Frozen Mango Smoothie (Without Banana)

This refreshing frozen mango smoothie tastes just like a mango creamsicle. It has a super creamy texture that's similar to a mango lassi even though it's made without banana, milk or yogurt. The secret is to add coconut milk for creaminess and a tropical vacation vibe.

Mango lovers will love this frozen mango smoothie. You can serve it alongside no-bake lemon cookies and coconut yogurt for a perfect mid-day pick-me-up on hot summer days. I'm sure that the whole family will love it.

For more smoothie recipes without banana, check out this frozen strawberry smoothie, frozen yogurt smoothie and watermelon pineapple smoothie.

Why you'll love this recipe

• This healthy mango smoothie recipe only requires 4 ingredients and is ready within 5 minutes.
• It's super kid-friendly.
• It has no added sugars. The sweetness comes from the fruit (which is why I recommend using very ripe mango).

Key ingredients and substitutions

• Frozen mango makes the smoothie thick and cold without adding ice cubes. You can freeze your own mangos (see tips below) or use store-bought ones for convenience.
• Full-fat coconut milk for creaminess. Keep it at room temperature and shake it vigorously before opening to make sure it's homogenous (you don't want the coconut water and the coconut cream to separate for this recipe). You can replace it with the non-dairy milk of your choice.
• Orange juice adds sweetness to the smoothie.
• Lime juice for that tangy kick. Don't leave it out because it balances out all the flavors and makes the smoothie extra refreshing.

Elo's tips

1. Freeze your own fresh mangos when they are in season. Ripe and juicy mangos make the best smoothies. That's why I recommend freezing them yourself when they taste best. It's most probably going to be cheaper than buying frozen mangos, too.
2. Use part fresh mangos if you don't have enough frozen mangos. Note that your smoothie will be less thick but it will taste just as good.
3. If using a small blender, shortly run the frozen mango under warm water. This will slightly soften them and help the blending process. It will also spare the blades of your blender.

How to freeze mango

Cut the mango. Start by slicing the mango next to the seed. Make lengthwise and crosswise cuts (like a grid) with a sharp paring knife. Don't cut through the skin. Then, scoop out the mango chunks with a tablespoon.

Freeze the mango chunks. Add the mango chunks to a large freezer bag and freeze them in a single layer for at least 8 hours. Alternatively, place them on a baking sheet that you lined with parchment paper and transfer them to a zip bag or airtight container when completely frozen.

Step-by-step with pictures

STEP 1: Add the ingredients to the blender. Start with coconut milk, orange juice and lime juice. Then, add in the frozen mango chunks.

STEP 2: Blend until smooth. Start blending on low-medium and gradually increase the speed. Add a splash of water or plant-based milk if you like thinner smoothies.

Quick tip: If using a high-speed blender, use the tamper that comes with it to push everything down while blending. This prevents the ingredients from sticking to the sides.

Watch the video!

Equipment

To blend frozen fruits like mangos, I highly recommend using a high-speed blender. They have resistant blades that will pulverize the fruits in no time without getting damaged and provide a perfectly smooth result.

I use this KitchenAid blender and absolutely love it! No day goes by, where I'm not using it to make a smoothie, a sauce or a soup. It's definitely my favorite kitchen appliance and one of the best purchases I made.

Variations

• Tropical - add tropical fruits such as pineapple or papaya chunks.
• Zesty - replace part of the orange juice with freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest.
• Spicy - add an inch of ginger if you like it spicy.
• Fruity - add a handful of fresh or frozen strawberries. Any other type of fresh fruit works, too.
• Green - add some fresh or frozen spinach.
• Protein - add a scoop of your favorite protein powder for a protein boost.
• Indulgent - add a scoop of (plant-based) vanilla ice cream or lemon sorbet.

Frequently asked questions