Creamy Mango Banana Bliss Smoothie
A 5-minute tropical smoothie with frozen mango, banana, and coconut milk, creating a soft-serve texture. Dairy-free options are included.
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen mango chunks
- 1 large banana fresh or frozen
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 2 scoops collagen protein powder optional
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract optional
Instructions
- Combine the mango, banana, orange juice, coconut milk, and collagen protein powder in a blender.
- Blend on high for 45 seconds until smooth.
- Add ice cubes if needed to achieve a thicker texture.
- Pour into glasses and top with toasted coconut or chia seeds.
Notes
Pro Banana Moves
- For emergency smoothies: Peel & freeze spotty bananas in snack bags (no ice tray needed!)
- Frozen > fresh: Frozen fruit = thicker texture. No ice needed unless using fresh mango
Mango Hacks
- Can't find mango? Use 1.5 cups mango + ½ cup frozen pineapple
- Fresh mango prep: Score flesh into cubes, freeze on parchment paper first
Milk Matrix
| Type | Effect |
|---|---|
| Canned coconut milk | Luxuriously thick |
| Almond milk | Lighter, nutty flavor |
| Oat milk | Creamy neutral base |
Protein Power-Ups
- Collagen: Dissolves completely (my gym buddy’s pick)
- Greek yogurt: Adds tang + 12g protein per ½ cup
- Hemp seeds: 10g plant protein per 3 tbsp
Texture Rescue Squad
- Too thick? Add 1 tbsp liquid at a time
- Too thin? Toss in ¼ avocado (you’ll thank me later)
- Gritty? Blend 90 seconds - some blenders need extra love
Kid-Friendly Tweaks
- Use orange-mango juice instead of plain OJ
- Hide ½ cup steamed & frozen cauliflower (shhh!)
- Serve in popsicle molds - freeze 4 hours
Vegan Version
- Swap collagen for pea protein powder
- Use coconut yogurt instead of Greek
- Agave instead of honey (if using)
Make-Ahead Magic
- Fridge: Stores 24 hours (stir before drinking)
- Freezer: Pour into jars, leave 1” space, freeze 1 month
- Smoothie packs: Pre-measure dry ingredients in bags
Banana Caution
- Over-ripe bananas can dominate flavor
- Under-ripe = chalky texture
- Sweet spot: Mostly yellow with few brown spots