Who said protein shakes are boring? This Pina Colada Protein Shake recipe doesn't ask for compromises. The tropical flavors of pineapple and coconut are like a mini vacation in a glass.
This shake is not only delicious but also healthy and packed with protein. It’s perfect for a quick breakfast or after a workout when you need something filling but light.
The Pina Colada Protein Shake is a hit, especially in the summer. It’s full of creamy coconut, sweet pineapple, and smooth vanilla protein powder. It's cool, refreshing, and healthy! Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, so it’s perfect when you’re short on time.
Try other protein shake recipes, such as chocolate peanut butter or this beet pineapple smoothie!
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
Here are the reasons we love this Pina Colada Protein Shake:
- Easy to make: It only takes a few minutes to blend everything together.
- Tastes amazing: The creamy coconut and sweet pineapple are a perfect match.
- Healthy: Packed with protein to keep you full and energized.
- Tropical flavor: It feels like a mini vacation in a glass!
- Versatile: Great for breakfast, post-workout, or even a snack.
- Simple ingredients: You probably already have most of them at home.
- Customizable: You can adjust the thickness or sweetness to your liking.
Ingredients
The ingredients for this Pina Colada Protein Smoothie are simple and delicious.
Vanilla protein powder is the star of the shake, giving it a smooth texture and a nice vanilla flavor while packing in the protein. You can swap it out for coconut-flavored protein powder if you want to boost the tropical taste even more. But be careful with other flavors as some can easily overpower subtle coconut and pineapple.
Pineapple chunks add a burst of fresh, fruity flavor that’s naturally sweet. They’re packed with vitamin C and are great for boosting your immune system.
Please use frozen pineapple — fresh pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which helps break down proteins, including the lactose protein found in dairy products like milk. There can be some milk in your protein powder. In the end, this interaction can make your shake taste bitter. That is why I don't add any dairy products to this shake. Trust me, I learned it the hard way. 🙂
Coconut milk makes the shake rich and creamy, with a natural sweetness that balances the pineapple. I like to use low-fat unsweetened coconut milk so I can adjust the sweetness myself.
Pineapple juice keeps the shake smooth and adds even more natural sweetness. Make sure to use unsweetened juice to be in control of added sugar.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Making this shake is super easy and only takes a few minutes. You’ll just toss everything into a blender and let it do the work. No special skills or fancy equipment are needed!
- Start by adding coconut milk, fresh or frozen pineapple chunks, and pineapple juice to a blender. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add vanilla protein powder and blend again. If the powder sticks to the blender, scrape it off using the spatula and blend some more.
And then I serve it in a huge glass because it helps me pretend I'm in Hawaii.
Hint: if you prefer it sweeter, you can add a teaspoon of honey or a natural sweetener like stevia.
Variations
You can easily switch up this recipe with a few fun variations. One option is to make it a green smoothie by adding a handful of spinach or kale. Don’t worry—you won’t even taste the greens, but you’ll get an extra boost of vitamins and minerals!
For a creamier texture, try adding half a frozen banana. It makes the shake even thicker and adds a little extra sweetness. This is perfect if you love a rich, dessert-like drink.
If you’re looking for a bit more flavor, mix in a dash of coconut extract. It really amps up the tropical coconut taste, making you feel like you’re sipping this shake on a beach!
Equipment
The best part about this recipe is that you don’t need any fancy equipment—just a blender! A standard blender works great for mixing everything up smoothly.
Storage
If you’re storing your shake in the fridge, it’s best to keep it in an airtight container and drink it within 24 hours. The flavors will stay fresh, but give it a good shake before drinking since it might separate a little.
For the freezer, you can pour your shake into a freezer-safe container or even popsicle molds. It’ll last up to 3 months, but remember to let it thaw a bit or blend it again, as it can get a little icy.
Top Tip
Don’t over-blend: If you blend for too long, the shake can get too thin and lose its creamy texture.
FAQ
Yes, but it's best to store it in the fridge and shake it up before drinking, as it may separate overnight. For the freshest taste, it's ideal to drink it right after blending.
To make it completely dairy-free, just use a plant-based protein powder. The flavor will still be deliciously tropical!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pina Colada Protein Shake: Fit and Fabulous
This Piña Colada Protein Shake is a tropical blend of coconut, pineapple, and vanilla protein powder, perfect for a healthy and tasty treat!
- Prep Time: 2
- Cook Time: 5
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 1 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (about 30 grams)
- ¾ cup unsweetened coconut milk (200ml)
- 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks (150 g)
- ⅔ cup pineapple juice (160ml, unsweetened)
- Pineapple slice and maraschino cherry (for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by adding coconut milk, fresh or frozen pineapple chunks, and pineapple juice to a blender. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add vanilla protein powder and blend again. If it's too thick, add a bit more coconut milk or pineapple juice until you get the perfect texture.
Notes
Use frozen pineapple for extra thickness.
Do not use fresh pineapple or dairy products, because it can make your shake bitter. Fresh pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which helps break down proteins, including the lactose protein found in dairy or your protein powder.
Watch for added sugars: Be careful when using store-bought pineapple juice—look for the unsweetened kind to avoid extra sugar.
Adjust sweetness to your liking: If you prefer it sweeter, you can add a teaspoon of honey or a natural sweetener like stevia.
Don’t over-blend: If you blend for too long, the shake can get too thin and lose its creamy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 398
- Sugar: 33.5 g
- Sodium: 116.1 mg
- Fat: 14.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 51.1 g
- Protein: 18.8 g
- Cholesterol: 3.6 mg
Natalia says
You HAVE to make this! It’s seriously one of my favorites.