Pineapple Cucumber Ginger Smoothie

The Pineapple Cucumber Ginger Smoothie is a perfect balance of sweet, cool, and spicy flavors, creating a uniquely invigorating beverage. The tropical sweetness of pineapple is beautifully complemented by the crisp, hydrating quality of cucumber, while fresh ginger adds a warm, zesty punch that awakens the senses. Often blended with spinach for added nutrients and a vibrant green color, this smoothie is celebrated for its refreshing taste and potential anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. It's an ideal choice for a light breakfast, a revitalizing afternoon snack, or a post-workout replenishment.
Pineapple Cucumber Ginger Smoothie

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This drink is firmly categorized as a healthy smoothie. Its composition of fresh fruits, vegetables, and spices makes it a popular choice for those seeking nutritious and functional beverages for breakfast, snacks, or post-workout recovery.

Serving

This is a non-alcoholic, cold drink best served in a large highball or smoothie glass to showcase its vibrant color. It's a substantial single serving, ideal for a fulfilling snack or light meal replacement.
Serving size
Approximately 450 ml / 15 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball or Smoothie Glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

This smoothie doesn't have a single inventor but emerged from the modern health and wellness movement of the early 21st century. As juicing and smoothies became popular for their health benefits, creative combinations of fruits and vegetables gained traction. The pairing of pineapple, cucumber, and ginger became a favorite in detox and wellness circles for its potent combination of hydration, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Origin
The concept of this smoothie is rooted in modern, Western health-conscious culture, likely originating in places like California, USA, in the 2000s where wellness trends often begin. There is no single point of origin, but it reflects a global trend towards functional, nutrient-dense foods.

Pineapple Cucumber Ginger Smoothie

This smoothie is often referred to by names that highlight its key benefits and ingredients. "Cucumber Pineapple Detox Smoothie" emphasizes its cleansing properties, while "Ginger Pineapple Green Cooler" points to its refreshing nature and inclusion of greens like spinach.
Original name
Pineapple Cucumber Ginger Smoothie
Alternative names
  • Cucumber Pineapple Detox Smoothie
  • Ginger Pineapple Green Cooler
  • Hydrating Pineapple Ginger Smoothie

Characteristics overview

This smoothie presents a vibrant, light green appearance with a sweet and zesty aroma. The flavor profile is a refreshing blend of sweet fruitiness and spicy warmth, leading to a clean, crisp finish.
Flavor
Fruity, sweet, vegetal, spicy, tangy
Aroma
Fresh pineapple, zesty ginger, crisp cucumber
Taste balance
Sweet, sour, spicy
Aftertaste
Clean, refreshing, with a lingering warmth from the ginger
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Vibrant light green or pale yellow, depending on the amount of spinach used
Texture
Smooth, slightly thick, creamy
Seasonality
Highly refreshing, perfect for summer but enjoyable all year

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is moderately intense, led by natural fruit sweetness and a noticeable spicy kick from the ginger. This non-alcoholic, still beverage is refreshingly fruity and creamy without being overly rich.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This recipe calls for a simple blend of fresh or frozen pineapple, crisp cucumber, and zesty fresh ginger. Coconut water or water provides the liquid base, while optional spinach adds nutrients and color.
  • Pineapple Chunks1.5 cups (approx. 225g)
    Using frozen pineapple chunks will result in a thicker, colder smoothie without needing ice.
  • Cucumber1/2 medium, roughly chopped
    Peeled if not organic, or if you prefer a smoother texture.
  • Fresh Ginger1-inch (2.5 cm) piece
    Peeled and roughly chopped. Adjust amount to your preference for spiciness.
  • Coconut Water1/2 cup (120 ml / 4 oz)
    Unsweetened is best. Can be substituted with cold water.
  • Fresh Spinach1 large handful(optional)
    Optional, for a nutrient boost and vibrant green color. The flavor is very mild.
  • Lime Juice1 tablespoon(optional)
    Optional, but it brightens all the flavors.

Ice type

  • None (if using frozen fruit), or 3-4 Cubed ice cubes (if using fresh fruit)

Mixing equipments

The only essential piece of equipment for this recipe is a high-speed blender, which will ensure all the ingredients, especially the fibrous ginger, are blended into a perfectly smooth texture.
  • High-speed blender for a smooth consistency.

Instructions

Making this smoothie is straightforward: simply combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until perfectly smooth. Pour into a glass, garnish if you wish, and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
1. Prepare your ingredients: wash and chop the cucumber, peel and chop the ginger. If using fresh pineapple, cut it into chunks.
2. Place all ingredients into the high-speed blender. Start with the liquid (coconut water) first to help with blending.
3. Blend on high for 45-60 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth and no chunks remain.
4. Pour the smoothie into a large glass. If desired, garnish with a pineapple wedge and a mint sprig before serving.

Garnishing

A simple garnish like a pineapple wedge on the rim or a sprig of fresh mint enhances the tropical and refreshing aesthetic of the drink.
  • A small wedge of pineapple on the rim of the glass.
  • A fresh mint sprig.

Dietary Information

This smoothie is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten. It is fully vegan, vegetarian, caffeine-free, and contains no alcohol, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a relatively low-calorie smoothie, with its carbohydrate and sugar content coming naturally from the pineapple. It provides a good source of vitamins and hydration with minimal fat.
Calories
Averagely 140-180 kcal / 586-753 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 30-38 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 22-28 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This smoothie is incredibly versatile, perfect for a quick and nutritious breakfast, a recovery drink after a workout, or a light and healthy afternoon snack. Its hydrating and cleansing properties also make it a popular choice during a detox.
  • Breakfast
  • Post-Workout
  • Healthy Snack
  • Detox or Cleanse
  • Summer Refresher

Pairing suggestions

This smoothie pairs well with light breakfast foods like granola or oatmeal. For a snack, accompany it with a handful of nuts to add protein and healthy fats. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a revitalizing treat.
  • A bowl of granola or oatmeal for a complete breakfast.
  • A light salad with a citrus vinaigrette.
  • Enjoyed on its own as a standalone snack.
  • A handful of almonds or walnuts for healthy fats and protein.

Pineapple Cucumber Ginger Smoothie: A Vibrant Glass of Wellness

The Pineapple Cucumber Ginger Smoothie is the epitome of a refreshing and functional beverage. Its vibrant taste profile, balancing sweet pineapple with cool cucumber and a spicy ginger note, makes it both delicious and invigorating. Easy and quick to prepare, it's a perfect non-alcoholic option for anyone seeking a healthy boost to their day. Being naturally vegan and free from major allergens, it's an accessible and enjoyable choice for a wide audience.

Similar Smoothies

Tropical Green Smoothie

Swap the cucumber for mango and add kale instead of spinach for a different, but equally tropical and healthy, flavor profile.

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