“Delicious and healthy smoothie with lots of natural protein … a great way to start the day!”
🙂 Sharon S.
Vegan Pineapple Spinach, a copycat Smoothie King recipe, is a refreshing and vibrant blend, perfect for those who love to start their day with a burst of energy and nutrition. This smoothie combines the creamy sweetness of bananas with the earthy tones of spinach and the natural brightness of pineapple and carrots, all perfectly balanced with the natural sweetness of apple and pineapple juices. The addition of almonds and hemp protein powder not only enriches this drink with a nutty flavor and creamy texture but also boosts its protein content, making it an ideal post-workout refreshment or a fulfilling breakfast option. The touch of Stevia adds just the right amount of sweetness without any added sugars, creating a healthful, satisfying smoothie that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
This vegan smoothie is packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and protein, offering a wide range of health benefits. Spinach is a superfood loaded with iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C, promoting healthy skin, bones, and immune function. Pineapple and carrots are high in vitamin C and beta-carotene, supporting eye health and immunity. Bananas provide potassium and fiber, aiding in digestion and heart health. Almonds add healthy fats and vitamin E, while hemp protein powder supplies plant-based protein and essential amino acids, vital for muscle repair and growth. Together, these ingredients create a nutrient-dense smoothie that supports overall well-being.
Everything You Need
Key Ingredients
The Smoothie King Vegan Pineapple Spinach ingredients are:
- bananas
- carrots
- pineapple
- spinach
- apple juice
- pineapple juice
- almonds
- hemp protein powder
- Stevia
Health Benefits
Bananas – Bananas are very healthy, readily available, and one of the least expensive fruits you can buy. They have relatively few calories, are rich in nutrients such as vitamin C and potassium, are full of potent antioxidants including flavonoids and animes, and are high in dietary fiber. Studies have shown that bananas can improve insulin sensitivity and may improve kidney health.
[Amazon Fresh]
Carrots – Carrots are a super-healthy root vegetable that are an excellent source of fiber. They are high in vitamin A, vitamin K1, beta carotene, potassium, and loaded with antioxidants. Carrots are most famous for promoting good vision, but also lower cholesterol and help protect against various forms of cancer.
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Pineapples – Pineapples are popular tangy tropical fruit that, surprising to most, originated in South America, not Hawaii. They are absolutely loaded with antioxidants and nutrients, including a ridiculously high amount of vitamin C (1 serving = 131% of the recommended daily intake), manganese, vitamin B6, and thiamin. Pineapples also contain a significant amount of the digestive enzymes bromelain that can help fight pancreatic cancer.
[Amazon Fresh]
Spinach – Spinach has long been a major staple of healthy eating. It is loaded with important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A producing carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin K1, calcium, folic acid, and iron. Studies have shown that the regular addition of spinach to one’s diet can help improve eye health, promote heart health, boost immune function, and make bones stronger.
[Amazon Fresh]
Apple Juice – Apples are the most widely consumed fruit globally and boast more than 7,000 different varieties. They provide significant amounts vitamin C, vitamin K, copper, and potassium, and are loaded with power antioxidants, especially polyphenols. Apples can help lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, and promote gut health as a prebiotic.
[Amazon Fresh]
Pineapple Juice – Pineapples are popular tangy tropical fruit that, surprising to most, originated in South America, not Hawaii. They are absolutely loaded with antioxidants and nutrients, including a ridiculously high amount of vitamin C (1 serving = 131% of the recommended daily intake), manganese, vitamin B6, and thiamin. Pineapples also contain a significant amount of the digestive enzymes bromelain that can help fight pancreatic cancer.
[Amazon Fresh]
Almonds – Almonds are the world’s most popular nut and are rich in nutrients and healthy fats. They have significant amounts of protein, vitamin E, manganese, and magnesium. Almonds have been shown to protect against heart disease, various cancers, and Alzheimer’s disease.
[Amazon Fresh]
Hemp Protein Powder – Hemp protein powder has an earthy, nutty taste and is made by grinding pressed hemp seeds into a powder. It contains all nine essential amino acids and is a high-quality planted-based protein source. Hemp protein powder is typically used by health-conscious body builders and by those trying to gain weight or increase muscle mass.
[Amazon Fresh]
Stevia – Stevia is a sugar substitute made from the leaves of the stevia plant. It is about 200 times sweeter than traditional refined table sugar, but contains no carbohydrates, calories, or artificial ingredients. However, many users find the aftertaste bitter and displeasing.
[Amazon Fresh]
Equipment Needed
A standard blender is all that is required to make these delicious smoothies. If you are making it for just one person, we recommend using the truly amazing personal NutriBullet Ultra as it is super-quick to set up and very easy to clean.
If you are making them for more than one person, we recommend a higher-end Vitamix blender that can process larger loads more efficiently.
For overnight storage, we recommend using a glass or BPA-free airtight container with a resealable lid.
How To Make The Smoothie King Vegan Pineapple Spinach
The Smoothie King Vegan Pineapple Spinach is very easy to make:
- Step 1: Place bananas, carrots, pineapple, spinach, apple juice, pineapple juice, almonds, hemp protein powder, Stevia, and ice into a blender and secure the lid.
- Step 2: Start the blender on its lowest speed and steadily ramp up to its highest speed. This will reduce wear and tear on the motor and blades, facilitate a more consistent blend, and help prevent food splatter onto the lid and sides.
- Step 3: Blend for approximately 30 seconds or until a smooth consistency is achieved.
- Step 4: Pour into a glass for immediate refreshment or place in the refrigerator in an airtight container to enjoy later.
Recipe Tips And Substitutions
For ease of use, we recommend peeling and slicing a number of bananas, putting them in a freezer bag, and storing them in your freezer for quick access.
If you don’t have frozen fruit, or simply prefer to use fresh fruit (we totally get that), we recommend adding 1/2 cup of ice to chill your smoothie and give it a pleasing icy texture.
For an extra omega-3 boost, a tablespoon of flaxseed or chia seeds can be blended into the smoothie.
If you prefer a different type of nut, walnuts or cashews can be used in place of almonds.
For those looking to increase the green power, kale or chard can be added or substituted for spinach.
If apple juice is too sweet or not available, water or coconut water can be used as a hydrating base that still allows the flavors of the other ingredients to shine through.
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Smoothie King Vegan Pineapple Spinach Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 banana frozen, sliced
- 1/2 cup carrots
- 1/2 cup pineapple frozen, chunks
- 1 cup spinach
- 1/2 cup apple juice
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 10 almonds raw
- 1 hemp protein powder unsweetened
- 2 tsp Stevia
- 1 cup ice
- 1 Collagen Boost optional
Instructions
- Place bananas, carrots, pineapple, spinach, apple juice, pineapple juice, almonds, hemp protein powder, Stevia, and ice into a blender and secure the lid.
- Start the blender on its lowest speed and steadily ramp up to its highest speed. This will reduce wear and tear on the motor and blades, facilitate a more consistent blend, and help prevent food splatter onto the lid and sides.
- Blend for approximately 30 seconds or until a smooth consistency is achieved.
- Pour into a glass for immediate refreshment or place in the refrigerator in an airtight container to enjoy later.
Notes
- For ease of use, we recommend peeling and slicing a number of bananas, putting them in a freezer bag, and storing them in your freezer for quick access.
- If you don't have frozen fruit, or simply prefer to use fresh fruit (we totally get that), we recommend adding 1/2 cup of ice to chill your smoothie and give it a pleasing icy texture.
- For an extra omega-3 boost, a tablespoon of flaxseed or chia seeds can be blended into the smoothie.
- If you prefer a different type of nut, walnuts or cashews can be used in place of almonds.
- For those looking to increase the green power, kale or chard can be added or substituted for spinach.
- If apple juice is too sweet or not available, water or coconut water can be used as a hydrating base that still allows the flavors of the other ingredients to shine through.
Nutrition
Smoothie Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, frozen spinach is a great alternative to fresh spinach in this smoothie, especially for convenience and to achieve a colder, thicker consistency. Frozen spinach is often pre-washed and chopped, saving you time, and it’s packed at peak freshness, ensuring you still get a good nutrient profile.
If you don’t have hemp protein powder, there are several other plant-based protein powders you can use, such as pea protein, brown rice protein, or a blended vegan protein powder. These alternatives will still provide a high-quality protein boost to your smoothie without altering the flavor profile too much. Just be sure to choose an unflavored or vanilla-flavored protein powder to complement the other ingredients in the smoothie.
More Smoothie King Recipes
→ If you liked this delicious Vegan Pineapple Spinach smoothie, try more of our copycat favorites on our Smoothie King Recipes page.
Sources
Smoothie King: Website
