Pina Colada Smoothie recipe with coconut milk - Healthier take on a popular tropical beverage made with fresh pineapple, banana and coconut milk. The smoothie is perfect for breakfast, afternoon snack and enjoyed on a hot summer day.
Easy peasy 5 ingredient Pina Colada Smoothie made in 15 minutes. This smoothie is a skinny version of the original Pina Colada + non-alcoholic.
Virgin Pina Colada is hands down one of my most favorite Mocktails and immediately transports me on a beach holiday.
I love Pineapple in all forms - Be it SALAD, smoothie or a plain bowl of chopped pineapple sprinkled with some chili powder and salt (have you tried this combo?).
I first tasted Pina Colada during our honeymoon in Maldives and immediately fell in love. I loved the smoothie version which makes a refreshing morning breakfast.
Jump to:
What is Pina Colada?
Pina Colada is a cocktail made with rum, coconut cream or milk, pineapple juice and sometimes shredded coconut is also used.
This is blended and served ice cold in a tall glass with a tiny umbrella, pineapple wedge and cherry.
This drink originated in Puerto Rico. Both the versions (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are quite popular.
Ingredients
Pineapple - Use fresh and ripe pineapple for smoothie. Pineapples are naturally sweet and therefore you can restrict or reduce quantity of sweetener.
Use fresh or frozen pineapple. Benefit of using frozen pineapples is that you don't need ice cubes.
Banana - Adds creaminess (without the use of dairy based cream) and provides instant energy, filling.
Unsweetened Coconut Milk - Traditional Pina Colada contains Coconut Cream. We are substituting the cream with coconut milk for a light smoothie version.
Adding Dairy Cream or Milk + pineapples is not a good idea. Milk tends to curdle when combined with citrus fruits.
If you cannot source coconut milk, simply add oat milk or almond milk. Of course, it won't be an authentic pina colada but who's judging anyway?
Honey - The quantity will depend on how sweet the pineapple tastes. Substitute honey with agave, maple syrup or granulated sugar.
How to Make a Pina Colada Smoothie
In a blender jar, add chopped pieces of pineapple, roughly chopped banana, honey and coconut milk.
Blend until smooth and creamy. Add few ice cubes or chilled water while blending the smoothie.
Tips
- Add ice or water with caution. Adding more may dilute the smoothie and compromise the creaminess.
- Can be poured into popsicle molds during summers and consumed as frozen dessert.
Variations
As you can see, I have topped the pina colada with dried cranberries, chia seeds and pineapple slice.
You can add a tablespoon of chia seeds while blending the smoothie.
Substitute medjool dates instead of sugar. If you love coconut flavor, add some shredded coconut when blending the smoothie.
Turn this into a smoothie bowl by topping some granola or muesli, fresh fruits, berries, nuts and seeds.
FAQ's
In a smoothie version, there is very little chance your pina colada turns runny. Banana adds body and creaminess to the drink.
Coconut Cream has much better coconut flavor than unsweetened coconut milk. But the latter is lighter, making it a much more healthier choice for a smoothie.
The combination of pineapple or any citrus fruits with dairy causes the milk to curdle.
Use oats or simply skip banana from the recipe.
More Smoothie Recipes to Try
Pineapple Ginger Smoothie - Anti-inflammatory and perfect for detox drink
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Pina Colada Smoothie recipe
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups Pineapple chopped or 1/2 ripe pineapple, cored and chopped
- 2 Banana Use fresh or frozen
- 1 tbsp Honey Read Notes Below
- 1/3 cup Unsweetened Coconut Milk Read Notes Below
- 1 cup Ice Cubes Skip this if using frozen banana
Optional Ingredients / Garnish
- 2-3 Pineapple Slices
- 1 tsp Chia Seeds
- 1 tsp Dried Cranberries
Instructions
- In a blender jar, add chopped pieces of pineapple, roughly chopped banana, honey and coconut milk.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. Add few ice cubes or chilled water while blending the smoothie.
- Pour the smoothie in serving glasses and garnish with chia, dried cranberries and fresh pineapple slices.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen pineapples for this recipe. If using frozen pineapples and/or banana, ice cubes can be avoided.
- Use Unsweetened Coconut Milk or Light Coconut Milk for the recipe.
Adding Dairy Cream or Milk is not a good idea with pineapples as milk tends to curdle when combined with citrus fruits. - If you cannot source coconut milk, simply add oat milk or almond milk.
Honey - Can be substituted with agave, maple syrup and granulated sugar as well. All Vegan alternatives. - Pina Colada Smoothie can be easily turned into a smoothie bowl. Top with fresh fruits, berries, nuts and seeds.
- Your favorite protein powder can also be added to bulk up the drink. Especially post workout, mid meal snack or breakfast smoothie.
- Smoothies taste best when made fresh and consumed immediately. Wouldn't recommend consuming leftovers a day later.
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We will be back again with yet another exciting recipe .. Until then, stay healthy and happy!
Vidya Narayan