Frozen Pineapple Smoothie

This frozen pineapple smoothie tastes like something you’d sip on a sunny tropical vacation. With just three ingredients—frozen pineapple, banana and milk—it blends up thick, frosty, super creamy and naturally sweet. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast for busy mornings or a wholesome afternoon pick-me-up, this healthy smoothie recipe is a quick and refreshing drink the whole family will love.

Frozen Pineapple Smoothie Ingredients

• Milk: Frozen ingredients need plenty of liquid to blend smoothly, and milk makes the perfect creamy base. This recipe calls for 2% milk, but feel free to swap in whole milk for extra richness or use a dairy-free milk for a plant-based beverage.
• Frozen pineapple: Fresh pineapple makes a delicious drink, but frozen fruit is the key to creating a smoothie with a thick, frosty texture. Store-bought frozen pineapple chunks are a convenient staple to keep on hand, but you can also freeze fresh pineapple. Here’s how to peel and cut a pineapple.
• Frozen banana: There’s always a stash of frozen bananas in my freezer for easy, anytime smoothies—they’re the secret to extra thick, creamy and naturally sweetened smoothies. Freezing is also a great way to save spotty or overripe bananas before they go to waste.
• Honey: A touch of honey is optional, but you can add it if your smoothie needs a little extra sweetness.

Directions

Step 1: Blend the ingredients

Combine the milk, frozen pineapple and frozen banana in a blender. Cover and blend on high until smooth and creamy.

Editor’s Tip: A powerful blender can take your smoothies to the next level. Check out our Test Kitchen’s top blender picks for making perfectly blended drinks every time.

Step 2: Add honey, if needed, and serve

Taste the smoothie and add a drizzle of honey if you’d like it a little sweeter. Blend again to incorporate the honey, then pour the smoothie into a glass and serve.

Editor’s Tip: If you’d like a thicker smoothie, add a few more frozen banana slices or pineapple chunks and blend again. For a thinner consistency, mix in a little extra milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it’s just right.

Frozen Pineapple Smoothie Variations

• Go dairy-free: Swap in a nondairy alternative like almond, soy or oat milk for the cow’s milk. Try refrigerated or canned coconut milk for an ultra-creamy smoothie with extra-tropical flair.
• Add protein: Blend in a scoop of vanilla protein powder or a 1/4 cup of plain Greek yogurt to make your pineapple smoothie more satisfying. Add a couple of tablespoons of chia seeds or ground flaxseed for a boost of protein plus fiber.
• Sneak in veggies: Add a handful of baby spinach or kale for extra nutritional value, or toss in half a peeled avocado (technically a fruit) for added creaminess and heart-healthy fats. Not into green drinks? Blend in 1/2 cup frozen riced cauliflower—the fruit will mask the flavor so your smoothie stays sweet and fruity.
• Warm it up: Add a small piece of fresh, peeled gingerroot for a hint of spicy warmth and powerful antioxidants. The subtle kick pairs exceptionally well with tropical fruits like pineapple.
• Try a citrus twist: Squeeze in fresh lime or orange juice to brighten the flavors and balance the sweetness.

How to Store a Frozen Pineapple Smoothie

Smoothies made with frozen ingredients, like this pineapple smoothie, are best enjoyed fresh after blending, while still thick and frosty. If you can’t finish your drink, cover your glass with storage wrap or transfer the smoothie to an airtight container and refrigerate it. Enjoy it within a day or two, and stir it before drinking again.

Can you make pineapple smoothies ahead of time?

This frozen pineapple smoothie is best enjoyed right after blending, but you can prep make-ahead smoothie packs for quicker assembly. Fill a freezer-safe container or resealable bag with 2 cups pineapple chunks, a sliced banana and any other add-ins you’d like. Keep frozen. When you’re ready for a smoothie, pour the contents into the blender, add milk and blend until smooth.

Frozen Pineapple Smoothie Tips

Can you use fresh pineapple instead of frozen?

You can use fresh pineapple instead of frozen, but your smoothie won’t have the same thick, frosty consistency. If you use fresh pineapple, add a few ice cubes or extra frozen banana slices for a colder, creamier texture.

Can you use a different kind of milk in a pineapple smoothie?

You can use whatever milk you like best in your pineapple smoothie. This recipe calls for 2% milk, but you can use whole milk for a richer, creamier drink. To make a plant-based smoothie, use a nondairy milk, such as almond, soy, oat or coconut milk.

What other fruits blend well with pineapple?

Pineapple’s bright, tangy flavor plays well with all kinds of fruits. For bold tropical vibes, pair it with mango, papaya, banana, kiwi (you can toss them into the blender, skin and all), coconut or orange. Craving berries? Blend pineapple with strawberries, raspberries or blueberries for a refreshingly tart smoothie. Peaches and apricots also make great additions for a summery blend.

What else can you add to a pineapple smoothie?

There are plenty of delicious ways to boost both the flavor and nutrition of a pineapple smoothie. Try blending in a spoonful of almond butter for nuttiness or 1 to 2 tablespoons of seeds, like chia or flax, for extra fiber. Turn this recipe into a high-protein smoothie (perfect for a post-workout snack) with a scoop of protein powder or yogurt, or toss a handful of spinach or kale into the blender for a nutrient boost.

What can you do if your pineapple smoothie is too thick or thin?

If your smoothie is too thick, add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, toss in a few extra pieces of frozen pineapple or banana, or add a few ice cubes to thicken it. Then, blend it again until smooth.