The perfect quick breakfast or snack, this pineapple strawberry smoothie is healthy, flavorful and filling — and visually delightful with its swirled layers.
Lately I’ve been on a smoothie kick — specifically pineapple and strawberry blends. I tend to cycle through food obsessions: something feels brand new and I make it constantly for a while, then I forget about it for months until something jogs my memory and I’m hooked all over again. It’s the same with smoothies. Sometimes I make them every morning; other times I go weeks without one. When I saw bright layered smoothies popping up everywhere, I decided it was time to bring them back into rotation.
This pineapple-strawberry version is fantastic because you get two distinct flavors in one glass. The straws swirl through a sweet strawberry layer and a bright pineapple layer, making the drink attractive as well as delicious. Layered smoothies look fancy but are actually simple to make — only a little extra patience is required when assembling. The key is to blend each portion separately and, if you want those neat layers, pay attention to texture and density.
I prefer frozen fruit for smoothies because it gives a thick, creamy texture without needing ice. If you only have fresh fruit, add a handful of ice to chill and thicken the drink. A little Greek yogurt boosts creaminess and adds protein, while a scoop of vanilla protein powder and a touch of ground flaxseed are optional for extra nutrition. Depending on how sweet your fruit is, you may want to stir in a small amount of honey — I often add honey to the pineapple layer but leave the strawberry portion unsweetened.
If you’ve never tried a swirled smoothie, here are a few simple tips to get attractive layers: blend each fruit portion until smooth but slightly different in thickness so one layer sits on top of the other. Pour the bottom layer into the glass, then slowly add the second layer over the back of a spoon so it doesn’t break through. Serve immediately for the best visual effect and texture.
Pineapple Strawberry Smoothie
The perfect quick breakfast or snack: bright, satisfying and simple to prepare. This smoothie is delicious on its own or as a colorful addition to a busy morning.
10 minutes
10 minutes
Ingredients
For the strawberry portion:
- 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1–2 teaspoons vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon ground flaxseed (optional)
- 1/2 tablespoon honey (optional)
For the pineapple portion:
- 1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1–2 teaspoons vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon ground flaxseed (optional)
- 1/2 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients for the strawberry portion until smooth.
- Divide the strawberry mixture between two glasses.
- Rinse the blender if needed. Blend all ingredients for the pineapple portion until smooth, then layer it on top of the strawberry mixture. Pour slowly over the back of a spoon for clean layers if desired.
Notes
You may or may not need to add honey depending on the sweetness of your fruit. Frozen fruit creates a thicker smoothie; if using fresh fruit, add ice to achieve a similar consistency. Adjust milk to reach your preferred thickness.
Recommended Products
This post may reference products that can make smoothie prep easier.
-
Oster Blender -
Cuisinart Immersion Blender
-
Measuring Cups & Spoons
-
Ground Flaxseed
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2
Serving Size:
1 smoothie
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 231
Total Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 14mg
Sodium: 99mg
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 26g
Protein: 17g
Nutrition information is an estimate based on the ingredients used and may vary.