Pineapple Spinach Banana Smoothie (Creamy + High Protein!)

If you're looking for a healthy smoothie that's both energizing and delicious, this Pineapple, Spinach, and Banana Smoothie is about to become your new go-to. It's tropical, creamy, naturally sweet, and loaded with nutrients to power you through busy mornings or enjoy post-workout.

The real game-changer? Cottage cheese.

Yep, you read that right! This unexpected ingredient adds an ultra-smooth texture and a serious boost of protein-without altering the flavor. My kids had no idea it was in there, and they absolutely loved it. (Side note: this was published in 2016, long before the current cottage cheese craze, so it was a bit of a "wild" concept at the time).

It's such a great way to get more greens into your diet and up your protein intake. Even if you just want an easy, delicious breakfast you can blend in 5 minutes or less, this smoothie checks all the boxes. I've even included a few fun variations-like a spicy version with kale for the bold flavor lovers!

Let's blend it up! 🌿🍍🍌

💚 Why You'll Love This Pineapple, Spinach, and Banana Smoothie

This isn't just another green smoothie - it's very flavorful, packed with nutrients and has tropical vibes with a creamy twist!

✅ Packed with Nutrients

This smoothie is loaded with vitamin C, potassium, and iron from the pineapple, banana, and spinach combo. It's a delicious way to get in your daily dose of fruits and veggies.

✅ Naturally Sweet & Refreshing

The banana and pineapple add natural sweetness with no need for added sugar. It tastes like a treat, but it's actually good for you.

✅ Protein-Packed Secret Ingredient

Cottage cheese blends beautifully into this smoothie - nope, you can't taste it! It just adds a rich, creamy texture and about 14 grams of protein per serving.

✅ Kid-Approved (Even with Spinach!)

The flavors are mild and fruity enough that even picky eaters won't notice the greens or the cottage cheese. I make this for my girls all the time and they love it.

✅ Easy to Customize

Toss in chia seeds or protein powder, swap the spinach for kale (or even skip the greens entirely - as in the image below), or even add a few slices of jalapeño or Serrano pepper if you like it spicy (my favorite version). You can adapt this smoothie to fit your mood, macros, or whatever's in your fridge.

✅ Quick & Easy

Just toss everything for this easy Pineapple Spinach Banana Smoothie in the blender and go! Perfect for busy mornings or when you want a healthy, filling snack.

Ingredients You'll Need for Pineapple Spinach Banana Smoothie

• Frozen Pineapple: tropical sweetness + vitamin C
• Frozen Mango: you can skip this and increase the pineapple if you prefer.
• Banana: natural sweetness + creamy base
• Spinach: it's a mild-tasting leafy green packed with iron, but feel free to substitute with kale
• Cottage Cheese: secret ingredient for creaminess + 14g protein (Good Culture is my favorite brand)
• Milk or Non-Dairy Milk: I prefer almond milk so that's how the recipe is written, but use your favorite!
• Ice (optional): You won't need ice if you're using frozen fruit, but you can add some if you're using fresh

Optional Add-Ins:

• Swap in kale for the spinach
• Serrano or jalapeño peppers (for a spicy twist) - add a small slice before blending, or add them after and stir them in with your straw
• Chia seeds or flax seeds
• Protein powder

How to Make a Pineapple, Spinach, and Banana Smoothie

1. Add the milk, banana, pineapple, spinach, and cottage cheese to a blender. (Expert tip: Adding the milk first prevents the blender from "struggling" when it first starts to blend).
2. Blend it until it's smooth and creamy.
3. Taste and adjust (add more milk or ice as needed). You can also add a little sweetener if it's not sweet enough (for example, if your bananas aren't very ripe, the smoothie won't be as sweet).

Tips for the Creamiest Pineapple, Spinach, and Banana Smoothie

Want that ultra-smooth, milkshake-like texture? These easy tips will take your smoothie from really good to incredibly creamy:

1. Use Frozen Fruit

Frozen pineapple and mango not only chill the smoothie without watering it down, but also create a thick, frosty texture that's super satisfying. No ice? Freeze your fresh fruit in advance (you can even slice and freeze your bananas).

2. Don't Skip the Cottage Cheese

It may sound unconventional, but cottage cheese adds incredible creaminess and won't change the flavor. It blends into a silky-smooth consistency while adding a natural creaminess and gives a protein boost!

3. Start with Less Liquid

Add your milk or non-dairy milk gradually, especially if you prefer an extra-thick smoothie. Start with just enough to get things blending, then add more as you go. This will allow you to make it as thick as you like!

4. Blend on High

Let your blender run on high for a full 45-60 seconds. This gives everything time to fully break down - especially the greens - so you're not left with any chunks.

5. Layer Ingredients for Best Results

Add liquids first, then soft ingredients (like the cottage cheese and spinach), and finish with the frozen on top. This helps your blender process everything smoothly without getting stuck.

Serving Ideas for Your Pineapple, Spinach, and Banana Smoothie

This smoothie is so tasty and versatile! Here are a few fun and easy ideas to serve it in different ways:

1. Serve It in a Mason Jar with a Straw

Just like in the photo above! Pour your smoothie into a mason jar or tall glass, add a reusable straw, and you've got a grab-and-go breakfast.

2. Freeze Into Popsicle Molds

If you have any leftovers, pour it into popsicle molds and freeze. It's a perfect treat for a hot summer day.

3. Turn It Into a Smoothie Bowl

Reduce the liquid slightly to make a thicker blend, pour it into a bowl, and add toppings like granola, coconut flakes, chia seeds, or fresh berries. Or more spicy peppers!

4. Pair It with Toast or a Protein Muffin

Balance out your breakfast with a slice of whole grain toast topped with nut butter, or a protein-packed muffin for a more filling meal.

5. Garnish with Fresh Fruit

A final note about this Pineapple Spinach Banana Smoothie recipe: I love garnishing them with whatever fruit I've got, even when I'm making them "just" for us. I threw a strawberry and kiwi on this time but fresh pineapple is another I like to use. I'll throw a kiwi into the blender sometimes, too!

We have more healthy recipe ideas you might like, like these easy healthy nachos for dinner or quick and easy air fryer meals. And don't miss one of our easiest and most popular recipes, oven-roasted lemon pepper wings!