Tropical Sunrise Smoothie

Why you’ll love this recipe:

Lighten up breakfast with this tropical sunrise smoothie! It’s ultra refreshing with tropical vibes and a hint of coconut. It tastes like a pina colada, but it’s full of immune-boosting fruits and protein powder.

• Quick – This pineapple orange smoothie tastes 5 minutes to whip up. And since most blender pitchers are dishwasher-safe, cleanup is a breeze!
• Healthy – Both pineapple and oranges are rich in vitamin C! Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, protecting your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• Refreshing – It’s creamy yet bright and fresh! Ideal for a hot summer day, or when you’re dreaming for one.

I like to make this tropical smoothie for an on-the-go breakfast or healthy snack! It helps me beat the afternoon slump and tastes like a sweet treat.

Key Ingredient Notes:

• Orange – Whole oranges provide more nutrients and fiber than orange juice! Peel and freeze them first, so the smoothie gets nice and thick.
• Pineapple – Frozen pineapple sweetens and thickens the smoothie without the need for ice. You can grab a big bag at Costco for a great price.
• Pear – Pears are a great substitute for bananas in smoothie recipes. They’re naturally sweet and creamy, plus they’re easy to freeze. Just core and slice one into chunks, place them in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Coconut milk – A healthy liquid base with a hint of coconut. Unsweetened almond milk works great too!
• Orange juice – A splash of citrus makes all the flavors pop! For the healthiest option, use pure squeezed orange juice that’s not from concentrate.
• Vanilla protein powder – For an added boost of protein!

How to make this recipe:

• Combine the frozen oranges, frozen pineapple, frozen pear, coconut milk, orange juice, and protein powder in the pitcher of your blender.
• Blend until thick, creamy, and smooth!

• Pour into a glass or to-go tumbler and enjoy immediately!

Tips for Success:

• If possible, use a high-speed blender. High-speed blenders feature powerful motors and super sharp blades, which gives you a super creamy blend.
• Pineapple and orange juice both work great for tropical smoothies! Pineapple juice is slightly sweeter.
• You can double this recipe for more servings! It’s a refreshing drink to serve with brunch.
• Adjust the consistency to suit your preference. For a thicker smoothie, reduce the liquid a bit. For a thicker smoothie, add more frozen pineapple.

Variations:

• Dairy-free – To make this smoothie dairy-free and vegan, use a plant-based vegan protein powder.
• Gluten-free – Not all protein powder brands are gluten-free. If you avoid gluten, use one that’s labeled gluten-free.
• Fruit – Swap the orange with frozen mango for a mango pineapple flavor. Or for a sweeter smoothie, swap the frozen pear with frozen banana.
• Milk – You can use any plant-based milk you like or swap the coconut milk with canned coconut milk for an ultra-decadent smoothie!

Storing Tips:

• Smoothies only take 5 minutes to make and they taste the best immediately, so I highly recommend enjoying them fresh.
• You can store a smoothie in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but it’ll lose its frosty texture and possibly separate.

Make-Ahead Tip:

• Place the portioned frozen fruits in a freezer bag and when ready to make the smoothie, simply put the fruits in the blender add milk and protein powder!
• You can also freeze coconut milk and/or juice in ½-cup portions in “Souper Cube” freezing tray. Simply thaw it before making the smoothie.

FAQs:

Smoothie Recipes:

• Strawberry Pear Smoothie
• Rainbow Smoothie
• Pear Kiwi Banana Smoothie