Tropical Smoothie Recipe: Sunshine In A Glass

Tropical smoothie is a blend of tangy pineapple, creamy banana, crisp apple, and the subtle tropical essence of coconut oil. It’s like sunshine in a glass.

This post has been updated with more helpful tips, new photos, and a video.

Today, I have a delightful smoothie for you — a harmony of tropical flavors that will transport you straight to a sunny beach paradise. I call it Tropical Smoothie.

As you blend this drink, the tantalizing aroma of freshly cut pineapple, its vibrant yellows and tangy sweetness will call out to your taste buds.

The creamy texture of a frozen banana, adds a luscious richness to every sip. Adding a crisp apple to the mix, lends a refreshing zing, and a dash of velvety coconut oil brings it all together.

Now, if you’d like to switch it up with something green and equally refreshing—try my garden-fresh cucumber smoothie or this celery smoothie just as refreshing and packed with nutrients! 

Is coconut oil good for you?

John is a fan of all things coconut, while I love the many health benefits of coconut oil: strengthening the immune system, promoting heart health, improving digestion, and contributing to healthy skin (to name just a few!). More here: Saturated Fats Won’t Kill You: The Important New PURE Study.

Our daughter has used coconut oil with great success for moisturizing dry skin during the winter months.

But coconut oil works even better when taken internally.

Coconut almond dark chocolate bark, 10-minute wild shrimp with coconut sauce, and sweet potato noodles with dairy-free creamy coconut sauce are some of my recipes you might enjoy that combine the rich, tropical flavor of coconut with a variety of nutritious ingredients.

Smoothies are a great way to add a little coconut oil to your diet.

Have you tried this super oil?

Creating a little taste of paradise right in your own kitchen isn’t complicated at all. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients

Pineapple:

Ah, pineapple, the crowned jewel of tropical fruits! Bursting with juicy sweetness, this tropical wonder adds a delightful tropical twist to our smoothie.

When choosing a pineapple, look for one with a golden skin, a sweet aroma, and leaves that are fresh and green. The tangy-sweet flavor of pineapple will bring a burst of sunshine to every sip of our smoothie.

Frozen Banana:

Now, let’s talk about the secret ingredient that gives our smoothie that creamy, dreamy texture—the frozen banana!

When you have overripe bananas on your hands, don’t toss them away. Peel them, chop into halves or chunks, and flash freeze them in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet for about two hours. This is so that that they don’t freeze into one big clump.

Then, you can transfer them to a zip lock freezer bag and they won’t stick together. They’ll keep in your freezer for about 6 months to use in smoothies or baking as needed.

A fresh banana is ok, but a frozen banana adds a velvety smoothness to our smoothie, making it irresistibly creamy. It also brings a natural sweetness that perfectly balances the tanginess of the pineapple.

Apple:

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, and it sure adds a crisp and refreshing element to our smoothie. Choose a firm apple with a balanced sweet-tart flavor.

Whether you prefer a juicy red apple or a tangy green one, the apple will lend a burst of freshness and a hint of natural sweetness to our tropical blend. 

Warm Coconut Oil:

Coconut oil, oh how I adore you! In addition to a cup of water, we’re going to add a touch of warm coconut oil to bring everything together harmoniously.

When coconut oil is warm (room temperature), it transforms into a velvety elixir that infuses our smoothie with its subtle, tropical essence. I specify warm because when coconut oil is cold, it hardens.

Just a hint of this tropical oil will make our smoothie feel like a mini vacation in a glass.

Instructions

*Free printable recipe card is available at the end of the post.

Just place all ingredients into the Vitamix container: first water and oil, then apple and pineapple slices, and finally the frozen banana.

Keep heavier frozen ingredients to add last so that they’re on top of the mixture. This will get the blender moving faster and prevent stalling. 

Then secure the lid. 

Pro tips and recipe notes

Can I use a food processor to make this smoothie?

Yes, if you don’t have a super blender, a food processor can be used to prepare this smoothie. 

Can I add other fruits or ingredients to the smoothie? Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add your favorite fruits or ingredients to customize the smoothie. Spinach, mango, or a squeeze of lime juice can be delightful additions that complement the tropical flavors. 

I recommend organic produce free of chemicals and pesticides, whenever possible.

Can I make the smoothie ahead of time and store it? It’s best to consume the smoothie immediately after preparing it to enjoy its freshness and optimal taste. However, if you need to store it, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no more than a day. Give it a quick stir before drinking.

Not only does this smoothie taste heavenly, but it also nourishes your body with a burst of tropical goodness and energizes you for whatever the day has in store.

Blend your way to paradise and savor every sip. Cheers!

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5 from 1 vote

Tropical Smoothie

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Tropical Smoothie with pineapple, frozen banana, apple and coconut oil (for a healthy boost). Sip and imagine yourself on a tropical island.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 3

Calories 142kcal

Author Barbara Bianchi

Equipment

Vitamix

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 cup pineapple cut up
• 1 apple sliced
• 1 frozen banana

Instructions

• Place all ingredients into Vitamix container in order listed and secure lid.
• Set Vitamix to pre-programmed Smoothie setting and start machine. It will automatically shut off once cycle is complete. Yields 3 cups

Notes

 

Can I use a food processor to make this smoothie?

Yes, if you don't have a super blender, a food processor can be used to prepare this smoothie.

Can I add other fruits or ingredients to the smoothie? Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add your favorite fruits or ingredients to customize the smoothie. Spinach, mango, or a squeeze of lime juice can be delightful additions that complement the tropical flavors.

I recommend organic produce free of chemicals and pesticides, whenever possible.

Can I make the smoothie ahead of time and store it? It's best to consume the smoothie immediately after preparing it to enjoy its freshness and optimal taste. However, if you need to store it, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no more than a day. Give it a quick stir before drinking.

Nutrition

Serving: 8ounces | Calories: 142kcal

did you make this recipe? We want to see! Take a pic, and tag @glutenfreehomestead on Instagram.