Strawberry Pineapple Mango Chia Seed Smoothie

Strawberry Pineapple Mango Chia Seed Smoothie

This vibrant and nutritious smoothie is packed with tropical flavors and healthy fats from chia seeds. It’s perfect for a quick breakfast, a refreshing snack, or a post-workout boost.

Yields: 1 large serving or 2 smaller servings Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup frozen mango chunks (or fresh mango)
• 1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks (or fresh pineapple)
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries (hulled)
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1/2 cup liquid (water, coconut water, almond milk, or your preferred milk)
• Optional: 1-2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or protein powder for added creaminess and protein
• Optional: 1 teaspoon honey, maple syrup, or a pitted date for added sweetness (adjust to taste)
• Optional: A few ice cubes if using all fresh fruit and desiring a colder, thicker smoothie

Equipment:

• Blender

Instructions:

1. Prepare your ingredients: If using fresh fruit, you might want to freeze it for at least 30 minutes to an hour beforehand for a colder, thicker smoothie consistency. Hulled the strawberries.
2. Add liquid first: Pour your chosen liquid (water, coconut water, or milk) into the blender. This helps the blades move smoothly and prevents the fruit from getting stuck.
3. Add chia seeds: Sprinkle the chia seeds into the liquid.
4. Add fruit: Add the frozen mango chunks, frozen pineapple chunks, and strawberries to the blender.
5. Add optional ingredients: If using, add Greek yogurt, protein powder, honey, maple syrup, or a pitted date now.
6. Blend: Secure the lid on your blender and start blending on a low speed, gradually increasing to high. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no large chunks of fruit remaining. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender with a spatula a few times to ensure everything is incorporated.
7. Adjust consistency: If the smoothie is too thick, add more liquid (1-2 tablespoons at a time) and blend again until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can add a few more frozen fruit pieces or a handful of ice cubes and blend again.
8. Taste and adjust sweetness: Taste the smoothie and, if desired, add more sweetener and blend briefly to combine.
9. Serve: Pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy immediately!

Tips for Success:

• For a thicker smoothie: Use more frozen fruit, less liquid, or add a ripe banana.
• For a thinner smoothie: Add more liquid.
• Make ahead: You can portion out the fruit and chia seeds into freezer bags for quick smoothie prep on busy mornings. Just add liquid and blend when ready.
• Nutritional Boosts: Feel free to add a handful of spinach or kale for an extra dose of greens (you won’t taste them much with these strong fruit flavors!).

Enjoy your delicious and healthy smoothie!