Mango Strawberry Coconut Smoothie is a refreshing, healthy, and delicious summer drink. It can be made with fresh or frozen fruit and takes only minutes to whip up. Learn how to make this smoothie and the basics of making fruit smoothies in this post.
Smoothies are a great way to utilize fresh in-season fruits and (and veggies too!). However, you can enjoy them any time of the year. Take advantage of the abundance of fresh produce in the summer and use frozen fruits during the off-season.
This mango smoothie is a smooth and fruity summer drink that quenches your thirst and provides nutritional value. It also makes an ideal breakfast with a few fortifying add-ons, which I will discuss further.
What goes into a fruit smoothie:
The great thing about smoothies is their versatility. You can change it up every time you make them. Let’s start with the basics of fruit smoothies and what you need.
Fresh or frozen fruit or a combination of fruits. Mango and strawberries are used in this smoothie, but use any combo of fruits you like. It’s a great way to get rid of past prime fruits.
A creamy element imparts a smooth mouth feel. Milk, yogurt, or a non-dairy substitute provide the creaminess. You could also use creamy fruits such as bananas or avocados instead.
A liquid or combination of liquids. Juice or milk is typically used.
Ice is optional. It makes the smoothie cold and adds thickness. Since regular ice dilutes the drink, make it ahead of time with fruit juice or milk, if you have the time, for maximum flavor. If you don’t, regular ice works just fine.
Recipe highlights:
- Cut mango, large strawberries, and a banana into chunks. Add to the blender.
- Pour in coconut water, agave, and coconut extract. Top off with ice.
- Give the blender a few quick pulses then blend until smooth and creamy.
- Serve immediately.
For the smoothest and creamiest smoothie, use a good blender. I have a Vitamix, which is powerful and blends beautifully.
Fortifying add-ons:
You can bump up the nutritional value of smoothies with add-ons to get you going in the morning. There are many options available.
- Protein powder—provides a great source of added protein.
- Leafy greens—spinach or kale for fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Chia seeds or ground flaxseeds—add fiber, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, and minerals. They also act as a thickener.
- Nut butter—contains healthy fats and protein. It adds creaminess and nuttiness to the drink. Peanut butter, almond butter, and cashew butter are some great options.
- Sweetener—add to taste. Or go without, since fruit has a lot of natural sweetness. Use real sugar or your choice of artificial sweeteners. Honey, agave, stevia, and coconut sugar are some natural options.
How to adjust the thickness:
The great thing about smoothies is you can make them to the consistency you like. To make them thicker, add more ice or frozen fruits. To thin out smoothies, add more liquid.
If you use frozen fruits, you shouldn’t need ice. But if you want extra thickness, add a handful.
Using creamy fruits such as banana or avocado produces creamy and thick smoothies. Yogurt also does the same thing. As mentioned earlier, chia and flaxseed also have thickening properties.
Freezing fruits ahead of time:
Ice can dilute the flavor of the smoothie. If you want to avoid using regular ice, freeze the fruits beforehand. That way, everything is ready when you are and there is no need for ice.
To freeze fruits, cut them into small chunks. Then lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. When frozen, transfer to a freezer bag or an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
How to store smoothie:
Keep smoothies in an airtight container for one day in the refrigerator.
To freeze, store in an airtight container (squeezing out as much air as possible) and freeze for up to 3 months. For best quality, use sooner rather than later. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to use, shake or whisk, then enjoy!
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Mango Strawberry Coconut Smoothie
Description
Mango Strawberry Coconut Smoothie is a refreshing, healthy, and delicious summer drink. It can be made with fresh or frozen fruit and takes only minutes to whip up. Learn how to make this smoothie and the basics of making fruit smoothies in this post.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut mango, large strawberries, and a banana into chunks. Add to the blender.
- Pour in coconut water, agave, and coconut extract. Top off with ice. Give the blender a few quick pulses then blend until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately.
- Makes 30 ounces or 3 10-ounce servings.
Note:
- If you use frozen fruits, you shouldn’t need ice. But if you want extra thickness and coldness, add a handful.