An icy blend of banana, mango, pineapple, and coconut, this Tropical Smoothie will bring the flavor of island living to your kitchen.
When I want an escape—no, when I NEED an escape—I make this smoothie. One sip, and I am relaxed and energized at the same time. The taste reminds me of every vacation I have ever spent in the tropics, where the sun and the food and the beaches and the lovely locals just made me want to stay forever. Before I know it, the benefits of this fruit-packed smoothie kick in. Suddenly, I’m leaping over grocery aisles in a single bound, ditching the car, and literally running my errands. All to say—this tropical smoothie will make your taste buds happy, your mind happy, and your body happy (yes, I’m fully aware that your mind and taste buds are part of your body!).
When friends who’ve never been to a tropical paradise ask me what it’s like, I make them this drink. Somehow, with its mango, orange, banana, pineapple, and coconut flavors, it captures the essence of the tropics more eloquently than I ever could. It’s not just a fruit smoothie—its exotic ingredients make it so much more.
Is This Tropical Smoothie Healthy?
This smoothie is totally healthy and bursting with vibrant flavors. Thanks to all those different fruits, it has lots of minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, plus natural sugars that will keep you feeling energized. I drink it for lunch or as a midday snack, and it sees me through till supper. It’s suitable for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets.
Can I Use A Real Coconut With This Recipe?
Sure. If you want fresh coconut milk and flakes, then you’ve got to go right to the source, haven’t you? The first step is procuring an actual coconut. Then, locate the three “eyes,” (these are soft spots at one end of the coconut). Puncture the one that’s softest, and drain the coconut water. Then, with a hammer, whack the coconut along its equator (you’ll know it when you see it). You can also use the backside of a knife for a more precise separation. Separate the two halves, and use a butter knife or something similar to carve out the meat inside. Now that you have all the parts in order, blend the meat with warm water. Strain it (I use a cheesecloth) to remove any coconut bits and separate your coconut milk!
How To Make Ahead And Store
I typically pour this smoothie into mason jars and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When I’m feeling productive and make a big batch, I’ll use freezer-safe jars so I can freeze them for up to 3 months. The night before I plan to have one as a grab-and-go breakfast, I’ll transfer a jar from the freezer to the fridge to thaw.
Serving Suggestions
I typically serve my smoothies as breakfast or pick-me-ups, with their one-stop-shop convenience being a huge part of their allure. But let’s say you and a friend are sitting poolside, and you’re looking to recreate the vibes of a tropical experience. In that case, you might want to serve the smoothies along with sunny treats like these Tropical Paleo Lemon Bars. Want something to really sink your teeth into? Try this Banana-Pineapple Bread. If you’re looking for a hearty snack to balance out all that sweetness, try these Pineapple 5-Spice Chicken Wings. Like this smoothie, all these delights are full of tropical vibes and won’t disappoint!
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 cup frozen mango
- 1 1/2 cups frozen pineapple
- 2/3 cup canned coconut milk
- 1/2 cup orange juice or pineapple juice
- 6 ice cubes
- Coconut flakes optional and for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the banana, frozen mango, frozen pineapple, coconut milk, juice of your choice, and ice cubes in a blender. You can break the banana into smaller chunks for easier blending.
- Blend the mixture on high speed until it reaches a creamy and smooth consistency. Don't forget to pause to scrape down the sides of the blender.
- Taste the smoothie and adjust the flavor to your liking. Add coconut flakes into the blend for a stronger coconut taste. If you prefer a sweeter smoothie, consider adding a touch of honey. Pour the smoothie into glasses and garnish with coconut flakes.
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.
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