Tropical Island Green Smoothie Recipe
Tropical island green smoothie recipe anyone?! This smoothie will have you wishing you were on a beach with it’s sweet and fruity tropical flavor!
If you’re a green smoothie lover, this one is for you. (Or maybe you’re trying to be a green smoothie person?) 🙂
Related Reading: Peanut Butter Banana Protein Shake Recipe
In This Post: Everything You Need for The Best Tropical Island Green Smoothie Recipe
New around here or short on time? Let’s do a quick rundown of what you’ll find in this post:
- How I got delicious tropical flavor into a healthy green smoothie
- Why this is one of the best green smoothie recipes, ever
- How to make this delicious smoothie + the recipe
- Island green smoothie recipe FAQ
Let’s get started!
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Delicious Tropical Flavor = Amazing Tropical Green Smoothie
I am fully aware that a lot of people don’t like the backstory behind recipes. But you know what?
The backstory is half of the fun! (At least it is for me!)
I consider the birth of this smoothie a happy accident, and the story is where you’ll find all of my special tips for the best smoothie ever!
So how did this tropical island green smoothie recipe come about?
Honestly, I spent a lot of time trying to make *extra* healthy smoothies – but they were disgusting.
I was going totally overboard with the veggie-to-fruit ratio. The result was feeling like I was making something super healthy, but barely choking everything down.
Sometimes I’d make something so chalky and fibrous, I could barely get a few sips in before throwing it out.
It was only after becoming a nutrition coach that I realized what I was doing wrong!
I spent too much time in the cycle of extremes – I needed to find a better balance.
(You know, extreme dieting followed by extremely big falls off the wagon with food and fitness.)
What I discovered was that getting some veggies in with my fruit was better than nothing.
If I was making smoothies I could barely choke down, what was the point?
I needed to stop being extreme and learn to compromise. If that meant a little more sugar when I’m trying to get my greens in, so be it.
I’ve always been a big fan of tropical flavors, so why not figure out a way to get my greens in with that combo?
Enter: this tropical green smoothie recipe.
Related Reading: Healthy Kale Salad Recipe: Sweet & Tangy Balsamic
Psst! Pro tip: For easier cleanup & less dirty dishes, use a smoothie blender! This is the Ninja blend I use and love!
Why this is one of the best green smoothie recipes, ever
One of the reasons I love this smoothie so much is for its versatility. It is just so easily adjusted to your preferences and what you have on hand.
Don’t have fresh fruit? No worries – use frozen!
Don’t like coconut water? It’s okay! Just use plain water or almond milk!
Is its natural sweetness not enough to satisfy your sweet tooth? Simply add a pinch of Stevia!
Want an extra boost of fiber, vitamins or minerals? Add some chia seeds, fresh ginger, or your favorite powdered greens!
Hopefully you get the idea.
This recipe is just super enjoyable – but also easy to tweak!
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How to make this delicious smoothie
Curious what you need to make this detox island green smoothie?
It comes down to your favorite fresh or frozen tropical fruit, coconut milk or water, your favorite greens (I use spinach), maybe some ice, and any other nutritious ingredients you’re feeling.
Just keep your fruit selection *mostly* tropical, and you’re gonna love it!
If you’re looking for specifics, here are my exact ingredients:
- Coconut water
- Ice (more if I’m using mostly fresh fruit)
- Plain water (more if my fruit is mostly frozen)
- Pineapple (fresh pineapple is preferred but frozen is okay, very high in vitamin C!)
- Mango chunks (also high in vitamin C)
- Baby spinach (you can also use kale, great for vitamin K!)
- Pinch or two of organic Stevia
- A bit of ripe banana (a good source of potassium + has anti-inflammatory properties!)
Note: If I’m using mostly frozen fruit, more liquid is required. Use more or less ice depending on how thick you like your smoothies.
Related Reading: Easy Mango Black Bean Salsa Recipe (Healthy!)
Tropical Island Green Smoothie Recipe: Frequently Asked Questions
Recipes always seem to bring allll of the questions, so I’m going to try to answer them before they come up. Here are some popular questions about this tropical smoothie recipe:
Nope, it totally doesn’t need it! The fruit juice is enough to make this naturally sweet. If you are looking for a little extra sweetness, I recommend a packet of Organic Stevia.
You can use either, but frozen spinach (or kale) tends to be a little less sticky in the blender and tastes the same.
Yes, but not for too long! I almost always make too much, so I put half in the freezer or fridge for up to one day. After that, things can get a little funky.
You can, but I don’t recommend it. (Orange juice adds a lot of sugar.) To keep this smoothie as tropical & healthy as possible, stick to fresh or frozen fruit that will really give you that tropical island vibe!
That’s optional and it really depends on what you’re going for. Adding Greek yogurt is an easy way to add protein and a creamy texture, but if you’re not careful, it can also bump up your sugar intake.
Did I cover everything you could possibly want to know about this yummy green detox smoothie?
Let’s get to my favorite tropical island green smoothie already!
Tropical Island Green Smoothie Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Blender
Ingredients
- 1/2-1 cup coconut water or milk more coconut = more tropical flavor
- 1/2-1 cup water (use more if you are using only frozen fruit)
- 1/2-1/3 cup frozen mango chunks
- 1/3 cup sliced banana
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
- 1-2 cups baby spinach
- 1/2-1 cup ice cubes recommended if using fresh fruit
- 1 packet Organic Stevia optional
Instructions
- Start by adding ice and liquids to blender.
- Add fruit & Stevia.
- Top with baby spinach and optional extras (such as chia seeds or coconut flakes).
- Blend on high for 1-2 minutes.
- Enjoy!
Notes
That’s it, friends! Now you have another great way to dial in on your nutrition and a new favorite green smoothie. 🙂
If you’re looking for another great smoothie to try, this easy blackberry strawberry banana smoothie is to die for!
Until next time,
Chantal
