Pineapple Mango Vitamin C Booster Smoothie – this smoothie will help you work in extra vitamins, minerals, fiber, and all the goodness that plants can offer, including an extra boost of Vitamin C to help combat colds and flu, sickness, and germs.
After I’ve run 5 miles or finished the most grueling yoga class, and I’m hot, tired, and on empty, smoothies go down so easily.
Especially the kind that taste like a tropical vacation.
I’m blessed to live in San Diego, and it’s been in the mid-70s the past few days during the middle of the day. It still gets cold enough at night that we have to turn the heat on, but for a few glorious hours in the middle of the day, it’s picture-perfect. That’s when I run or do yoga and after a hard workout, I don’t like heavy things but need something to recharge.
This sweet, creamy, citrusy, vegan, Vitamin C-packed smoothie is so refreshing and hits the spot.
I try to incorporate as much Vitamin C into my diet as possible. It’s an easy thing to do and something that helps prevent sickness, and I’ll take all the prevention I can get. With a 6 year old who’s constantly bringing home every other kid’s cooties, germs, sniffles and sneezes, any little bit of immune-boosting powers is welcome. Citrus fruits like pineapple or orange-colored fruit in general, such as mango, are high in Vitamin C.
I love both pineapple and mango and have a dozen other smoothie recipes that use one or the other, but it’s a favorite combination I never tire of. I always keep frozen pineapple and frozen mango chunks on hand, perfect for blending into smoothies. You don’t need to add ice if you use frozen fruit, preventing a watered-down drink.
A smoothie just isn’t a smoothie without a banana included for creaminess and they’re a huge source of potassium. If you’re active, making sure you’re getting enough potassium helps to prevent leg cramps and muscle cramps in general. Other good potassium sources include skin-on baked potatoes, prunes, spinach, and lima beans. Given those choices, bananas sound better and better.
I peel over-ripe bananas, break them into chunks, and keep them in a big Ziplock in my freezer, making it easy to toss a few chunks into smoothies. When blended, they add plant-based creaminess that’s unparalleled to anything else. Bananas are naturally sweet, inexpensive, and always available.
Blend together the fruits, milk, sweetener, splash of vanilla, and blend until smooth and creamy. I like to make this smoothie with coconut milk; it’s plant-based, healthy, and I have a coconut obsession. Use almond, soy, or your favorite milk. If you’d like to splurge, a scoop of vanilla frozen yogurt makes it taste like dessert-in-a-cup.
Sweeten it using granulated sugar, agave, honey, stevia, a couple Medjool dates, or your favorite sweetener. Some people don’t sweeten fruit-based smoothies because the pineapple, mango, and banana are already sweet, but it depends on your palette and how sweet the fruit was when it was frozen. Sometimes pineapple and mango were frozen in a slightly under-ripe state and are a bit too tart to enjoy. I like my Lemon Bars extra tart, but not my smoothies.
Since I have to wash my blender anyway, I make double the amount I need. I fill freezer-safe platstic cups with the extra portions, freeze them, and when I’m ready for a smoothie, just nuke the cup for a minute. It saves time not having to remake and then rewash my blender. And having a fruity, creamy, healthy, vegan beverage ready and easily grab-able, prevents me from reaching for cookies, which are equally grab-able.
I’ve read that if you want to eat healthier, simply having fresh veggies or fruit cut up and in containers in your fridge, totally ready to snack on, makes it easier to snack on the good stuff. It’s so easy to grab a bag of chips or a handful of jelly beans when you’re hungry and your willpower is nil if you’re not prepared with your snacks. A little prep work saves time and helps you stay on track. And that’s my approach with smoothies waiting in the freezer.
The pineapple flavor dominates, reminding me a bit of a virgin pina colada. Between the mango, banana, and coconut milk, it’s a healthy, frothy, creamy, vegan treat. I’ll drink to that.
Pin This Recipe
Pineapple Mango Vitamin C Booster Smoothie
Smoothies are an easy way to work in extra vitamins, minerals, fiber, and all the goodness that plants can offer, including an extra boost of Vitamin C to help combat colds and flu, sickness, and germs. The pineapple in this smoothie really sings, the mango gives it an extra layer of sweetness, and the banana helps to provide creaminess. Like all smoothies, use what you have and enjoy, and in the quantities that work for you, taking note of the optional suggestions and ideas if desired. Smoothies are flexible, adaptable, and an easy way to work healthy fruits and vegetables into your diet.
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
- 1 cup frozen mango chunks
- 1 medium ripe banana, peeled and frozen in chunks
- 1 cup milk (regular, almond, soy, coconut, etc.)
- 1 teaspoon+ vanilla extract
- sweetener, to taste (sugar, agave, stevia, honey, maple syrup, dates, etc.)
- optional suggestions, see below
Instructions
- All ingredients and amounts are to taste. Use seasonal fruits or vary the quantities of fruits, to taste. I used bagged, frozen fruit from Trader Joe's. Using frozen is preferred to fresh since smoothie is automatically kept cold, without adding ice which waters it down.
- Place all ingredients in the canister of a Vita-Mix or blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately. Pour extra into a freezer-safe cup and freeze for up to 1 month, thawing before serving (or microwaving for about 30 seconds); double or triple the recipe to create planned leftovers - perfect to grab for busy morning breakfasts or as easy snacks.
- Optionally, consider adding a scoop of protein powder or dollop of yogurt for extra protein; or blending with juice to increase the amount of Vitamin C; add coconut flakes, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or your favorite smoothie add-ins' to either the blender canister before blending or garnish smoothie with them after blending.
- Recipe is vegan (use vegan milk, avoid honey), gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free as written. Take care any ingredients used are suitable for your dietary needs.
Notes
halve, double, or triple the recipe as desired
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 278Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 68mgCarbohydrates: 60gFiber: 4gSugar: 45gProtein: 6g
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Peach Mango Pineapple White Sangria (vegan, GF) – Some of my favorite fruits, combined with a bottle of wine, create a white sangria that goes down so easily
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Baked Orange Banana Coconut Donuts with Orange Coconut Vanilla Cream Cheese Glaze – Getting your vitamin C and potassium by way of oranges and bananas in donuts is definitely tasty. Recipe can be made as muffins
30 Favorite Banana Bread and Banana Recipes – In case you don’t want to blend your bananas, there’s 30+ recipes to try
Do you have a favorite healthy smoothie recipe?
What do you do or make that keeps you centered, on track, and healthy? Any tips to share?
This post is brought to you by Ocean Spray Diet . With 5 little calories, it is made with real fruit juice and has a big, bold taste. Get more out of your diet.
Please share your recipe links and tips in the comments.
Happy National Peanut Butter Day today! Here are 35 Favorite Peanut Butter Recipes in case you want to celebrate. Have a great weekend and check back for a couple great giveaways!
My family is enjoying the Pineapple Mango smoothie – it’s like ice cream! Thank you for sharing the recipe!
Glad you’re all loving it!
I’m alergic to bananas, and they seem to be a staple in every smoothie on the planet. Do you have any suggestions as to what I can use instead?
In this particular smoothie, I would just omit the banana. You can’t always do that but in this one, you’ll be fine.
Healthy and Delicious!
LOVE this smoothie!!
What jars are you using here? I’ve seen them used in many of your posts but can’t find any reference to where they’re from.
These jars look to be some old glass mayonnaise jars I washed out and used :) I use these or Ball brand, available at most groc stores in the canning aisle. But I recycle all my old jars that spaghetti sauce comes in, whatever, and reuse!
Considering mango is one of my favorite fruits, this recipe seems like a must-try!
I will make the green Iguana Margarita, and most of all smoothies.
I love using mangos and banana together in a smoothie. Add some ice, coconut milk and squeeze of lime, I’m a happy camper!
I think I can drink this smoothie almost everyday. I am really an avid fan of mangoes
It’s so good – I would love one right now :)
Just tried making this – turned out horrible. Followed the directions EXACTLY. The banana taste overpowered the taste of everything else and you were left with a pineapple aftertaste. Could not taste the mango at all.
Because fruit is a natural product, there will be varying intensities of flavors from fruit to fruit. If the bananas you used were on the ripe side, bananas have a tendency to dominate. Use less next time, and use more mango.
As with anything, adjust the ratios to your taste. I personally wouldn’t find a banana-dominant smoothie ‘horrible’ though.
I added spinach to make a green monster. It was delicious!
Thanks for LMK you tried it! And with spinach even!
What cups do you use? I’m always looking for new smoothie receips my traditional one is getting old! This is great! I can’t wait to make this
You had me at pineapple. Want this now!
I can’t seem to keep fruits in the house long enough to even get them in the freezer. I suppose it would help if I bought them already frozen…So much easier if I didn’t have to cut them up…
In the dead of winter, when I can get a big bag of pineapple for 1.99, already cleaned, cut and ready to go…I could never buy it fresh for that cheap, plus time cleaning it is worth something! And already frozen, it acts as the ice!
I could use one of these right now. I’m just coming down with a cold!
Ugh! Feel better soon!
Aww thanks!!
Oh yum, this smoothie looks and sounds so good! It makes me think of summer too!
Smoothies are always my mid-afternoon pick-me-up–I need them to keep trucking with work until dinnertime. :) I have everything I need to make this one, so it will be made very soon!
Oh, and unrelated, I made your chocolate chia seed pudding for breakfast this weekend. OMG, so delicious! I’ve been a chia fan for a while, but was a little bit eeked out by the pudding concept. Glad I took the plunge because it is amazing.
Thanks for LMK that you tried the chocolate chia seed pudding. Wow, it’s been ages since I’ve even thought about that recipe. Blast from the past for me! Lots of those chia seed recipes were circa 2009-10 on my blog. I cringe just thinking about the photography :) Glad the recipe was a hit!
I pinned this one! We do a lot of smoothies at our house. I always have frozen bananas and whatever fruit we didn’t eat all of the week before in the freezer. We eat lots of Cuties, but if they start looking over-ripe, I peel and section them and they go into freezer bags. This week it was grapes. I use equal parts banana and another fruit in the Vitamix and we call it “ice cream.” My 3-year-old granddaughter loves it. Loveovers go into ice cube trays, then baggies. Anyway. . .I’ve never used pineapple or mango! Can’t wait to try these! Thank you!
Thanks for the pin & enjoy the recipes with your granddaughter…that’s so sweet you two make smoothies together! :)
Cold smoothies are my favorite thing after a long sweaty run! This one looks so creamy and delicious!
Saw your lovely shot on food gawker – here’s my green smoothie…Now that it is warming up, this will be breakfast again…http://lizthechef.com/2012/01/26/my-morning-green-smoothie/
Looks so good! And healthy :-)
That looks super refreshing! Hopefully next winter I’ll be enjoying the warm California winters. But I can’t believe you have to turn your heat on after a high in the 70s. I try to avoid turning our heat on at all costs. Even in the dead of winter (now) I keep it on 60 at night because I don’t like it on.
There is something about the dry air that gets so cold at night. I’d rather not shiver and shake and wear 10 sweaters & turn the heat on instead. I hate running the heat, too. The fake hot feeling is not enjoyable but the houses are so poorly insulated here. It’s not like MN or WI houses…trust me!
This smoothie is motivating me to hit the gym since I havent gone in about 6 months..haha. On dreary days like today, my body craves tropical fruits like pineapple and mango. Here’s to hopefully sunny days ahead!
I’d go insane, like crazy, if I didn’t work out. Not just the physical, but the mental/emotional. Keeps me centered :)
You have so many delicious smoothies posted – if only I had all the ingredients now to make one =). I love smoothies. When I was pregnant I drank one pretty much every single day. I really need to start doing that again =). Your smoothies look divine.
When I was pregnant, I lived on ginger ale and saltines…for months! And fresh fruit. I don’t know why I wasn’t making smoothies?! I could have seen myself being able to keep them down and back then, anything was a bonus :) You were smart!
This smoothie looks wonderful, Averie! I love the flavors!
This smoothie does look like a tropical vacation! I have Spring Fever..it’s still cold where we live and San Diego weather sounds perfect to me.
I love your tip about putting the peeled over-ripe banana chunks into the freezer and adding it into the smoothie. It is literally making my mouth water! It was a heat wave up here in Utah (32 degrees!) that I was able to go out running! This is a must have smoothie after a run! Thank you for sharing!
I always have a stash on hand – makes it so much easier to just grab a couple chunks out of the baggie!
We are smoothie lovers around this house! Your smoothie was recreated in our home this very evening for my Simeon! His absolute favorite smoothie is pineapple and mango, so I always have those two fruits in the freezer. We always have bananas on hand, too, fresh and frozen so all these ingredients were readily available tonight! What a delicious smoothie, Averie! Seriously, the coconut milk with those three fruits combined with the vanilla – WOW. It was so delicious! It tasted like a tropical ice cream. :-D
Thanks for trying it…ALREADY! Didn’t think many people would b/c I realize it’s still ‘winter’ for many people even though it’s warm in San Diego. Chilly at night but nice during the day. But leave it to you, to make it, and on the same day! Thank you! And I agree, it was like tropical ice cream. Perfect description!
Ooh I wish my body could handle pineapple! These look aweeeesome.
You could skip it and use…any other fruit in it’s place from peaches to oranges to strawberries…whatever sounds good!
I am so jealous of your weather! It must the perfect thing when this smoothie is by your side!
Looks so delicious! Perfect post-yoga treat for sure!
Pineapples and mangoes are my favorite fruits, been looking for a smoothie recipe and yours looks really good. Thanks for sharing!
It’s been so gorgeous in LA this week too, even hot. This smoothie looks perfect right about now!
But it gets COLD at night. People think we’re babies here in SoCal but after growing up in MN, I do know what cold is like and…it’s cold. At least here in S.D.!
I used to make smoothies all the time but have gotten out of the habit… but this is making me crave one! Love pineapple and mango – would definitely brighten up the dreary days we’ve been having here in DC!
I am into anything with a vitamin C kick these days. Cold be gone! Plus mango anything wins in my books! Can’t wait to try this :)
You have a beautiful blog Averie! And this smoothie sounds so refreshing, I must have one. :)
Thanks for the nice compliment and for stopping by!
This just made me all kinds of jealous. Trader Joes, warm weather, tropical vacations, sweaty yoga…. I kind of hate you right now. ;)
It is snowing right now and COLD. And there’s no TJs anywhere close. But, did I tell you I’ve been getting back into yoga? I think its the home gym thing – I’ve been doing a mix of yoga and biking with light weights every now and then. I’m no good at the yoga and I can only do it for 20 min at the longest before I get bored and my brain is going to the next thing, but I held crow yesterday for a full minute. My arms are SORE.
Errr….nice looking smoothie, by the way.
Love this! I’m always in need of a smoothie after my spin class!
Mmm…love a smoothie that tastes like a tropical vacation! Averie, I love how you combined pineapple, mango and banana and provided choices for the milk and sweetening…so peeps can make it their own. It is such a thoughtful or mindful way to write a healthy recipe. I’ve missed you, girl…have been so busy in the kitchen recipe testing lately…and, I’m behind in posts! Oh!! Thought of you when I saw Oreo Cookie Butter, of ALL things! Looks like yummy tar, LOL! I will send you a tweet…just in case you missed it at Pinterest. Thanks for another greate recipe and have a most-excellent weekend! xoxo
It sure does look like tar! haha!
I need to get back to the gym asap.
This lack of sun is killing me.
We’ve had nothing but rain or snow for the last few weeks, with about 2 days of sun.
And the weather just said another week of clouds.
Ohhh New England winters are rough, I need smoothies! lol
How do you make these wonderful looking smoothies without banana??
Not sure if you read the recipe or post, but there IS banana in the smoothie. It’s virtually impossible to make a vegan smoothie that creamy and fluffy looking and tasting without banana.
I did read the post and was hoping that you’d have a suggestion for a banana-free option, as I’m allergic. :(
Just keep it out then. Smoothies are so flexible…you could add a scoop of yogurt, protein powder, another fruit you love, milk/nut milk, just find things you love and add them and play around to find your perfect recipe!
I usually buy premade smoothies…which I know are nothing like the real deal. All the information you provided just convinced me to start making my own. And you’re so right about the health benefits of bananas! When I was taking ballet classes, long ago, I would get terrible spams in the arches of my feet. They were so painful I’d have to wait several seconds for the muscle to release. The doctor told me that my body was lacking potassium. After incorporating bananas into my daily diet, the spams disappeared. Bananas are definitely not my favorite fruit, but they do work miracles. I’m sure I would love them in a homemade smoothie! :)
Ok you make your own cinnamon rolls, pie crusts, etc and can cook like a rock star (better than most anyone I know) but you’re buying premade smoothies? Valerie I want to slap you silly :) In the best way, of course. haha! I don’t actually love-love bananas to eat plain. I cook/bake/blend them tons but on their own, meh, whatever. I get plantar fascitis, a foot thing basically, from running and just have always been prone to it, even if I don’t run. It just happens but potassium helps it in general. And I can totally see you as an amazing ballerina!! :)
Thanks for the recipe! Smoothies are one of those things that I love but can never get the proportions right on my own (I end up with super liquid mess. tasty, but not worth the effort)
The key is to use fruit that’s already frozen. That way you don’t have to add ice which waters it down. And use less liquid than you think, in general. You can always add more if it’s too thick and your blender is struggling, but once added, you can’t un-do!
Mango smoothies are my fave, I love how creamy they are!
I love a good smoothie after a hard workout! (or any time really) This looks like a really good one, it’s a shame I’m allergic to pineapple :(
Sounds like another winner! Pineapple and banana were made for each other. Speaking of which, I just finished blending up a batch of your peanut butter………mmmmmm! Stirred in some cooked oatmeal and chocolate chips and froze it all into breakfast bars for next week :) I got a food processor for Christmas so now I’m not digging the peanut butter out of the bottom of my blender :) I love how easy it is and knowing what’s in it! Love it. Hope you’ll be telling us more about your conference soon. Have a great weekend in that gorgeous weather, low 40’s here ;(
Ooops, never mind. Just found your comments and pics about the party Wednesday on Thursdays post, duh!
Glad you found the pics. It wasn’t a conference. It was a one-night party :)
And the PB sounds delish. I have a few new PB recipes coming. I love adding chocolate or cookies to mine, too!
This smoothie looks refreshing and delicious. I agree, there must be banana in a smoothie for that creamy thickness. Love the addition of coconut milk!
This sounds like the perfect refreshment after a hard workout! I am envious of your weather! It’s in the 50’s and rainy here. uggg!
I’ve yet to meet a tropical fruit that I didn’t like…but pineapple and mango and definite favorites! This smoothie is totally my kind of thing.
I looooove mango smoothies. The mango fruit base looks like it would work for a mango bubble tea drink as well. Yum!
:)
♡ rika, vegan miam
http://www.veganmiam.com
★ i travel + i eat vegan blog ★
The sangria looks amazing, too. You take gorgeous photos.
♡ rika, vegan miam
http://www.veganmiam.com
★ i travel + i eat vegan blog ★
I also love the bread recipes!
♡ rika, vegan miam
http://www.veganmiam.com
★ i travel + i eat vegan blog ★
Such pretty pictures! Love the beverages too!
♡ rika, vegan miam
http://www.veganmiam.com
★ i travel + i eat vegan blog ★
Thanks!
This looks so refreshing. I just happen to have the ingredients on hand and this will make a nice snack.
We are certainly looking forward to spring here in the Northeast!
Your scalloped taters look like a perfect dish for your weather!
That looks so tasty and refreshing. Is it summer yet???
I know, I can’t wait!
I love pina coladas, so I am totally digging this smoothie recipe. I’m definitely going to try this one, since I have nearly all the ingredients on hand at any time. By the way, you’re totally right about doubling the recipe just to avoid washing the blender twice. It’s easily one of my least favorite kitchen items to take care of!
Mine too. That and my food proc after I’m done making PB. That is THE WORST. Okay, no, juicer cleanup is the worst. Which is why….I don’t juice anymore!
Love mango in my smoothies. This one looks perfect for summer! I am going to pin it for later… as I am still frozen up in the Tundra.
Thanks for the Pin!
I agree–after a workout–nothing tastes better than a refreshing smoothie. I love pineapple and mango. And ever since I learned about the bromelain in pineapple, and how it’s a natural anti-inflammatory, I try and include it in my diet when workouts are extra tough. :)
I forgot about bromelain. It’s also good for digestion b/c it has natural enzymes that are helpful. I love pineapple!
I am up extra early today–with hopes of a run, shower, and a trip to the grocery store before the sun comes up! I made a smoothie earlier this week with frozen fruit remnants (pear, banana, lots of cinnamon and vanilla, a couple of dried figs). I didn’t add much coconut milk, so it was a little more like soft serve…but I really liked the pear and fig together. Smoothies are good nutrition in a glass for me–especially with Greek yogurt or protein powder. Tropical fruits are always refreshing and they satisfy my sweet tooth!
Wow – you’re up and at ’em. Enjoy your early start and hope your day is productive & that you get a good run in!
Wow nice post!! You are one sporty gal.. I admire that.
I’m such a sissy when it comes to sport. I just don’t like it any more. But when I have te money I would like to get yoga classes so much..and pilates! I know that must sound alien, but I don’t really like smoothies. But there is one thing I adore.. Banana milkshake. With fresh vanilla. Ah I LOVE IT. Wen I was a kid it was the first thing I made after school. Peel bananas, cut up and throw in the tall container, cover with milk, scrape out the vanilla and whip out the mixer. Every single day over 20’Celsius. My mum mus have bought a lot of milk&bananas then :) sigh..
If I didn’t workout and stay active, I’d literally go insane. It’s my stress relief!