Easy & Healthy Pineapple Cherry Smoothie Recipe with Kale – Perfect for Kids & Adults!
Kickstart your day or re-energize in the afternoon with this incredibly delicious and vibrant pineapple cherry smoothie. Crafted with frozen pineapple, sweet cherries, nutrient-dense kale, creamy almond milk, and a hint of vanilla, it’s a refreshing treat that both children and adults will adore. This recipe is not just a tasty beverage; it’s a simple way to infuse your diet with essential vitamins and minerals!
Why Smoothies Are a Great Choice for Any Time of Day
Who doesn’t love a delicious smoothie? They offer a fantastic solution for busy mornings or as a quick, healthy pick-me-up. Whether you’re looking for an effortless breakfast to enjoy on the go, a satisfying post-workout drink, or a nutritious snack, smoothies check all the boxes. They’re also an excellent way to effortlessly incorporate more fruits and leafy green vegetables into your family’s diet, especially for picky eaters!
From a classic strawberry banana yogurt smoothie to a zesty cucumber lime smoothie, the possibilities are endless. But if you’re seeking a unique flavor combination that’s both sweet and subtly tart, this pineapple cherry kale smoothie is your next must-try recipe. Its delightful taste and vibrant color make it an instant favorite.
Looking for more fruity treats for the kids? Don’t forget to check out these homemade fruit popsicle recipes! They’re perfect for summer!
Introducing Your New Favorite: Pineapple Cherry Kale Smoothie
Variety is the spice of life, and that applies to your smoothie routine too! If you’ve grown tired of the same old flavors, it’s time to introduce a new champion: the pineapple cherry kale smoothie. This blend is packed with awesome flavors and an impressive nutritional punch, making it a guaranteed hit with everyone in the family.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need to be a culinary expert to whip up this nutritious drink. Simply toss all the ingredients into your blender, and in minutes, you’ll have a creamy, refreshing, and incredibly healthy smoothie. It’s truly that easy!
For another creative way to enjoy kale, try this easy blueberry kale salad!
Essential Ingredients for Your Pineapple Cherry Smoothie
Let’s get down to the delicious details! Gathering and preparing your ingredients is the first step towards smoothie perfection. Here’s what you’ll need to make this vibrant and nutritious blend:
- Frozen Pineapple Chunks: The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and a tropical tang. Using frozen pineapple eliminates the need for ice, resulting in a thicker, colder smoothie without diluting the flavor. Pineapple is also rich in Vitamin C and manganese.
- Cherries (Pitted): These deep red gems add a beautiful color, a sweet-tart flavor, and a wealth of antioxidants. You can use fresh or frozen pitted cherries. If using fresh, make sure they are well-pitted to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Cherries are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
- Kale: Our secret ingredient for a superfood boost! Kale is packed with vitamins K, A, and C, as well as antioxidants. Don’t worry about the taste – the strong flavors of pineapple and cherry perfectly mask the earthiness of the kale, making it almost undetectable, especially for kids.
- Almond Milk: This creamy, dairy-free base provides a smooth consistency and a subtle nutty flavor. It’s a fantastic alternative for those with lactose intolerance or simply looking for a lighter option. Feel free to use unsweetened almond milk to control the sugar content. Other plant-based milks like oat or soy milk can also be used.
- Yogurt (Plain or Vanilla): Adds a wonderful creaminess and a boost of probiotics for gut health. Plain yogurt allows the fruit flavors to shine, while vanilla yogurt adds an extra layer of sweetness and aroma. For a dairy-free or vegan option, opt for plant-based yogurts (almond, coconut, or soy yogurt).
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors, adding a comforting and aromatic note to the smoothie.
Gluten-Free Note: If you’re aiming for a gluten-free smoothie, always double-check the labels on your almond milk, yogurt, and vanilla extract to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
Equipment You’ll Need
To achieve that perfectly smooth, creamy texture, you’ll need a good quality smoothie-style blender. We absolutely love our Nutribullet Pro and find ourselves using it all the time for its powerful blending capabilities and ease of use. A strong blender ensures no leafy chunks of kale are left behind!
Step-by-Step: How to Make a Pineapple Cherry Smoothie
Get ready for the simplest recipe ever! This smoothie comes together in mere minutes, making it ideal for those busy moments when you need something nutritious, fast.
- Combine Ingredients: Add all your prepared ingredients – frozen pineapple, pitted cherries, kale, almond milk, yogurt, and vanilla extract – into your smoothie-style blender.
- Blend Until Smooth: Secure the lid and blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no visible chunks of fruit or kale. This might take 30-60 seconds depending on your blender’s power.
- Adjust Consistency (if needed): If your smoothie is too thick, add a small amount of additional almond milk (1-2 tablespoons at a time) and blend again until you reach your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker smoothie, you can add a few more frozen pineapple chunks or a spoonful of chia seeds.
- Serve Immediately: Pour the freshly blended smoothie into a glass and enjoy right away for the best taste and texture!
See? I told you it was simple! Now, let’s talk about making this green-packed smoothie appealing for even the pickiest eaters.
Making This Pineapple Cherry Smoothie for Kids? Sneaky Green Tips!
While this smoothie is delicious and naturally sweet, the vibrant green hue from the kale might be a deterrent for some children. But don’t despair! There are a couple of clever tricks you can use to make sure your little ones enjoy all the nutritional benefits without questioning the color:
- Blend in Stages: If your kids are hesitant about green drinks, try pureeing all the ingredients except the kale first. Once that mixture is smooth, slowly add small amounts of kale, blending after each addition. This way, you can control how much kale goes in and prevent the smoothie from turning too green, sometimes maintaining a more reddish or purplish hue from the cherries.
- Use a Green Smoothie Powder: Alternatively, for a completely color-free solution, you can use a green smoothie powder. These powders are often flavorless and pack a concentrated dose of greens, allowing you to add all the goodness without affecting the smoothie’s visual appeal.
I genuinely hope that you and your family enjoy this easy, healthy, and incredibly tasty pineapple cherry smoothie recipe! It’s a wonderful way to boost your daily fruit and vegetable intake.
Customization and Serving Suggestions
This pineapple cherry kale smoothie is fantastic as is, but it’s also wonderfully versatile! Feel free to experiment with these ideas:
- Boost Protein: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder (vanilla or unflavored work best), a tablespoon of chia seeds or flax seeds, or a spoonful of almond butter for extra satiety and nutritional value.
- Extra Sweetness: If your fruit isn’t quite ripe or you prefer a sweeter drink, add a touch of honey, maple syrup, or a pitted Medjool date before blending.
- Spice It Up: A tiny pinch of ground ginger or cinnamon can add an interesting warmth and depth of flavor.
- Tropical Twist: Add a few slices of fresh mango or a bit of coconut water for an even more tropical vibe.
- Make it a Bowl: For a thicker consistency, reduce the amount of almond milk. Pour into a bowl and top with granola, fresh fruit, coconut flakes, or a drizzle of honey for a delightful smoothie bowl experience.
Storage Tips for Your Smoothie
While smoothies are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare this pineapple cherry kale smoothie in advance for convenient grab-and-go options. Store any leftover smoothie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Some separation may occur, just give it a good shake or quick re-blend before serving.
You can also freeze portions of the smoothie in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, simply blend the frozen smoothie cubes with a splash of almond milk until smooth. This is a great meal prep hack for busy mornings!
More Delicious Pineapple Recipes to Try
If you’re a fan of pineapple, you might also love this easy pineapple angel food cake recipe for a tasty, fat-free dessert treat!
Pineapple Cherry Smoothie
Author: Jaclyn
Ingredients
- ½ cup frozen pineapple chunks
- 1 cup pitted cherries
- ½ cup fresh kale tightly packed, stems removed (or to taste)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk more if needed for consistency
- ½ cup plain or vanilla yogurt (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
-
Place all ingredients into a high-speed blender.
-
Puree until completely smooth and creamy. Ensure no kale chunks remain.
-
If necessary, add a small amount of additional almond milk (1-2 tablespoons at a time) to achieve your desired smoothie consistency.
-
Pour into glasses and serve immediately. Enjoy your refreshing and healthy pineapple cherry smoothie!
Notes
Did You Make This Recipe?
We’d love to see your creations! Share your delicious smoothie photos with me on Instagram @crayonsandcravings and be sure to follow us on Pinterest @crayonsandcravings for even more recipe inspiration and family-friendly ideas!
Pin Recipe
Leave A Review
Pin This Recipe for Later:
