If you’re looking to improve your intake of fruits and vegetables, an easy (and delicious!) way to do so is through smoothies! These thick and delicious drinks make for a great breakfast or mid-day snack option when you’re in the mood for something refreshing and healthy — and it’s easy to sneak in a few extra veggies when they’re masked by the other juicy flavors in your cup!
It’s no secret that the Caribbean’s array of native and seasonal fruits are the best of the best, so we’ve compiled a list of superfood smoothie recipes that feature some of the islands’ most beloved fruits, like coconut, mango and even soursop. Try your hand at these 5 easy-to-make recipes that will give you a taste of the islands in every sip.
Coconut Greens Smoothie
One of the most Caribbean fruits, coconuts are high in manganese which aids in overall bone health and in the process of absorbing carbs and proteins into energy. Coconut is also rich in copper and iron, both of which are essential for red blood cell formation, not to mention the coconut’s impact on gut health, glowing skin and positive cognitive function.
For this recipe, we’re combining coconut milk and yogurt with delicious ripe pineapple, banana, dates and a sneaky helping of raw spinach. Throw all of these ingredients into a blender and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 banana, frozen
- 1 cup chopped fresh pineapple
- 2 dates, pits removed
- 1 cup spinach
- ½ cup coconut milk
- ½ cup dairy free coconut yogurt
- ¼ cup of fresh squeezed orange juice
- Ice, as necessary
Citrus Mango Smoothie
Is there anything better than a fresh mango picked right from the tree in the summer? Besides tasting delish, this antioxidant rich Caribbean fruit is good for relieving stress and is high in Vitamin C, Vitamin A and fiber, which are beneficial for weight control and preventing early onset heart disease. This low calorie superfruit also supports heart health by containing magnesium and potassium, both of which help maintain healthy blood flow and heart function.
For this sweet and tangy recipe, combine all of your ingredients and blend, adding more coconut milk or ice as necessary until you get your desired consistency.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of frozen mango
- 1 frozen banana
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ cup coconut milk,
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- Ice, as necessary
Juicy Passion Fruit Smoothie
Introduced to the Caribbean’s soil more than 100 years ago, passion fruit is rich in Vitamin C and various antioxidants, along with being a great low calorie fruit that packs a lot of health benefits into its small stature. Studies have even shown that passion fruit is richer in polyphenols than many other tropical fruits, including banana, lychee and papaya. Polyphenols refer to naturally occurring compounds in fruits that work with antioxidants to help protect the body.
Passion fruit’s sweet and tart tropical flavor pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients in this delicious smoothie that is bursting with flavor. Add everything in, blend until smooth and enjoy this fruity treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup passion fruit juice
- 1½ cup frozen strawberries
- ¼ cup frozen peaches
- ⅓ cup frozen mango
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 cup raspberries sherbet
- Ice, as necessary
Guava Smoothie
If there is a better combination than guava and strawberries, we haven’t found it! Guava, a superfood in its own right, boosts the immune system, is a great source of fiber, stabilizes blood sugar levels, protects against inflammation and fights cancer cell growth. When mixed with strawberry and thick coconut milk, the sweet and creamy combination almost makes you forget that you’re drinking something healthy.
This fruit smoothie is packed with a full cup of guava, ripe kiwi and fresh strawberries for a flavorful taste of the tropics. Add all of these ingredients into a blender and blend until your desired consistency!
Ingredients
- 1 ripe guava
- ½ cup kiwi
- ½ cup strawberries
- 1 teaspoon of ginger, peeled
- 2 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Ice, as necessary
Soursop Smoothie
Another signature Caribbean fruit, soursop is considered to have originated in the Antilles and is now one of Jamaica’s most popular fruits.
Full of vibrant, tangy flavor, this superfood is packed with antioxidants, specifically immune boosting Vitamin C, magnesium and potassium. Though soursop should not be consumed in high doses, especially in extracts and teas, researchers have found that intake of the fruit’s pulp does not lead to negative effects and can actually be a healthy addition to the diet.
If you’re hoping to start your day with high energy, look no further. Pack all of these ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh soursop pulp
- ½ cup frozen pineapple
- ¼ cup coconut yogurt or coconut cream
- ¼ – ½ cup coconut milk, add more if necessary for desired consistency
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave
- Ice, as necessary
