Published: · Modified: by Sally Cameron · This post may contain affiliate links · 5 Comments
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A simple, tropical green smoothie recipe made with mango, baby spinach leaves, chia, and homemade almond milk.Don’t let the bright green color throw you. It’s delicious! Smoothies are a great way to start the day. They whip up in seconds and are transportable and customizable to each persons tastes and dietary preferences. Delicious and healthy!
I’ve been stuck on my raspberry-banana smoothie for a long time and decided it was time to create some new flavors. With the gift of a half dozen mangoes from theMango Board, a smoothie was my first thought. Mangoes bring that sweet taste of the tropics to everything. While combining mango with spinach leaves might sound crazy, it makes a terrific smoothie.
How to Choose a Mango
To choose a ripe mango, squeeze it gently. it should give slightly like a ripe peach or avocado. Firm but with a slight give. The color of the skin is not the best indicator. If the mango is hard, keep it at room temperature until it is ripe, then refrigerate, but not before. Once refrigerated, a mango will last about 5 days. If they get soft and you don’t have time to use them, peel, cube and freeze the flesh so it is not wasted.
How To Cut Up a Mango
Mangoes can be challenging to cut up the first time, so here are a few tips. Mangoes have a large, flat, center seed.
First, wash the mango. Next, stand the mango with the stem end on the cutting board. Cut a little off center, through the flesh and you will get a large piece of mango, sometimes called a cheek. You may need to test with your knife a time or two to find just the right spot to cut. If you cut too close and hit the seed, just move a ¼″ off and try again.
When you have cut the “cheeks” off the seed, cut a grid pattern on the mango with a sharp paring knife. Don’t cut through the skin. Then scoop out the cubes with a spoon. Most of what is left is the seed. You might be able to harvest a little more mango flesh off the center piece, but not much.
For more information (and a video) on how to cut up a mango, check out theNational Mango Boardsite.
More About Healthy Smoothie Ingredients
Baby Spinach Leaves
This green smoothie gets its beautiful bright color from fresh baby spinach leaves. While spinach might sound like a strange thing for a smoothie, it’s a great way to get leafy greens in as you start your day. Add about a cup, or a big handful, to your blender. Spinach is super-nutritious and one of theworld’s healthiest vegetables, rich in vitamins and minerals, plus anti-inflammatory benefits.
Chia Seeds
Another addition to this smoothie is chia seed. Chia was eaten by the ancient Aztec Indians for strength. Chia is a source of omega fatty acids and dietary fiber, plus calcium, iron, potassium and protein. The brand I buy isNavitas Naturals. Maker of high quality products, their chia is organic, non-GMO, raw, gluten-free, and vegan. Check out their other fantastic products too. Lots of healthy things to add to your smoothies, and overall, your diet. Superfoods!
Once your mango is cubed, get out your blender or Vitamix, ready your spinach, almond milk and chia seeds and get ready for a great smoothie!
Another Great Mango Recipe
For another recipe idea using mangoes, try thispineapple-mango salsa. It’s great on grilled chicken, shrimp and fish.
📖 Recipe
Green Smoothie Recipe with Mango
Sally Cameron
Spinach and mango might sound like a crazy combination, but it makes a tasty and healthy tropical green smoothie. Add chia seed for protein and fiber. Use your favorite protein powder. If you want a frosty cold smoothie, freeze the mango ahead of time. To reduce sugar, use a greenish banana instead of a ripe one.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Course Beverage, Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 1 serving
Calories 391 kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 10 ounces almond milk preferably homemade
- 1 big handful baby spinach leaves
- 1-2 scoops preferred protein powder
- ½ cup cubed mango fresh or frozen
- 2 tablespoons chia seed
- ½ banana
Instructions
Place everything in a blender in order given.
Process until you reach desired texture.
Notes
This green smoothie gets its beautiful bright color from fresh baby spinach leaves. While spinach might sound like a strange thing for a smoothie, it’s a great way to get green leafy vegetables in as you start your day. Most people say they can't even taste it!
Nutrition
Calories: 391kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 33gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 464mgPotassium: 854mgFiber: 13gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 6289IUVitamin C: 51mgCalcium: 646mgIron: 5mg
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