Mango Strawberry Smoothie
- Blender
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup/150 grams frozen mango chunks
- 1 cup/150 grams frozen strawberries
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey, or to taste
- 1 cup cold water, plus more as needed
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a blender, combine the mango, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, ½ tablespoon of honey, and ½ cup of water. Blend until completely smooth. Add more water as needed to reach a thick but pourable consistency. Pour half the mango mixture into two tall glasses, dividing it evenly.
- Rinse the blender. Add the strawberries, remaining lemon juice, remaining honey, and the remaining ½ cup of water. Blend until smooth, adjusting the texture with more water if necessary.
- Carefully pour the strawberry smoothie over the mango layer in each glass. For a clean layered effect, tilt the glass slightly and pour slowly down the inside edge. Alternatively, swirl the mixtures together with a spoon for a marbled look.
- Serve immediately, with a straw or spoon.
FAQ
Can I make this mango strawberry smoothie without honey?
You can replace the honey with another natural sweetener like maple syrup, agave nectar, or date syrup. If you prefer an unsweetened version, simply omit the sweetener altogether—both mango and strawberry have enough natural sugar to provide flavor on their own, especially when using ripe frozen fruit. Taste the smoothie after blending and adjust to your liking. You can also blend in half a ripe banana to add sweetness and creaminess without added sugar.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh fruit can be used in a mango strawberry smoothie, but the texture will be thinner and less cold compared to one made with frozen fruit. To maintain the smoothie’s thick consistency and chilled temperature, add a handful of ice cubes or freeze the fresh fruit for at least a few hours before blending. Frozen fruit also helps preserve the layered visual effect, so if appearance matters, freezing your fruit is recommended.
Is it possible to add yogurt?
You can absolutely add yogurt to a mango strawberry smoothie to increase creaminess and protein content. Use plain or vanilla Greek yogurt for a thicker consistency, or regular yogurt if you prefer a lighter texture. Add about ½ cup/120 grams of yogurt to either the mango or strawberry layer, or blend it into both for an evenly creamy result. If your yogurt is unsweetened, you may want to adjust the honey or other sweetener to taste.
Can I make a mango strawberry smoothie ahead of time?
A mango strawberry smoothie is best consumed immediately after blending for the best texture and color. If you need to make it in advance, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The smoothie may separate slightly as it sits, so stir or shake well before drinking. Freezing the smoothie in ice cube trays and reblending it later is another way to preserve both flavor and consistency.
Can I add protein powder to a mango strawberry smoothie?
You can add protein powder to a mango strawberry smoothie to make it more filling or suitable as a meal replacement. Choose a flavor that complements the fruit—plain, vanilla, or strawberry-flavored powders work best. Add 1 scoop (about 25–30 grams) of protein powder to either fruit blend, or divide it between the two layers. Be aware that protein powder can slightly thicken the smoothie, so you may need to increase the water or liquid to blend it properly.
What other fruits can I mix into this smoothie?
Fruits that blend well into a mango strawberry smoothie include banana, pineapple, peach, and orange segments. These additions can enhance the tropical flavor and adjust sweetness levels to your preference. Banana adds creaminess, while pineapple and orange introduce bright acidity. You can also include a handful of spinach for a nutrient boost without dramatically changing the flavor. Adjust liquid and sweetener amounts as needed when modifying the fruit mix.
Can I make a mango strawberry smoothie without a blender?
Making a mango strawberry smoothie without a blender is challenging because frozen fruits need high-speed blending to break down into a smooth texture. If you don’t have a blender, you can use fresh, very ripe fruit and mash it with a fork or potato masher, then mix it with water or juice and strain for a thinner drink. An immersion blender or food processor can work in place of a traditional blender, though the consistency may be slightly less smooth. For a thick, layered mango strawberry smoothie, a standard or high-speed blender is strongly recommended.
How do I keep the layers in a mango strawberry smoothie from mixing together?
To maintain distinct layers in a mango strawberry smoothie, make sure both fruit mixtures are thick and not too liquid. Use minimal water—just enough to blend smoothly—and pour the second layer very slowly over the back of a spoon held just above the bottom layer. Tilting the glass slightly while pouring also helps. If one layer is too thin, it will sink into the other. Thicker textures from frozen fruit and less liquid are key to a clean separation between layers.
