Tropical Strawberry Mango Smoothie

Tropical Strawberry Mango Smoothie

This vibrant and delicious smoothie features beautiful layers of sweet mango and tangy strawberry, topped with fresh fruit. It’s perfect for a refreshing treat!

Yields: 1 large serving or 2 smaller servings Prep time: 10-15 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Mango Layer:

• 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced (about 1 cup frozen or fresh)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or coconut milk, orange juice, or water for desired consistency)
• 1/2 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, adjust to sweetness of mango)
• 1/4 cup ice (if using fresh mango and want it colder)
• 1/4 teaspoon chia seeds or poppy seeds (optional, to mimic the specks in the image)

For the Strawberry Layer:

• 1 cup frozen strawberries
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or coconut milk, or water)
• 1/2 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, adjust to sweetness of strawberries)
• 1/2 small banana (optional, for creaminess and sweetness)

For Garnish:

• Fresh mango cubes
• Fresh strawberries (whole or halved)
• Fresh mint leaves (optional)

Equipment:

• Blender
• Tall glass or goblet

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mango Layer: * If using fresh mango, you can freeze it for at least 30 minutes to an hour before blending for a thicker smoothie. * In your blender, combine the diced mango, 1/4 cup almond milk, and optional honey/maple syrup and ice. * Blend until completely smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more liquid. If it’s too thin, add a few more frozen mango pieces or ice. * Stir in the optional chia seeds or poppy seeds if you want the visual effect from the image. * Carefully pour about half of the mango smoothie mixture into your serving glass. * Place the glass in the freezer for about 5-10 minutes while you prepare the strawberry layer. This helps the layers stay distinct. Keep the remaining mango smoothie in the blender or a separate container in the fridge so it doesn’t get too hard.

2. Prepare the Strawberry Layer: * Rinse your blender if you used it for the mango, or use a separate blender. * Add the frozen strawberries, 1/4 cup almond milk, and optional honey/maple syrup and banana (if using). * Blend until very smooth and creamy. Again, adjust liquid as needed for desired consistency.

3. Assemble the Smoothie: * Remove the glass with the mango layer from the freezer. * Gently and slowly pour the strawberry smoothie mixture on top of the mango layer. Pouring over the back of a spoon held just above the mango layer can help prevent the layers from mixing too much. * If you saved some mango smoothie, carefully pour the remaining mango smoothie on top of the strawberry layer.

4. Garnish and Serve: * Top your layered smoothie generously with fresh mango cubes and fresh strawberries. * Add a sprig of fresh mint for extra flair, if desired. * Serve immediately and enjoy your beautiful and refreshing Tropical Strawberry Mango Smoothie!

Tips for Success:

• Use frozen fruit: Using frozen fruit (especially the mango and strawberries) is key for a thick, cold, and creamy smoothie without needing too much ice, which can dilute the flavor.
• Adjust sweetness: Taste your fruit first. If it’s very ripe, you might not need much or any added sweetener.
• Consistency is key: If a layer is too thin, it will blend into the layer below. Make sure both layers are thick enough to hold their form.
• Chill the glass: Chilling your serving glass before you start can also help keep the smoothie colder and prevent layers from mixing.
• Patience for layering: Pouring slowly and carefully is the secret to distinct layers.
• Make it vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan if you use plant-based milk and maple syrup.
• Add protein: For a more substantial smoothie, you can add a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder to either layer.

Enjoy your homemade tropical paradise in a glass!