Love of the Journey

Tropical Green Smoothie

Whether it feels like a 100 degrees outside, or you just want an easy and refreshing snack or meal, this Tropical Green Smoothie is it! This is my go-to here in Aruba!

Often in tropical places that I travel I want something light for breakfast,lunch or a snack. The time of day changes but the yummy-ness stays the same! This is almost always exactly what my body needs.

While Aruba has been a little more challenging for finding fresh fruit varieties at a minimal price, most of these tropical countries have bountiful types of fruit and it is CHEAP! Side Note:Guatemala and Thailand come in for the wins on cheapest most accessible DELICIOUS fruit! Anyway, we still save a lot of money and get a ton of nutrients by making this delicious smoothie any where I am traveling in the world!

What do you need for this Recipe?

This fresh and healthy smoothie starts with the following good for you ingredients (for approx. two servings – I eye ball it to save time):

Tropical Green Smoothie Ingredients
  • 1 chopped banana
  • 1/2 cup Mango ( we cut ours and freeze it so we use less ice)
  • 1/2 cup Pineapple ( we cut ours and freeze it so we use less ice)
  • Handful of Strawberries
  • 1-2 cups of spinach or kale (pictured is a mix)
  • Splash of coconut milk
  • Cup of ice
  • Coconut water (I use as much as it takes to make the blender keep rolling until desired consistency)
  • two cups in the fridge (nice touch in hot places)

It is Gluten free, vegetarian and vegan and takes just a few minutes out of your day to create!

Now what do I do? Instructions coming your way…I Promise it is EASY!

  1. Gather all of your ingredients and cut into smaller  (approx. 1″x1″) pieces.
  2. I like to start by placing the soft, non-frozen, ingredients in first. This helps the blender not get so stuck in the beginning. Nothing worse than hearing or smelling your blender because it is trying so hard….You know what I mean?
  3. The first ingredient that I put in is the kale or spinach. Then I add the banana because they too are a soft malleable texture.
  4. Next, I put in the frozen fruit. For me this includes the pineapple, strawberries and mango.
  5. Once all of the fruit and greens are in the blender, add a heavy handed splash of coconut milk and get that yummy, good for your, coconut oil and creamy taste.
  6. Add the cup of ice. Note to chef: I add smaller amounts of ice and increase the amount depending on the smoothie consistency. If you put too much in at the beginning, you may end up with too much, and your smoothie fruits may lose some of their flavor and get watered down. In short: Start small.
  7. Add about an inch of coconut water to the bottom of the blender. I also tend to shake the blender back and forth a bit, or use a spoon to make sure the liquid makes its way to the bottom. Now, start blending. The blender I am currently using has a “Pulse” button. I use this one, as the nice lady who owns the air bob bought it for us, GENTLY. First, it is not the best quality and second I am truly grateful and so I do no want to break it either! I pulse for a few seconds and see how it goes.You will hear the machine when it needs more liquid. Pour more coconut water in and revisit distributing it to the bottom. Shake or use a spoon, you have the freedom to do it your way :)
  8. When the blender pulses smoothly through all of the ingredients, you are finished! The smoothie should have arrived at a lovely green, smooth, and creamy texture.
  9. If you are in a warm climate, or just decided to put two cups in the fridge because, now is the time to take them out. Pour the smoothie into the cup.
  10. For an added extra, cut up a cute little wedge of lemon, squeeze onto top of glass and garnish. I swirl my smoothie around and then my favorite step happens.
  11. ENJOY! Get a little mindful, and slowly enjoy the healthy, refreshing snack that you just made! Ok, well you can go fast if you want, but brain freezes really aren’t my thing!
    Tropical Green Smoothie

Feel free to add in any seeds, nuts, granola, fruits, and other garnishes as you desire. Life and smoothies are better when they are colorful! I have been loving me some colorful smoothie bowls and drinks as of late!

Cheers!

Namaste,
Kahla