Pineapple Smoothie – Loaded with vitamin C, potassium, and protein, it’s the perfect way to start your day or recover after a workout.Â
Sweet. Creamy. Refreshing. Bright. Nutritious. I could go on and on. This delicious sip has it all. I love the bright yellow color that reminds me of sunshine. I love the extra energy I feel after drinking it. I love the creamy, yet sippable, texture. But none of that matters if it doesn’t also taste good. Well, you’re in luck, because it’s delicious too! A superfood powerhouse Pineapple Smoothie that tastes as good as it looks! It’s dairy free and gluten free and even contains a surprising ingredient that increases the potassium, protein, and fiber! Curious? Keep reading!
Back to Reality
I first teased you about this smoothie about 3 weeks ago here, but then life got in the way. Last week was spring break and I had a nice long vacation from working and most responsibilities. The first part of break I was visiting my parents in Nevada and skiing with my dad. The weather wasn’t exactly what I was hoping for, but we had such a great time and skied 4 days in a row. I didn’t feel so bad about missing my regular workout schedule since I was putting in a lot of effort on the slopes.
The last 4 days of break, I was back home and hanging out with my hubby and the kids. My workouts didn’t happen at all during that time, but I didn’t care. It was so much fun just relaxing as a family. But, alas, we are back to reality now. Kids are back in school and I’m back to the grind cooking and blogging and all that comes with it. Which also means I’m back to my regular exercise schedule and that’s where this delicious dairy free smoothie comes in.
Post Workout Smoothie
I generally workout in the late morning. I have a small breakfast before – usually a slice of sprouted grain toast or a banana w/ almond butter or a small bowl of healthy oatmeal. When I get back from the gym, I like to make a nutritious smoothie to aid in recovery. It’s important to have some protein, carbs, and healthy fats in your post workout fuel. I also find I’m not really up for eating right after a workout, so a smoothie is the perfect choice. Smoothies are easy to load up with nutrients and simple to sip as I attempt to get some work done.
What’s Inside
- Banana – contains easily digestible carbs to restore glycogen levels that aid in muscle repair; potassium helps to prevent muscle cramps
- Pineapple – the high water content will keep you hydrated; contains anti-inflammatory properties which can help prevent muscle damage
- Hemp Seeds – contains easily digestible protein and healthy Omega-3 fatty acids
- Turmeric – has anti-inflammatory properties which have been shown to decrease the pain associated with delayed onset muscle soreness
- Ginger – relieves muscle soreness and aids in digestion
- Coconut Water – higher amounts of potassium, sodium, magnesium, and calcium than popular store-bought sports drinks which helps to maintain proper fluid balance and avoid muscle cramping
- And finally – White Beans!! – I know it seems odd in a smoothie, but you won’t taste them at all! They provide extra creaminess, protein, and lots of potassium.
I’ll admit, when I first set out to make a post workout smoothie, white beans were not my first choice. I wanted to add an avocado. But when I cut into my seemingly perfect green fruit, it was black inside. Yuck! And I only had the one. So, I took a peak in the fridge to see what I could use instead and found some leftover white beans from these delicious Spinach Artichoke White Bean Burgers. They worked perfectly! And I love the golden color of this pineapple smoothie – which obviously would have turned green had I added an avocado. Bonus – cans of white beans will last nearly forever in your pantry and, once opened, any leftovers can be easily frozen – meaning they will always be at the ready when you are.
Post Workout Pineapple Smoothie
I hope you love this Pineapple Smoothie as much as we do! If you try it, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. You can also find me on social media. Be sure to tag @veggie_inspired and #veggieinspired so I’m sure to see it. Enjoy!
- 1 banana (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup pineapple (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup cooked white beans (rinsed and drained)
- 2 tbsp hulled hemp seeds
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/8 tsp ground ginger
- 1-1 1/2 cups pure coconut water (depending on how thick/thin you like your smoothies)
- handful of ice (especially if you used fresh fruit!)
- 1-2 pitted Medjool dates (optional for sweetness)
- Place all ingredients into a high speed blender and blend until smooth.
I prefer frozen fruits in this smoothie, but fresh definitely works too. Just make sure you add several ice cubes if you use fresh fruit to make sure it's cold and creamy!
More Delicious Dairy Free Smoothie To Love:
Rise & Shine Creamy Clementine Smoothie
Beans in a smoothie?! You are brave lady! I definitely wouldn’t have thought to take that challenge on, but it looks really good!
HaHa! Who knew, right?! Try it and let me know what you think!
I just might actually opening a can of white beans today for another recipe where I don’t need the whole can. If I do, I promise that I’ll try this and report back 🙂
Awesome! Can’t wait to hear!
I’ve been using white beans in my smoothies recently. They make them so creamy. I am loving this smoothie. Pineapple is one of my favourites and there are so many lovely flavours in there!
Yay for bean smoothies! 🙂 Thanks, Mel!
I’ll have to try this magical elixir after my Saturday long run!
Oh yes, it would be perfect! Let me know what you think!
I adore pineapple in smoothies. So delicious! And hemp seeds! This has all of my faves!
Thanks, Sarah. Mine too!
Ah ha! I would never have guessed that the secret ingredient is beans, but I can totally imagine this working. Who knew beans were quite so versatile!?
I know, right?! And they are basically flavorless so they could really go in just about anything! Thanks, Natalie!
This looks so refreshing! I love the addition of the beans!
Thanks, Dianne!
Whoa!! I was totally not expecting the white beans! But white beans are super creamy and packed with all sorts of good-for-you stuff…great idea! I bet that vacation was just what you needed AND relaxing with family is always a good idea. Sounds like life is good! Hope you’re having a great week so far <3
Yes, thank you, it was so nice to get away for a bit. I always have beans hanging out in the fridge, so they are the perfect addition. They also make this smoothie a bit more filling without really adding any more fat. Win!
Such a great idea for a post-workout shake. Hemp seeds are amazing and the beans in there were a surprise but I bet it tastes really good. 🙂
Thanks, Mary Ellen! I love hemp seeds – one of my favorite add-ins! And, yes, the beans worked surprisingly well. Since I always seem to have beans hanging out in my fridge, it’s perfect!