Pineapple and Ginger Smoothie

Our zingy pineapple smoothie is an energizing, protein-packed way to kick off your day or reenergize your afternoon. It features fresh (or frozen) pineapple and pineapple juice, along with fresh ginger, yogurt, and a touch of cinnamon. In addition to the filling protein from the yogurt, this smoothie is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, along with the anti-inflammatory properties that fresh ginger—one of our favorite ingredients—brings to the party. This recipe makes two servings but can easily be scaled up or down as needed. Swap in non-dairy yogurt to make it vegan, switch up the juice to suit your taste preferences, or toss in a handful of leafy greens to boost the nutrient quotient even further.

Ingredients for Our Pineapple-Ginger Smoothie

Pineapple: You can use fresh or frozen pineapple for this recipe. To choose a ripe pineapple, look for one that's mostly golden all over (but not orange or brown at the base, which is a sign it's overripe). And don't forget to give the bottom a sniff: It should smell sweet and fragrant. If you're using frozen pineapple, skip the ice—the firm fruit will make it icy enough.

Pineapple juice: This smoothie gets even more tropical flavor from a cup of pineapple juice. When shopping, look for bottles or cans labeled "100% juice" and not pineapple juice cocktail, which contains added sugar.

Yogurt: Plain yogurt brings a dose of filling protein to this tropical smoothie. To make it creamier and even more filling, swap in full-fat yogurt. For a thicker drink, use Greek yogurt instead.

Ginger: A one-inch piece of fresh ginger lends some serious zing to this recipe. To peel it, use the edge of a spoon, rather than a vegetable peeler, to avoid removing too much flesh. And be sure to mince it before tossing it in the blender to ensure it gets thoroughly broken down and incorporated.

Cinnamon: We love the subtle, spiced flavor that a generous pinch of cinnamon provides. Feel free to leave it out if you'd prefer to let the produce shine on its own, or try a dash of cardamom or freshly grated nutmeg instead.

How to Cut a Pineapple for Blending

Breaking down a whole pineapple might look daunting, but it's quite easy once you get the hang of it.

1. First, trim off the crown (or green leaves at the top), then slice off the very bottom of the fruit to create a flat surface.
2. With the pineapple standing straight up on your cutting board, use a sharp chef's knife to slice off the peel, following the curve of the fruit as you go.
3. Finally, cut the pineapple into discs or wedges, then into one-inch chunks, which will be just the right size for blending.