The other day I found myself dreaming of a tropical escape, but realized—why not bring that breezy paradise right to my kitchen? This Skinny Green Tropical Smoothie might just be the closest thing to sipping sunshine in a glass, a delightful blend of fresh greens and vibrant fruits. It’s refreshingly light yet bursting with flavors that dance on your taste buds like a carefree island breeze, perfect for any moment you crave a taste of paradise.
Steps
- Pour 3/4 cup of light canned coconut milk into your blender. This will serve as the flavorful base for your smoothie.
- Add 6 ounces of fat-free Greek yogurt to the blender to enhance creaminess and boost protein content.
- Include 3/4 cup of fresh cubed pineapple for natural sweetness and a tropical flavor.
- Peel and add one ripe medium banana to the mix, ensuring it is mostly brown for optimal sweetness.
- Measure out 1 cup of spinach and add it to the blender for a nutritious green color and added vitamins.
- Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of sweetened shredded coconut to infuse the smoothie with extra fiber and a hint of sweetness.
- Top everything off with 1 1/4 cups of ice to achieve a thick, chilled consistency.
- Blend all the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Adjust the ice to reach your desired consistency if necessary.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup of light canned coconut milk
- 6 ounces of fat-free Greek yogurt
- 3/4 cup of fresh pineapple, cubed
- 1 medium ripe banana
- 1 cup of spinach
- 2 tablespoons of sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 1/4 cups of ice
Nutritional Values
Calories: 456 kcal | Carbohydrates: 60.4 g | Protein: 20.4 g | Fat: 15.4 g | Saturated Fat: 0.4 g | Sodium: 141 mg | Fiber: 7.8 g | Sugar: 38.8 g
FAQ
- Are green smoothies beneficial for health?
- Yes, this green tropical smoothie is nutritious, offering 10 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and 228 calories. It contains essential vitamins and minerals from ingredients like banana, pineapple, coconut, and spinach.
- Which is the best green to add to a smoothie?
- Spinach is an excellent choice for smoothies. It blends well with other ingredients and is convenient to use since it often comes prewashed. Spinach is also nutritious, providing protein, fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.
- Can you detect the spinach flavor in this smoothie?
- No, you won’t taste the spinach in this tropical smoothie. It allows you to enjoy the health benefits without altering the smoothie’s fruity flavor.
- How long can smoothies be stored in the refrigerator?
- This smoothie recipe yields two servings, perfect for sharing or storing. If you have a leftover serving, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day. Alternatively, you can make a smaller batch by halving the recipe.
- Is it possible to prepare smoothies in advance?
- Yes, you can prep this smoothie ahead of time by placing all ingredients except the ice in the blender the night before. When you’re ready to consume it, simply add ice and blend.
Tips
- Optimize Blender Performance: To ensure the spinach is thoroughly blended, start by blending it with a portion of the coconut milk before adding the rest of the ingredients. This step is particularly useful if you’re not using a high-powered blender.
- Enhance Flavor with Citrus: Add a splash of fresh lime or orange juice to give your smoothie a refreshing citrus twist that complements the tropical flavors.
- Adjust Consistency with Ice: If your smoothie isn’t as thick or cold as you’d like, add more ice. This can help achieve the desired consistency and temperature.
- Customize for Dietary Needs: Substitute Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative, such as avocado or additional coconut milk, to make the smoothie suitable for those with dairy restrictions.
Equipment
- High-power blender: Essential for thoroughly blending the spinach and other ingredients into a smooth consistency.
- Airtight container: Useful for storing any extra smoothie in the fridge.
