start your day.
Make next: Spinach Pancakes
How to Add Protein to a Green Smoothie
Most protein powders pack a generous 20 grams per serving along with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a highly nutritious and convenient supplement.
I typically add protein to my smoothies because it gives them a thicker consistency and makes them more satiating, so I stay full for hours.
You’ll find more benefits of protein powder, along with my favorite choices for recipes like this smoothie in this post. You can also add cottage cheese to a smoothie for an extra boost of protein.
How to Make a Pineapple Green Smoothie with Protein
This green smoothie is a one-step process you make in the blender. A tip for smoothies that blend evenly is to start with liquids first, then add solids.
- Blend
Add all of the ingredients to a blender in the order listed and blend until smooth. - Grab a straw
Transfer the smoothie to a glass and sip up!
Need a new blender? See the top budget blender picks here!
Want to see how easy this protein smoothie is to make and learn some tips to make your green smoothies not taste leafy? Check out this video.
Looking for more ways to feed your healthy family meals that bring on the flavor? Check out my Family KickStart Program!
It’s a 4-week meal plan with healthy recipes (like this one) that the whole family will love. You can eat better, as a family with the Family KickStart Healthy Eating Program!
Is It Okay to Drink a Green Smoothie Every Day?
Options like this green smoothie are an effective way to get yourself and your kids eating green foods and veggies. However, it’s also important to get that fiber, minerals, and vitamins from whole sources such as steamed broccoli, baby carrots, bell peppers, etc.
That being said, a green smoothie a day is a perfect complement to those other veggies! And if your kids can’t get on board with the green color, then try this Blueberry Spinach Smoothie. It also has greens but the blueberries give it a nice purple color.
Considering how difficult it is to eat enough vegetables in our diet, drinking my green smoothie makes me feel like I’ve accomplished a health goal for the day. I realize that every day we have a choice to eat good for us foods or not, and I like feeling great about my choices.
I hope you enjoy this simple recipe as much as I have. Getting started drinking your daily green smoothie is simple and delicious when you have the right recipe. And, doing something that makes you feel good -like eating the right foods, exercising, recharging, meeting friends, reading a book… are all great things to live a good life.
Pineapple Protein Green Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
- 2 handfuls fresh spinach
- 1 scoop vanilla protein
Instructions
- Add all ingredients inside a blender in the order listed. Blend until smooth.
Wilma says
the pineapple was a perfect to mask the spinach flavor in this smoothie.
Erin says
This green smoothie with protein was great!
Renee says
Hi, I made this pineapple smoothie! It was delish! Will make it again! Thank you
Ki says
Do you have to add the protein powder??
Laura Fuentes says
You do not have to add the protein powder to this pineapple green smoothie recipe. You can omit it. Enjoy!
Steph AC says
What protein mix did you use?
Laura Fuentes says
I used Vega One protein but you can use whichever is your favorite. Enjoy!
Joanna says
Laura, can you recommend a vanilla protein powder that does NOT have stevia in it? To me stevia has a bad metallic taste and the smallest amount will ruin a dish for me. thank you
Laura Fuentes says
Absolutely! This is the protein powder I use that’s stevia free. The vanilla is delicious and the chocolate…. wow.
Sarah says
Great recipe! Love all your pins.
My Ninja doesn’t blend very smoothly. What type of blender do you use?
Laura Fuentes says
I have a Blendtec and a Vitamix. If I have to pick, I’d buy the blendtec. It takes up less counter space and it’s super easy to use.
Angel says
I made this smoothie this morning. Tasted Very Good. I did add about 1/2cups more almond milk,plus I always put 2TBS of organic flaxseed,1TBS Chia seeds in my green smoothies for extra benefits. I will be making this again soon.
Laura Fuentes says
I’m so glad you liked it! It’s so refreshing for the summer.
Maia says
Can I use fresh pineapple and add a cup of ice instead of frozen pineapples?
Laura Fuentes says
Absolutely!
Elizabeth Jarrard RD (@ElizabethEats) says
Looks delicious!!
stella says
Do I have to use the protein powder?
charlotte says
Do i have to use protein powder?
Laura Fuentes says
not at all. you can omit it.
Christine says
Could you please direct me as to what blender you use… VitaMix is sooo expensive. Do you know if the NutriBullet ones work just as well? Also, I have severe Gastroparesis (digestive tract is paralyzed). They’ve removed my lg intestine n gall bladder amongst other things done. I need to find healthier alternatives to drinks such as Ensure etc as I CANNOT eat solid food(up to consistency of applesauce, yogurt…). ANY help/direction you can give me would be GREATLY appreciated. Oh! Any that would help me lose weight would be AWESOME!!!!
Laura Fuentes says
I own a Vitamix an a Blendtec. If you want smooth green smoothies these are the only two brands that I’ve tried that will consistently blend them. I’ve heard good things about the nutribullet but I can’t advise. If you need to have food pureed, then please look at a high end blender as an investment. Good luck!
Christine says
Thank greatly for your reply.
Maria says
Hi, I made this green smoothie in my bullet, It works great! Very tasty!! When there’s a number of things in smoothly; I blend in stages which is liquids and Greek yogurt first.
Laura Fuentes says
Great tip!
Chris says
My nutribullet pro 900 does a great job with blending frozen fruit. I don’t put ice in it, because I like to freeze all my fruits and veggies for my smoothies. Just make sure you don’t overfill above line on cup and make sure you use enough liquid. The other two blenders recommended here are to big for my kitchen, no room for them and honestly cost too much! Hope that helps!