This smoothie is richly flavored, satisfying, and refreshing.
But here’s the surprise…
It’s unbelievably healthy!
The recipe is courtesy of Krishna, my costume department workmate who introduced me to the wonderful tastes and health benefits of Indian masala blends (not to mention her recipe for warm and spicy turmeric tea!).
Similar to a spicy pina colada, this smoothie makes an excellent poolside beverage, a mid-afternoon energizer, or a quick breakfast drink on busy days.
An outstanding source of vitamin C, it also boasts good levels of other antioxidants, such as curcumin, gingerol, and piperine.
Avoiding dairy products? With coconut milk as a base, the drink is thick and creamy, yet completely dairy-free.
Rich in B vitamins and minerals, it is also full of the beneficial medium-chain fatty acids (a.k.a. lauric acid) that have made coconut oil a popular choice for cooking in recent years.
Although coconut is a saturated fat, it doesn’t raise LDL cholesterol levels.
In fact, research has shown that its lauric acid lowers unhealthy LDL cholesterol, while at the same time increasing heart-healthy HDL cholesterol levels.
The milk is different than the clear liquid found inside of the coconut, which is considered to be the drupe’s water.
It is actually an extract, produced by removing the meat from the shell, grinding, and soaking it in water, then straining it.
You can find coconut milk in a full-fat version, as well as “lite.” The lite variety has been strained to remove a percentage of the fat, so it has a thinner consistency and fewer calories.
Along with the health benefits of the tropical one-seeded drupe, the fresh pineapple and fruit juices deliver maximum levels of vitamin C. And the other antioxidants come from the spices turmeric, ginger, and black pepper.
Besides being lactose free, it’s also 100 percent free of soy, nuts, and grains – which makes it a very good option for those with allergies to any of those mentioned.
It’s also vegan, and is suitable for all plant-based diets.
While the milk, pineapple, and orange juice all have a natural sweetness, the lemon juice can make it a bit too tart for some folks – adding a teaspoon of honey will sweeten it, and will still retain its healthy properties.
Make the recipe below in your blender now, and enjoy your guilt-free tropical treat!
The Recipe
| Servings | Prep Time |
| 2 8-ounce glasses | 5 minutes |
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Looking for a healthy and refreshing beverage? This pineapple coconut smoothie is loaded with vitamin C and other antioxidants for energy and vitality.
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- 1 cup coconut milk full-fat or lite *
- 1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks
- 1 lemon juice only
- 1 orange juice only
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon ground Ginger
- 1 generous pinch Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon honey optional
- Add the coconut milk, pineapple chunks, and fruit juices to the blender, and blend until smooth.
- Add the spices and the honey, if using. Pulse in blender to combine.
- Pour into a couple of frosty glasses, pop in a large bubble-tea or smoothie straw, and enjoy the creamy goodness!
*Using the lite version will reduce the fat and calorie count, or you can use half coconut milk and half water to the same effect.
Nutritional Information*
Delicious Treat – Zero Guilt!
Creamy coconut milk blends together with juicy pineapple, zesty lemon and orange juice, and a medley of warming spices for a tasty beverage that’s both delicious and nutritious.
Give this recipe a try the next time you want a refreshing and fruity treat – and be sure to make a big batch in your blender for your friends and family to enjoy.
While the turmeric, black pepper, and ginger pack a mighty punch of antioxidant power, you might want to mix up the flavors with other superfood add-ins, like chia seeds or spirulina.
Can’t get enough of creamy, dreamy beverages? Foodal has plenty to keep your blender busy!
If you enjoy tropical flavors like this pineapple coconut recipe, you’ll love our tahini banana smoothie, or our fresh papaya ginger smoothie recipe.
And for the chocolate lovers… try our coconut chocolate coffee smoothie.
Pure bliss in a cup!
What are your favorite ingredients to make healthy smoothies? We would love to know in the comments below!
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Photos by Lorna Kring, © Ask the Experts, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. See our TOS for more details.
The staff at Foodal are not medical professionals and this article should not be construed as medical advice. Foodal and Ask the Experts, LLC assume no liability for the use or misuse of the material presented above. Always consult with a medical professional before changing your diet, or using supplements or manufactured or natural medications.
*Nutritional information derived from a database of known generic and branded foods and ingredients and was not compiled by a registered dietitian or submitted for lab testing. It should be viewed as an approximation.
About Lorna Kring
Recently retired as a costume specialist in the TV and film industry, Lorna now enjoys blogging on contemporary lifestyle themes. A bit daft about the garden, she’s particularly obsessed with organic tomatoes and herbs, and delights in breaking bread with family and friends.
