This pina colada smoothie is packed with summer flavours and is naturally sweetened with pineapple, banana and coconut. It resembles your classic pina colada without all of the added sugar! The perfect refreshing tropical smoothie recipe for a hot summer day! (Vegan, dairy-free & gluten-free)
If you’re craving the taste of summer, you gotta try this healthy pina colada smoothie!
With the refreshing and vibrant flavours of pineapple, banana and coconut milk, you’ll feel like you’re escaping to a tropical island with every sip!
What I love the most about this smoothie is that it still mimics the tropical taste of a pina colada but is a healthier version without all of the added sugar. Because it’s non-alcoholic, it’s a great drink for both kids and adults and a delicious way to incorporate some extra goodness into your diet.
Be sure to try my Strawberry Mocktail Spritzer and Watermelon Cucumber Spritzer for more refreshing summer drinks.
Why make this recipe
- 3 ingredients: That’s right. You only need three ingredients to make this smoothie!
- Quick and easy: It takes no more than 5 minutes to make up a batch of this tropical pineapple banana smoothie. Just pop the ingredients into a blender and you’re good to go!
- No added sugar: The banana and pineapple add the perfect amount of natural sweetness which eliminates the need to add any sugar or other processed ingredients to flavour it up.
- Nutrient-rich: This smoothie is a great way to get a boost of fibre, in addition to vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, A, manganese, and potassium!
- Easily adaptable: Drink it as is or add even more nutrients by following some of the recipe variations noted below!
Ingredient Notes
- Pineapple: I like to use frozen pineapple chunks. It adds a nice thickness to the drink and is also super convenient! You can also dice up fresh pineapple and store it in the freezer for later use.
- Banana: Use an overripe banana which will be naturally sweeter, eliminating the need to add a sweetener.
- Coconut milk: I prefer to use lite coconut milk for this smoothie recipe to keep the calories in check, but you can use a full fat one if preferred. Canned is better than cartoned to achieve that rich taste and consistency, but you can use either one depending on personal preference.
Step by Step Instructions
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Add all ingredients to a high power blender.
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Gradually turn the blender up to high speed and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Serve immediately or store in the fridge for later use.
Tips for the Ultimate Tropical Smoothie Recipe
- I highly recommend using frozen pineapple chunks rather than pineapple that’s thawed or at room temperature. The frozen contributes a nice thickness to the smoothie that mimics that classic refreshing pina colada taste.
- You don’t have to use a frozen banana, but you can if you’d like. If using a frozen banana, I suggest cutting it into smaller chunks as it may be tough to blend otherwise.
- Use an overripe banana since it will contribute more sweetness. There is no added sugar in this smoothie, so you’ll want as much sweetness as possible coming from the fruit.
- I recommend using canned coconut milk in this smoothie. I used the light canned coconut milk, but you can also sub in full-fat if you want even more creaminess. I originally tried this smoothie with coconut milk in the carton and it just didn’t have that same rich taste and consistency.
- If possible, use a high power blender (I love the Ninja) since the frozen fruit requires enough power to break it down. If you don’t have a high power blender, you may wish to add the frozen fruit in smaller batches to prevent the engine from burning out. You may also need a bit of additional liquid if the blender is having trouble breaking down the frozen fruit.
Recipe FAQs
Storage guidelines
You can store the smoothie covered in the fridge for up to two days.
That being said, I find it generally tastes best when it’s freshly blended since the frozen pineapple makes it extra smooth, creamy and refreshing. It doesn’t quite have the same taste and consistency if left for a few hours.
Can I make this smoothie with alcohol?
For sure! If you’re looking to take your smoothie to the next level, you can add some rum, vodka or other desired alcohol.
Do I need to add ice?
Because we use frozen pineapple, there is no need to add ice. If you add ice to the blender, it may dilute the drink and result in a smoothie with a more watery consistency.
If you don’t use frozen fruit, you can add a few ice cubes or pour the smoothie over ice to chill it.
Recipe variations
- To make it sweeter: Add some honey, maple syrup or sub in a bit of pineapple juice for the coconut milk.
- To add more protein: Add a scoop of vanilla or unflavoured protein powder. You can also add a bit of plain or vanilla Greek yogurt if desired.
- To incorporate more fibre and healthy fats: Add some chia seeds or Hemp hearts.
- To add some greens: Add a handful of baby spinach.
- To make into a pineapple smoothie bowl: Pour into a bowl and serve with desired toppings. You could try a sprinkle of coconut flakes, diced fresh pineapple, slices of banana, and a sprinkle of hemp hearts.
More Healthy Smoothie Recipes
- Banana Smoothie without Yogurt
- Strawberry Banana Smoothie with Yogurt
- Simple Green Smoothie
- Raspberry Banana Protein Smoothie
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Pina Colada Smoothie
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen pineapple chunks
- 1 medium over ripe banana cut in half or into smaller chunks
- 1 1/4 cups coconut milk
- 1 scoop protein powder (optional)
To serve:
- Top with sprinkle of unsweetened coconut optional
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a high power blender. Gradually turn the blender up to high speed and blend until smooth and creamy.
- You may wish to add the frozen fruit in small batches and/or add some additional liquid if the blender is having trouble breaking down the fruit. For best results, serve immediately topped with a sprinkle of coconut if desired.
Video
Notes
- I highly recommend using frozen pineapple chunks rather than pineapple that's thawed or at room temperature. The frozen contributes a nice thickness to the smoothie that mimics that classic refreshing pina colada taste.
- You don't have to use a frozen banana, but you can if you'd like. If using a frozen banana, I suggest cutting it into smaller chunks as it may be tough to blend otherwise.
- Use an overripe banana since it will contribute more sweetness. There is no added sugar in this smoothie, so you'll want as much sweetness as possible coming from the fruit.
- I recommend using canned coconut milk in this smoothie. I used the light canned coconut milk, but you can also use full-fat if you want an even more creaminess. I originally tried this smoothie with coconut milk in the carton and it just didn't have that same rich taste and consistency.
- If possible, use a high power blender (I love the Ninja) since the frozen fruit requires enough power to break it down. If you don't have a high power blender, you may wish to add the frozen fruit in smaller batches to prevent the engine from burning out. You may also need a bit of additional liquid if the blender is having trouble breaking down the frozen fruit.
- The nutritional information does not include the addition of the protein powder. If you wish to incorporate more protein, add a scoop of vanilla or unflavoured plant-based or whey protein powder.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted in July 2015 and was updated in June 2021 to include better tips and photos.
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Could you substitute coconut or almond/coconut milk ?
Definitely Tammy — I’m sure it would taste delicious with either one!