Pineapple Protein Smoothie (with Quinoa)

This pineapple protein smoothie is made with seven simple ingredients. Cooked quinoa, pineapple, turmeric, bananas, chia seeds, honey, and your favorite milk make this smoothie DELICIOUS.

For the last 7+ years, I've started almost all mornings with a smoothie! I am always testing out new flavors and adding different ingredients. I like adding cooked quinoa to my smoothies to increase the protein and support blood sugar levels. After this, try my banana tahini smoothie with quinoa!

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• Ingredients: nutrition insight and substitutions
• My step-by-step photos
• Recommended for smoothies
• Other delicious recipes to try...
• Pineapple Protein Smoothie with Cooked Quinoa
• Danika Vanderpyl, C.H.N

Ingredients: nutrition insight and substitutions

I've always been fascinated with how food can be connected to our well-being. I did a two-year program to learn more about nutrition, so I always love to share some things I learned in the recipe I create. Below you will read why I chose these ingredients and how you can make swaps if you don't have the ingredients needed.

• Pineapple supports digestion and works to cleanse the body. Key nutrients are vitamin C, folate, iron, and fiber. For this recipe use frozen pineapple (just like my tropical smoothie). If you want to use fresh pineapple, I recommend adding 4-6 ice cubes to make this smoothie cold and thick. You can also swap the pineapple for frozen mango, frozen peaches, or a mixture of these.
• Quinoa is known as a super grain as it has all essential amino acids, which classify it as a complete protein. This grain is high in iron, B3, B6, and phosphorus. In this recipe, we use cooked quinoa. Use between ¼ cup to ¾ cup of this grain for this smoothie - it's a perfect way to use leftover quinoa! I haven't tried using uncooked quinoa for this recipe, and I don't recommend using it unless you have a high-power blender.
• Turmeric is a tonic for the whole body! It is well known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In this recipe, I either use ½ inch of the bright orange fresh turmeric root (found in the produce section, by the ginger, in the grocery store), or when they don't have it (small town life), I use ½ teaspoon of powdered turmeric. If you don't have turmeric, you can make the recipe without it, however, it is what gives the smoothie the bright color.
• Chia seeds are an energy booster because they are a complex carbohydrate and high in protein. I used white chia seeds but black chia seeds work just the same and are easier to find in the grocery store.
• Bananas are high in potassium, folate, vitamin C, B vitamins, and many other nutrients. For this recipe, I found using two unfrozen bananas creates a smooth, creamy texture.
• Honey is optional, but I'll add it when I give this smoothie to my kids to sweeten it just a bit. I like to use raw honey as it contains some amount of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that will benefit the body. If you are staying away from sweeteners or feeding this to babies, you can skip the honey.
• To complete the recipe we need 1 cup of milk. This can be cow's milk, or any dairy-free alternative like almond or coconut milk, or whatever you have in your fridge! I use almond milk in this recipe.

See the recipe card below for quantities.

My step-by-step photos

Tip: Rinse and wash the blender right after you are done using it - this is a rule at our house! Doing this is the best way to make sure nothing dries onto that blade in the bottom of the blender container (which is hard to wash off because it is so sharp!).

Other delicious recipes to try...

If you are a pineapple fan, try these oatmeal pineapple muffins! For other high-protein quinoa recipes, make these egg quinoa bites or this creamy banana quinoa smoothie.