Tropical Smoothie
Smoothies are great for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. They are quick to make and contain healthy nutrients and vitamins to keep you going. I’ve tried many different combinations for my family and this one seems to be the winner in our house. A combination of tropical fruits and coconut milk makes this Tropical Smoothie so delicious. Who could ever resist a quick trip to the tropics?
Who can resist the tropical flavors of coconut and pineapple? We love this little taste of the tropics in a glass. Cold and delicious, it is a tasty way to start the day! Add a handful of chunky granola and some more fresh fruit to your smoothie and you’ll have a party in your glass!
What kind of milk should I use in a smoothie?
That’s the great thing about smoothies, you can use the milk that you like best. The choices for alternative milk products have expanded significantly in recent years. Here are some milks to consider if you are looking to avoid gluten or dairy products.
- Gluten Free– Coconut, soy, almond and oat milk are all good choices if you are trying to avoid gluten in your diet. I’ve made this smoothie with all of these choices and they are equally smooth and creamy. Our preference is coconut milk, followed closely by almond milk.
- Dairy Free– Many of the milks that are gluten free are also a good alternative to dairy, as they are lactose free as well. Soy milk is probably the most popular lactose free option when drinking milk. So, again, it comes down to taste and preference. Coconut milk in this recipe definitely checks both the boxes when looking for a gluten free, lactose free alternative.
Tropical Smoothie Recipe
What’s needed?
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, chunked
- 5.3 ounces vanilla low-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup ice
How to make a Tropical Smoothie?
- Put the chunks of fruit in a blender. Add the yogurt, coconut milk and ice. Blend until smooth. This recipe makes two 14-ounce servings.
The whole process takes about 5 minutes from beginning to end. A quick, healthy way to start your day. Pour a glass or two, you’ll be glad you did!
What kinds of fruit can I use in a smoothie?
- Seeds?– Many people do not like seeds in a smoothie, so the combination of pineapple and banana works well in this recipe. If you don’t mind the seeds of other fruits, mix it up and try different combinations of berries, like strawberries and apple slices or peaches and raspberries.
- Frozen fruit?– We often select the fruits that are in season and use those to blend up a smoothie. When certain fruits like strawberries are available locally, I will buy them in bulk and freeze them to use for the rest of the year. And when using frozen fruit, there is no need to add ice to your smoothie. The fruit will make it cold for you.
For more delicious smoothies and easy breakfast recipes, check out these recipes for Frozen Peach Smoothie, Peanut Butter Granola, and Apple and Cranberry Oatmeal. A great breakfast leads to a great day!
Tropical Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana, small
- 1 cup pineapple, fresh, chunked
- 5.3 ounces low-fat Greek yogurt, vanilla or coconut
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup ice
Instructions
- Put the chunks of fruit in a blender. Add the yogurt, coconut milk and ice. Blend until smooth. This recipe makes two 14-ounce servings.
Equipment
- 1 blender, or Ninja bullet
Notes
-
- Seeds?– Many people do not like seeds in a smoothie, so the combination of pineapple and banana works well in this recipe. If you don’t mind the seeds of other fruits, mix it up and try different combinations of berries, like strawberries and apple slices or peaches and raspberries.
-
- Frozen fruit?– We often select the fruits that are in season and use those to blend up a smoothie. When certain fruits like strawberries are available locally, I will buy them in bulk and freeze them to use for the rest of the year. And when using frozen fruit, there is no need to add ice to your smoothie. The fruit will make it cold for you.