Tropical Berry Smoothie
Everyone loves a yummy smoothie, especially at this time of year when the weather is hot, you're caving something light and refreshing, and we're smack in the middle of fruit season.
You can make this one for breakfast, as a post-workout protein drink, or as a healthy snack to get you through the mid-afternoon slump.
Adding protein powder is optional. I really enjoy Vega Sport Performance Protein in Vanilla for this particular recipe, because it adds flavor and makes it a bit creamier, too -- without dairy.
However, if you prefer, you could skip the protein powder entirely, or add an extra tablespoon of hemp seed or chia seed in its place.
Tropical Berry Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen mango chunks
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- ½ cup fresh or frozen pineapple chunks
- 2 Tbsp coconut milk or hemp seed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp vegan vanilla protein powder
- 1 cup plain, unsweetened almond milk or coconut water
- ½ cup crushed ice (only if you've used fresh fruit instead of frozen)
Instructions
Blend all the ingredients together until smooth. Transfer to a glass. Top with fresh berries if desired, and a sprig of peppermint leaves for garnish (optional). Sip through a reusable straw.
Notes
Vitamix
If you haven't yet invested in a high-speed blender, I can't recommend a Vitamix blender highly enough. I use mine nearly every day, and I have for over 10 years. Admittedly, it's got a hefty price tag, but I find that it's absolutely a worthwhile investment in your health.
Fresh vs. Frozen Fruit
If you opt to use fresh blueberries or pineapple in your smoothie, you may need to add some ice too, so that it will have the semi-frozen consistency you've come to expect in a smoothie. Add a half cup of crushed iced to the blender before blending it all together.
Reusable Straws
The straw in the photo is made of borosilicate glass (Pyrex), and is nearly impossible to break. I bought mine from Glass Dharma, and it's guaranteed for life. Their extra-thick smoothie straws are available on Amazon in sets of four.
If a glass straw is not your thing, you could try stainless steel instead. I really love my stainless straws from Home & Harvest. You can buy a set from this company on Amazon, which includes 4 extra-wide smoothie straws, and 4 gold straws, plus two cleaning brushes and a carry bag.
