The Tropical 9 was the sunniest thing on our menu: mango, pineapple and banana blended with coconut water, finished with fresh lime so it never tastes flat. It needs no added sugar and no dairy.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup frozen mango chunks
- 1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks
- 1/2 frozen banana
- 3/4 to 1 cup coconut water
- Juice of 1/2 lime
How to make it
- Pour 3/4 cup of coconut water and the lime juice into the blender.
- Add the banana, then the frozen mango and pineapple.
- Blend on low, then high, for about 45 seconds until smooth.
- Add more coconut water if you like it thinner, blend briefly and pour.
Tips for a smooth blend
- Pour the liquid in first so the blades catch, then add soft ingredients, then frozen fruit and ice last.
- Start on low and work up to high for 45 to 60 seconds. Leafy greens need the longer blend to turn completely smooth.
- Use frozen fruit instead of ice wherever you can: it chills the smoothie without watering it down.
- Too thick? Add liquid a splash at a time. Too thin? Add a few more pieces of frozen fruit.
Why it works
Mango and pineapple are both rich in vitamin C, and mango adds vitamin A. The banana is what makes it creamy without yogurt.
Coconut water is lighter than juice and adds potassium, and the lime cuts through the sweetness of the fruit so the smoothie tastes fresh rather than sugary.
Make it your own
- Thicker: use a whole frozen banana and less coconut water.
- Protein: add 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla protein powder.
- Greens: a handful of baby spinach disappears completely behind the mango.
- As a bowl: cut the coconut water to 1/2 cup and top with granola and coconut.
More smoothies: Green, Tropical, Peanut Butter Banana and Strawberry Banana. Or see every smoothie recipe and tip.
