Tropical Papaya Mango Smoothie
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This Papaya Mango Smoothie, loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, is the perfect way to start your day or recharge your body after an intense workout. This tropical drink also makes for a great after-school snack and will keep your kids satiated until dinner time.
During busy mornings, smoothies have often become my go-to choice as a quick and nutritious meal option. Amongst the many fruit-based smoothie recipes that I have on my blog, this mango papaya smoothie recipe stands out because of its tropical flavors and health benefits.
Papaya and mango – the nutritional powerhouse
Both ripe papayas and juicy mangoes are packed with essential vitamins and minerals that offer unique and significant health benefits. Papayas are particularly rich in vitamins A, C, and E and are high in fiber, which actively reduces the risk of heart disease, strengthens the immune system, and aids digestion.
Mangoes are also a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can significantly promote good vision, immunity, and digestion.
When these two fresh fruits are combined in this tropical smoothie, they create a delightful flavor and become a powerhouse of health benefits.
Ingredients (notes + swaps)
- Ripe papaya – It is important that the papayas are ripe as they tend to be sweeter. Make sure to discard the seeds!
- Mango – ripe mangoes are the sweetest. Pick a non-fibrous variety such as Ataulfo, Kent, or Keitt. If you are in India, Alphonso or Kesar are great options. When mangoes are not in season, feel free to use frozen mango pieces or unsweetened pulp.
- Banana (for that creamy texture) – Pick firm but ripe bananas. Chopped frozen bananas will work as well.
- Liquid – Whole milk works great. You can also use coconut milk or other plant-based milk such as oat, almond, or cashew milk. Plain yogurt or Greek yogurt can be used as well.
- Sweetener – I’ve used sugar in this recipe. Feel free to substitute with honey or maple syrup.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below.
Recommended Tools
The blender I recommend
This high-speed blender is not only great for smoothies but also makes fine purees and spice powders.
How to prep ahead
You can prep ahead for this smoothie by making freezer smoothie packs – add all the fruits in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag and freeze it. Remove the smoothie packs from the freezer just before making the smoothie, add milk and honey, and blend.
Tips and Tricks
- You can buy a frozen fruit blend with papaya chunks when papayas are not in season.
- Make it creamier (use frozen bananas) – Peel and chop a ripe banana, place it in a freezer-safe Ziploc, and freeze. Use it in this smoothie without thawing. Frozen bananas, when added to a smoothie, help make it thick and creamy.
- Use a high-performance blender like Blendtec or Vitamix for best results. You may have to run the smoothie cycle twice to get a chunk-free smoothie.
FAQs
Other than bananas and mangoes, papayas pair well with pineapples, peaches, oranges, passion fruit, and strawberries.
Smoothies taste best when freshly made. You can store this smoothie in the refrigerator for up to two days in an air-tight glass jar. Stir well before serving.
Yes! You can use frozen papaya, bananas, and mangoes—no need to thaw before using. Make sure to add more liquid to achieve the desired consistency.
Absolutely. Replace whole milk with either coconut, oat, or almond milk.
If you’re looking for a healthy, delicious, and refreshing drink, this papaya mango smoothie recipe is a perfect choice. Made with tropical fruits and milk (or yogurt), this smoothie is an excellent breakfast option that can transport you to a tropical paradise.
Whether you need an energizing start to your day or a refreshing mid-day break, this smoothie is sure to satisfy your taste buds and provide you with the nutrients you need. So, blend up this tropical delight and enjoy the benefits of a healthy drink in a glass.
Tropical Papaya Mango Smoothie
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped mangoes
- 2 cups chopped papaya
- 1 medium sized banana, chopped
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar or sweetener of your choice
Instructions
- Add milk to the blender, followed by all the other ingredients. Blend until smooth.
- Serve immediately for the best tasting option.
Disclaimer: Approximate nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and can vary depending on the exact ingredients/brands used. If you have health issues, please work with a registered dietician or nutritionist.
Nutrition
Variations
- Skip the bananas and mangoes to make a simple papaya smoothie.
- Frozen fruits – Feel free to replace fresh papaya, mango, and banana with a store-bought frozen tropical fruit blend. No need to thaw before blending!
- Optional add-ins: Add 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder or 1/4 teaspoon grated ginger for a nutritional boost.
- Milk can be substituted with Greek yogurt or vanilla yogurt in equal amounts. Increase the amount of sweetener to combat the tartness of yogurt. If using yogurt, you can also add a dash of orange juice or lime juice for a dose of vitamin C and flavor.
- For an extra boost of nutrition, toss in a teaspoon of chia seeds or hemp seeds and blend it in.
Serving suggestions
Serve it as a breakfast smoothie in a mason jar.
Alternatively, you can reduce the amount of liquid by half and make a thick papaya mango smoothie bowl. Serve it with sliced bananas and mangoes.
Leftover ideas
Pour the leftover smoothie into popsicle molds and freeze. Makes for a delicious frozen treat during summer.
How to store
Refrigerator: Smoothies taste best when freshly made. You can store this smoothie in the refrigerator for up to two days in an air-tight glass jar. Stir well before serving.
Freezer: You can freeze this smoothie in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Other easy smoothie recipes worth checking out
Start your day right with this delicious apple Smoothie! It has no added sugar, is packed with nutrients, and is ready in 5 minutes.
Indulge in this creamy Mango Banana Smoothie – a quick, delicious treat that can be made vegan! It’s a vacation in a glass!”
This Mango Pineapple Smoothie is a delicious fusion of mango and pineapple blended with yogurt to create an ultimate pick-me-up drink that is perfect for any time of the day!
Strawberry banana spinach smoothie
Experience the goodness of spinach and dates in this deliciously nutritious twist to the classic strawberry banana smoothie recipe.
Enjoy the flavors of saffron and pistachios in our pistachio smoothie! A nutritious, delicious treat perfect for kids and post-workout.
Need more smoothie recipes? Check out this list of 10+ fruit smoothie recipes for when you need fresh ideas to keep your smoothie-drinking routine interesting.
This post was originally published on 05/25/2016 and was completely updated with pictures and new text on 8/31/2023.
