The Mango Lime Smoothie is a vibrant, refreshing drink that captures the essence of tropical paradise in every sip. This bright and creamy smoothie combines sweet, juicy mango with zesty lime for a perfect balance of flavors that’s both tangy and naturally sweet. The addition of Greek yogurt or coconut milk creates a luscious, smooth texture while adding protein and healthy fats to keep you satisfied. It’s naturally colorful with that gorgeous golden-orange hue that makes you smile just looking at it. Perfect for breakfast on busy mornings, as a post-workout refresher, or simply as a healthy snack any time you need a pick-me-up. This smoothie is packed with vitamins, incredibly easy to make, and tastes like a tropical vacation without ever leaving your kitchen.
Serving Quantity: 2 smoothies
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
1. Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen mango chunks
- 1 ripe banana, peeled and sliced
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- 1/2 cup coconut milk or regular milk
- 2 tablespoons honey or agave nectar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup ice cubes
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
- Lime slices for garnish
2. Nutrition Information Per Serving
- Calories: 285
- Protein: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 85mg
3. Prepare the Mango
If you’re using fresh mango instead of frozen, peel the mango and cut the flesh away from the pit. Chop it into chunks and freeze for at least 2 hours before making your smoothie. Frozen mango creates that thick, frosty texture that makes smoothies so satisfying. If using pre-frozen mango chunks, you can skip this step and go straight to blending.
4. Juice and Zest the Limes
Roll the limes firmly on your countertop with your palm before cutting. This helps release more juice. Cut the limes in half and juice them, removing any seeds. You should get about 3 tablespoons of fresh lime juice total. Before juicing, use a zester or fine grater to remove the zest from one lime. Be careful to only get the green outer layer, not the bitter white pith underneath.
5. Add the Frozen Ingredients
Place the frozen mango chunks in your blender first. This helps weigh down lighter ingredients and ensures everything blends evenly. Add the sliced banana on top of the mango. The banana adds natural sweetness and creates extra creaminess in your smoothie.
6. Add the Yogurt and Liquids
Spoon the Greek yogurt into the blender. Greek yogurt adds protein and creates a thick, creamy consistency. Pour in the coconut milk or regular milk, fresh lime juice, and orange juice. The combination of citrus juices gives the smoothie its bright, refreshing flavor while the milk keeps it smooth and drinkable.
7. Add the Sweetener and Flavorings
Add the honey or agave nectar, vanilla extract, lime zest, and a small pinch of salt. The salt might seem odd but it actually enhances all the other flavors and makes the sweetness more vibrant. The lime zest provides extra lime flavor without adding more liquid.
8. Add the Ice
Drop in the ice cubes last. They’ll help create that perfect thick, frosty texture. If your mango is very frozen and your blender is powerful, you might be able to skip the ice entirely, but it does help achieve that ideal smoothie consistency.
9. Blend Until Smooth
Start blending on low speed to break up the frozen chunks, then gradually increase to high speed. Blend for 45 to 60 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy with no chunks or lumps remaining. You should see the smoothie swirling smoothly in the blender with no frozen pieces visible.
10. Check the Consistency
Stop the blender and check how thick your smoothie is. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still thin enough to drink through a straw. If it’s too thick and not blending well, add a splash more milk or orange juice, one tablespoon at a time, and blend again. If it’s too thin, add a few more ice cubes or frozen mango chunks.
11. Taste and Adjust
Taste your smoothie and adjust the flavors if needed. Add more honey if you want it sweeter, more lime juice if you want it tangier, or a bit more milk if the lime flavor is too strong. Blend briefly after any additions to incorporate them fully.
12. Serve Immediately
Pour the mango lime smoothie into two tall glasses. The color should be a beautiful sunny golden-orange that looks as good as it tastes. Smoothies are best enjoyed immediately while they’re still cold and the texture is perfect.
13. Garnish and Enjoy
Garnish each glass with a slice of fresh lime on the rim and a sprig of fresh mint tucked alongside. The mint adds a pop of green color and a refreshing aroma. You can also add a few small pieces of fresh mango on a cocktail pick for an extra special presentation. Serve with a straw and enjoy right away.
14. Tips for Success
Using frozen mango is key to getting that perfect thick, cold smoothie texture without watering it down with too much ice. You can find frozen mango chunks in most grocery stores, which saves you the work of peeling and chopping. Fresh lime juice makes a huge difference compared to bottled. The bright, tart flavor is what makes this smoothie special, so squeeze those limes fresh every time. If you don’t have Greek yogurt, regular yogurt works fine but the smoothie will be slightly thinner. For a dairy-free version, use coconut yogurt and coconut milk throughout. Coconut milk gives a lovely tropical flavor that pairs perfectly with mango. Full-fat coconut milk from a can creates the creamiest texture. For a green smoothie version, add a handful of fresh spinach. The mango flavor is strong enough that you won’t taste the greens, but you’ll get extra nutrition. If your mangoes are very ripe and sweet, you might not need as much honey. Taste as you go and adjust to your preference. Add a small piece of fresh ginger for a spicy kick that complements the mango beautifully. Just a half-inch piece adds wonderful warmth without being overpowering. For extra protein, add a scoop of vanilla protein powder or a tablespoon of nut butter. This turns your smoothie into a complete meal replacement. Freeze any leftover smoothie in popsicle molds for a healthy frozen treat. They’re perfect for hot summer days. If you want a thinner, more juice-like consistency, add more orange juice or coconut water instead of milk. This makes it lighter and more refreshing. The smoothie will separate if left sitting, so give it a quick stir or shake before drinking if it sits for more than a few minutes. You can prep smoothie packs by portioning out the mango, banana, and lime zest into freezer bags. When ready to make your smoothie, just dump the frozen pack into the blender with the liquids for an even faster preparation.
