Anti-Inflammatory Pineapple Coconut Chia Smoothie

… The Taste of the Tropics Feels Oh So Good!

Happy Fruit & Veggie Friday, everyone!

With cold winter months playing their role perfectly in MN, I decided it was time for a little taste of the tropics … even if it’s only in my kitchen and not on a warm, sandy, relaxing beach dotted with palm and coconut trees. A girl can dream, right?

This smoothie is designed to provide deliciousness while offering health benefits with every sip. We’re all hearing how inflammation is the new health evil. Well, this Pineapple Coconut Chia Smoothie has anti-inflammatory properties via the sweet pineapple and the nutty-flavored, smooth coconut water. I’ve whirred in some bloomed chia seeds to also provide a positive energy source for our bodies and our brains. And with only pineapple, coconut water, and chia seeds (mixed with a bit of water), this smoothie recipe is naturally free of gluten, dairy, soy, eggs, and is vegan all the way. (Just make sure you source gluten-free chia seeds.)

I’ll be sipping this smoothie and dreaming of the sun. If only I could run on that warm beach, with all the extra energy I’m going to be feeling.

P.S. Add a splash of amaretto to this (for an evening drink, of course) and I’m transported right back to Hawaii and my honeymoon … Ooooohh, that was fun!!!

How about you? Will you be joining me on our dream beach?

Anti-Inflammatory Pineapple Coconut Chia Smoothie

Servings: about 12 ounces of smoothie, 1-2 servings

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Total Time: 5 Minutes

No
Gluten No
Dairy No
Egg No
Meat No
Soy No
Corn No
PeanutNo
Shell
Fish No
Fish Vegan

Print Recipe

Ingredients

1/4 cup water
1 Tablespoon gluten-free chia seeds
2 half-inch thick rings fresh pineapple, core, skin removed, and cut into chunks
1/2 cup coconut water

Directions

Combine water and chia seeds in a small bowl. Stir to wet all the seeds. Set aside for one to two minutes. They don’t have to fully bloom, just let them begin to absorb some of the water so they don’t make the smoothie too thick.
Place pineapple, coconut water, and chia mixture in a blender (I used my NutriBullet for this). Blend on high until smooth and creamy. Drink immediately and enjoy!
Note: It’s best to consume fresh fruit smoothies and juices right away because they don’t have any preservatives to keep for an extended period of time, and nutrients begin to diminish the longer they sit.

Safe food is a journey … Thrive!™