Easy Fruit Smoothie

Three ingredients, five minutes, and a blender are all that stand between you and the simplest summer drink in the lineup. Sweet pineapple chunks, juicy strawberries, and a fistful of crushed ice whir into a frosty, naturally pink slushy with no dairy and no added sugar.

The pineapple does the heavy work on flavor, bringing a tropical brightness and just enough natural sugar that you don’t need honey or maple. Strawberries add the color and a bit of body, while the ice gives it that cold, drinkable thickness that turns this from juice into smoothie territory.

Vegan, fat-free, gluten-free, and high in fibre. A solid post-workout sip or a hot-day breakfast on the go.

Kitchen Tips

• Use ripe pineapple (it should smell sweet at the base) for the best flavor. Underripe fruit makes the smoothie sharp and acidic.
• Crush the ice before blending if your blender isn’t a high-powered model. Big cubes can stall weaker motors and leave you with chunky, uneven texture.
• Pour the pineapple in with its own juice for extra liquid and a deeper tropical taste. If you skip the juice, add a splash of cold water to help things blend.
• Drink immediately. Smoothies separate fast, especially without dairy or yogurt to bind everything.

Variations

• Add a frozen banana for a creamier, thicker pour and natural sweetness.
• Throw in a handful of fresh mint or basil for a herbal kick.
• Splash in coconut water in place of ice for an electrolyte-rich post-workout version.