Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ripe medium bananas (frozen works best)
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 2 large oranges, peeled and segmented
- 1 cup coconut water (or regular water)
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, depending on fruit sweetness)
- 1/2 lime, juiced (my secret ingredient!)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (trust me on this one)
Instructions
- First things first, I always start by freezing my bananas the night before. I’ve learned that frozen bananas create that perfect creamy texture we’re after. I peel them, break them into chunks, and pop them in a freezer bag.
- When morning comes, I begin by preparing my fresh ingredients. I peel and segment the oranges, making sure to remove as much of the white pith as possible this prevents any bitterness from sneaking into our smoothie.
- Next, I cut up my fresh pineapple. Here’s a tip I learned from my grandmother: smell the bottom of the pineapple before cutting if it smells sweet and fragrant, it’s perfect for our smoothie. I cut it into chunks, removing the core (though sometimes I leave a bit in for extra enzymes).
- Into my blender goes the coconut water first (this helps everything blend more smoothly), followed by the frozen banana chunks, pineapple pieces, and orange segments.
- I add the ice cubes, honey (if using), lime juice, and vanilla extract. The lime juice might sound strange, but it really brightens up all the flavors.
- Now for the blending: I start on low speed for about 30 seconds to break everything down, then gradually increase to high speed for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
- Here’s my pro tip: I let the blender run for an extra 30 seconds after everything looks smooth. This creates that perfect, silky texture that makes this smoothie extra special.
Notes
- Frozen fruit is key to a thick, frosty smoothie without watering it down. I always keep bananas in my freezer specifically for smoothies.
- The order of ingredients matters! I start with liquids, then add soft fruits, and finally the frozen ingredients. This helps everything blend more evenly and prevents the dreaded blender jam.
- For the creamiest texture, make sure your bananas are ripe with some brown spots before freezing. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your smoothie will be.
- Don’t skip the lime juice! It might seem like a small addition, but it prevents oxidation and brings all the flavors into perfect harmony.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Smoothie
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 8 oz)
- Calories: 150-180 kcal
- Sugar: 30-35g
- Sodium: 2-5mg
- Fat: 0.5-1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1-0.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.2-0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Fiber: 3-4g
- Protein: 2-3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg