I know the phrase is, “they go together like peanut butter and jelly”, but I think it could also go, “they go together like kiwi and pineapple.” These two fruits are so complementary, and I’m always looking for new ways to have them together. While this recipe isn’t my most original celebration of this pairing, it is majorly refreshing, which is what we’re all going to need when the hot weather arrives once again.

Kiwi is an amazing jewel of a fruit. Per cup, kiwi has more immune-supportive, skin-beautifying vitamin c than oranges and more heart-healthy potassium than bananas. The high-quality fiber it contains sweeps the colon clean, and its enzyme, actinidain (also in pineapple), along with the bromelain in the pineapple, support the digestive process. It’s also a source of the happy hormone, serotonin, so even if you’re not on vacation lazily soaking in the sun, kiwi will help you to feel like you are!

This frothy smoothie/slushie hybrid is so named because I imagine sipping it poolside with some crushed ice in it. I just cannot wait for the summer! If it’s hot where you are right now, I’d suggest throwing some ice cubes in the blender or even using 1 cup of frozen pineapple instead of freshly chopped pineapple. Even without the ice, the texture really is slushie-like.

Note on the recipe: I love to be as waste-free as I can with my produce. When I cut up a pineapple, I always save the hard, fibrous core and juice it. It’s a fantastic way to extract the nutrition out of something that is too hard to eat. If you’re using pre-cut or frozen pineapple, omitting the pineapple core from the juice is just fine. You could also add some chopped pineapple to the juicer if it strikes your fancy.

The Poolside Pineapple Kiwi Smoothie

for the liquid base:

core of one pineapple
3 small oranges
2 medium carrots
2 stalks of celery
1 knob of ginger

for the smoothie:

1 cup pineapple, chopped
2 kiwis, peeled
ice cubes (opt.)

-Juice all of the ingredients and pour liquid into a blender.

-Add the chopped pineapple and kiwi as well as ice if you’re using it, and blend until smooth.