A deliciously refreshing smoothie with a natural sweetness to fuel your day!
As a long-time vegetarian, getting in my daily intake of vegetables has never been a problem for me. Eating enough fruit, on the other hand, is usually a struggle. I don’t normally crave it and therefore don’t usually seek it out at meals. However, since I know fruit is an important part of a healthy diet, I have found that blending it up into smoothies is the easiest way to incorporate fruit into my daily diet.
I find that I prefer smoothies that have a refreshing flavor (versus an overly sweet or decadent one), and this strawberry-mango concoction definitely delivers on that front. It’s light and airy, while the Greek yogurt adds a slight tang and hint of creaminess. I love to add a splash of coconut water or milk (which is optional in the recipe), as it totally dials up the tropical flavors.
In less than five minutes and with only five ingredients, you can easily whip up a delicious smoothie that is great as a snack and even filling enough to enjoy on its own for breakfast!
Is This Strawberry-Mango Smoothie Healthy?
This smoothie is full of healthy nutrients like vitamins A, C, E, and K. The strawberries and mango are also a good source of fiber, and the Greek yogurt is high in protein. This recipe is already vegetarian and gluten-free, but you can easily make the drink totally vegan by substituting the Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt (be sure to use a dairy-free milk if you opt to add milk to your smoothie). You can also increase the nutritional value of your smoothie by adding other fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries or spinach; healthy fats like almond butter or chia seeds; or supplements like protein powder or spirulina.
Does Blending Fruit Destroy The Fiber?
No, it doesn’t destroy the fiber. When you blend the fruit’s flesh and juice together in your smoothie, it preserves the fiber, making it a great way to get in your daily fiber intake. In fact, it may even make it easier to digest the fiber because blending breaks down the fruit’s fiber into smaller pieces. Juicing the fruit, however, does remove most of the fiber from it, as it separates the fruit’s flesh (which contains the fiber) from its juice.
If you’d like to increase the fiber of your smoothie, you can also add in any number of high-fiber ingredients, such as rolled oats, flaxseeds, leafy greens, or psyllium husk.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Smoothies are best enjoyed fresh, as they can oxidize quickly, resulting in some loss of nutrients. If you don’t plan to drink your smoothie right away, it’s important to store it in an airtight container in the fridge right away. For optimal nutrient absorption, it’s best to consume it within 24-48 hours. You can also freeze your smoothie for up to 3 months. I suggest pouring the smoothie into ice cube trays. Then, the next time you’re craving a smoothie, pop your smoothie cubes into the blender and whirl ’em up!
Serving Suggestions
This smoothie is great to enjoy on its own either pre- or post-workout or even as a mid-morning or afternoon snack. But if you’re enjoying it as part of a larger meal like breakfast or brunch, it goes well with a multitude of flavors. I suggest pairing this smoothie alongside Eggs In A Basket, Hashbrown Casserole, and Million-Dollar Bacon. For a sweeter pairing, try it with French Toast Casserole, Blueberry Oatmeal With Cheesecake Swirl, or Banana Bread Pancakes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
- 1 cup fresh mango peeled, pitted, and chopped
- 6 ounces plain Greek yogurt
- 6-8 ice cubes
- Splash of milk or coconut water (optional: for a thinner consistency)
Instructions
- Combine the strawberries, mango, and Greek yogurt in a blender.
- Secure the lid, and blend on high for about 30 seconds, or until well combined.
- Add 6-8 ice cubes to the blender to thicken the smoothie. Continue to blend on high, until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- For a thinner smoothie, add a splash of milk or coconut water, and blend briefly to mix.
- Pour the smoothie into two glasses, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment