Pineapple, Cucumber, Spinach Smoothie with Mint
Officially labeled as a green smoothie, this recipe has so much more to offer than the color green. Containing an excellent mix of flavors from pineapple, cucumber, pear, lime, spinach, agave and lime, this smoothie will be sure to surprise you with the flavor combination.
We normally don’t use agave nectar here at smoothieweb.com, but not because we don’t like it, we are used to using honey, molasses or Stevia and occasionally sugar. But we are trying to expand our palette and thought agave should be included more often. We use a very small amount because agave is actually much sweeter than sugar.
Agave is praised for being low on the glycemic index (GI) rating, which means it won’t cause a spike in your blood sugar levels the way sugar does. High-GI foods like white sugar tend to make us feel hungry sooner since they are digested quickly. So foods made with agave nectar may keep you feeling fuller longer than foods made with the white stuff, which translates to eating less. – FitSugar.com
But many sources also say to be careful or even avoid agave nectar. So use your discretion, but we are of the belief that 1 teaspoon on rare occasions won’t negatively affect you. And if you look at the nutritional values you will see this smoothie is low in calories and has a sugar content very similar to most smoothies we have. If you are concerned try adding Stevia instead, which you can buy here.
Pineapple, Cucumber, Spinach Smoothie Recipes
Cuisine: Healthy BlendDifficulty: Beginner1 large
servings5
minutes1
minute252
kcalThis has become a Friday night tradition in our home! We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
Ingredients
1/2 cucumber, peeled
1 cup diced pineapple
1 pear
1 cup packed baby spinach
5 mint leaves
1 tsp agave nectar
1 lime, juiced
4 ice cubes
Directions
- Peel and roughly chop cucumber into 1-inch chunks
- Core and cube pineapple into 1-inch pieces
- Core and cut pear into quarters
- Wash spinach leaves thoroughly
- Pick mint leaves from stems
- Roll lime on counter (helps release more juice)
- Start with lime juice at the bottom
- Add pineapple chunks, layer in cucumber pieces, and add pear segments
- Top with spinach and mint leaves
- Drizzle agave nectar
- Add ice cubes last
Tropical Green Glow: A Nutrient-Packed Morning Energizer That Changed My Smoothie Game 🌿
After studying nutrition and experimenting with countless combinations, this pineapple-cucumber-spinach creation has become my morning ritual. Let me share why this isn't your average green smoothie, and how it's helping me (and my clients) thrive!
Why These Ingredients Work Together 🧪
I'm fascinated by how these ingredients create something greater than the sum of their parts. Here's what I've learned through research and personal experience:
Nutrient Synergies
- Pineapple's Vitamin C boosts iron absorption from spinach by up to 300%
- Cucumber's silica works with Vitamin C to support collagen production
- Mint enhances digestive enzyme production, improving nutrient absorption
- Lime preserves the vitamins and adds electrolytes
Seasonal Benefits
| Season | Adaptation | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | Double mint, frozen pineapple | Enhanced cooling effect |
| Winter | Add ginger, reduce ice | Immune support |
| Spring | Add local greens | Seasonal allergies support |
| Fall | Add cinnamon | Blood sugar balance |
My Blending Protocol
After making this smoothie hundreds of times, here's my refined process:
- Layer ingredients for optimal blending:
- Bottom: Liquids (lime juice)
- Middle: Soft fruits (pineapple, pear)
- Top: Greens and ice
- Blending stages:
- 30 seconds on low (breaks down fibers)
- 30 seconds on high (achieves smooth texture)
- Rest 30 seconds (reduces oxidation)
Ready to start your smoothie journey? Remember, consistency is key! I've seen amazing changes in myself and others who commit to one nutrient-dense smoothie daily. This blend combines science-backed nutrition with delicious taste – exactly what we need for sustainable healthy habits!
