The Best Tropical Smoothie

The best tropical smoothie I ever had was in Mexico.  I think the combination of the warm weather and being poolside, made it taste extra good.  When I returned home I knew I had to try and recreate it.  I knew the basic ingredients, but I had to figure out the measurements, which brought me to my version of this tasty treat. This fruit smoothie is made with sweet pineapple, mango, banana, orange juice, and fresh spinach.

Don’t be scared by the green color it doesn’t taste “green”. Spinach lends its color and nutrients to the smoothie, not its taste! I promise! These simple ingredients blended together make a delicious snack perfect for a hot day.  This smoothie is also great to serve as an after-school snack or on hot summer days.    

I prefer to use frozen fruit in my smoothies instead of fresh fruit because I like my smoothies really cold and I dislike adding ice.  I think ice waters down the flavors and also makes the smoothie crunchy rather than creamy.  (my ice never fully breaks up).  Plus, using frozen fruit means I can have a smoothie any time because I have all kinds of different fruits frozen in my freezer.  So the next time you go to the grocery store be sure to stock up on a variety of frozen fruit and when you’re in the mood for a cold delicious treat you’ll have everything you need to make the best tropical smoothie!

Ingredients for the best tropical smoothie recipe:

Spinach– 1/2 cup fresh spinach.  I don’t usually measure this I grab a handful.  I like the prewashed baby spinach, organic if possible.  If not using the prewashed be sure to rinse the spinach very well to remove all of the dirt.

Frozen mango– 1/2 cup frozen mango.  Mango contributes to the creamy texture of the smoothie.

Frozen pineapple– 1/2 cup frozen pineapple.  

Frozen banana– 1/2 frozen banana.  I always have a ziplock bag in the freezer of frozen bananas.  If you don’t have frozen, fresh bananas are ok. Preferably brown, spotted very ripe banana.

Orange juice– 1 cup of orange juice.  You can also squeeze fresh OJ if you prefer.  

*Optional Liquid to consider–  coconut water or coconut milk.  I do not like coconut at all, but to get an authentic tropical vibe I would recommend using half orange juice and half coconut water or milk.  My daughter LOVES coconut so I do this for her.  Pineapple juice could be used as well.  Depends on the fruit flavors you are looking for.  You could omit the orange juice altogether and do half coconut milk and half pineapple.  Or half orange half pineapple.  Just go with what your taste buds are in the mood for.  

*Optional– 1 tablespoon of Chia Seeds. One tablespoon of chia seeds has 5 grams of fiber. Fiber helps with gut health, encourages bowel movements, and keeps you fuller longer.  Chia seeds are readily available nowadays and can be found at any grocery store. They are tiny little black seeds that look very similar to poppy seeds. They don’t have any distinct flavor it just adds texture and nutrition.

How to make this tropical smoothie:

I start by adding the liquid first.  There are measurements on the side of my blended so it makes it easier if you do this first.  Next, I add in everything else, usually the spinach is last.  Finally, put the lid on and blend on high until smooth and creamy.  Serve in a large glass with a straw and enjoy!

MORE RECIPES TO TRY!

Blueberry Banana Smoothie

Watermelon Slushie

Lemon Blueberry Muffins with a Cinnamon Streusel topping

Easy Pumpkin Bread

50/50 Bar Smoothie