Apple Orange And Pineapple Green Smoothie Recipe

I absolutely love this smoothie recipe because it’s like sipping a delicious burst of sunshine that fuels my day with vibrant energy and refreshing flavors. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that make me feel unstoppable and give me those feel-good vibes all morning long!

What I love most about my morning routine is the opportunity to share my nutritious Apple Orange and Pineapple Green Smoothie with you. It’s a powerhouse of a drink, offering not only the pineapple’s sweetness but also the refreshing zing of orange, the sweetness of apple, and the leafy goodness of spinach.

Unsweetened almond milk is my go-to liquid, and I’ve started adding chia seeds to the mix for good measure. And while this is a super simple smoothie, it looks and tastes anything but.

Ingredients

Apple:
Full of fiber; contributes natural sweetness and creamy smoothness.

Orange:
Rich in Vitamin C; provides a cheerful burst of citrus.

Spinach:
Rich in iron and antioxidants; elevates nutrient profile.

Chia Seeds:
Omega-3s come from here; brings in the amino acids and adds heft to smoothie.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 medium apple, cored and chopped
• 1 medium orange, peeled and segmented
• 1/2 cup fresh pineapple chunks
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
• 1/2 cup ice cubes

Instructions

1. Collect all ingredients: apple, orange, pineapple chunks, spinach, almond milk, chia seeds, honey, and ice cubes.

2. Put the cored and chopped apple, along with segments of orange and chunks of pineapple, into a blender.

3. Place the fresh spinach leaves over the fruit in the blender.

4. Pour the almond milk that has no added sugar into the bowl over the fruits and spinach.

5. Add the tablespoon of chia seeds to the blender.

6. Add the honey, if you like, for extra sweetness.

7. Place the ice cubes in the blender.

8. Tighten the cap on the blender and blend on high speed for about 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

9. If needed, modify the sweetness or texture of the smoothie by adding more honey or almond milk.

10. Serve promptly after pouring the smoothie into glasses to savor a rich, healthful drink. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Blender
2. Knife
3. Cutting board
4. Measuring cups
5. Measuring spoons
6. Glasses for serving

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different green instead of spinach?Kale or Swiss chard can be used in place of spinach and gain a similar nutrient boost.
• Q: What can I use instead of almond milk?A: You can substitute any plant-based milk for almond milk, such as soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk, or even go with dairy milk.
• Q: Is the honey necessary?A: It is possible to omit honey, use a different sweetener, or replace it with a sweetener of your choice. Possible choices include agave syrup, maple syrup, or a different type of sweetener.
• Q: Can I make this smoothie the night before?B: Enjoy it freshly made, if you can. You can prepare it the night before and keep it sealed in the refrigerator. Just remember to shake it well before opening.
• Q: Are the chia seeds essential?Chia seeds are not strictly necessary; they confer a nutritional boost, but we could just as easily use flax seeds, which some people might prefer.
• Q: How do I adjust the thickness of the smoothie?To achieve smoothie thickness, increase the ice or decrease the almond milk. To attain thinner consistency, you can up the almond milk ante.
• Q: Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?A: Yes, frozen fruit will thicken the smoothie and may eliminate the need for ice.

Substitutions and Variations

Substituting for Apple: Use 1 medium pear, cored and chopped, in place of the apple.
Orange: Replace with 1 small tangerine, peeled and divided into sections
Pineapple chunks, fresh: Substitute 1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks
Remove the kale leaves from the stem and chop them. Heat a sauté pan over medium heat with oil. When the oil is hot, add the chopped kale and the garlic, if using. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the greens are tender. Season with salt and pepper and serve as a side dish.
Almond milk, unsweetened: Substitute with 1 cup coconut water
Chia seeds: Substitute with 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal

Pro Tips

1. For a smoother texture, soak the chia seeds in the almond milk for about 10 minutes before blending. This not only softens the seeds but also enhances the smoothie’s nutritional value as the seeds absorb the liquid and expand.

2. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon while blending. These additions complement the fruity flavors and add a subtle depth to the smoothie.

3. If you prefer a colder and thicker smoothie consistency, freeze the pineapple chunks and apple pieces beforehand. This also helps to reduce the need for additional ice, which can dilute the flavor.

4. Balance the citrusy flavor from the orange by adding a small piece of ginger into the blender. It provides a zingy kick and pairs well with the other ingredients, enhancing the overall taste profile.

5. For additional creaminess, consider adding a small ripe banana. This can also naturally sweeten the smoothie, reducing or eliminating the need for honey if you are looking to cut down on added sugars.