Ah, the sweet allure of summer! When the sun blazes and the days stretch lazily, there’s nothing quite like a sip of something cool and fruity to whisk you away to a tropical paradise—at least in your mind. I stumbled upon this strawberry piña colada smoothie recipe one sweltering afternoon while aimlessly scrolling through TikTok, and trust me, it’s the kind of drink that makes you want to kick off your shoes, put on a ridiculous sunhat, and pretend you’re on some faraway beach, even if you’re just on your back porch.
Steps
- Begin by pureeing chilled, hulled strawberries in a food processor until smooth.
- Combine the frozen banana, frozen pineapple, coconut Greek yogurt, and 1 1/4 cups of unsweetened coconut milk in a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth, adding an extra 1/4 cup of coconut milk if needed for consistency.
- Pour the pineapple mixture into glasses, filling them about one-third full. Add a spoonful or two of the strawberry puree on top, lightly swirling with a butter knife. Repeat this layering process until the glasses are filled.
- Serve immediately for a refreshing treat. Alternatively, you can blend all the ingredients together if you prefer a uniform smoothie.
Ingredients
- 8 oz fresh strawberries, chilled and hulled
- 1 ripe banana, peeled and frozen
- 1 1/2 cups frozen pineapple
- 1 (5.3 oz) container of coconut Greek yogurt
- 1 1/4 – 1 1/2 cups unsweetened coconut milk beverage (available in the dairy section)
FAQ
- Can I use fresh or frozen fruits for the Strawberry Colada Smoothie?
- Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen fruits for this smoothie. Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor, but you can use a frozen banana and frozen pineapple to give the smoothie a thick and creamy texture.
- What can I substitute for coconut Greek yogurt in this smoothie recipe?
- If you don’t have coconut Greek yogurt, you can substitute it with regular Greek yogurt or a plant-based yogurt alternative if you prefer a vegan option.
- How can I make this Strawberry Colada Smoothie a green smoothie?
- To make the smoothie a green version, you can add a handful of fresh spinach. This will add nutrients without significantly altering the taste of the smoothie.
- What are some protein-boosting add-ins for this smoothie?
- You can enhance the protein content by adding a scoop of vanilla or fruit-flavored protein powder. This is a great way to make the smoothie more filling and nutritious, especially if you’re using it as a meal replacement.
- Can I use coconut water instead of coconut milk in the smoothie?
- Yes, coconut water can be used as a substitute for coconut milk. It provides a lighter texture and additional hydration due to its electrolyte content, making it an excellent choice for a post-workout recovery drink.
Tips
- For an extra nutrient boost, consider adding a scoop of chia seeds to your smoothie, which will enhance its fiber content and nutritional value.
- Enhance the tropical flavor of your smoothie while maintaining a dairy-free or vegan option by using coconut water instead of fruit juice, which also provides additional electrolytes.
- To simplify preparation, freeze coconut water in an ice cube tray and use these cubes when blending your smoothie to achieve a perfectly chilled texture.
- Experiment with different fruits such as ripe mangoes or peaches for a unique twist, or incorporate spinach to transform it into a green smoothie for added health benefits.
Equipment
- Food Processor: Needed for pureeing strawberries.
- Blender: Required for blending the banana, pineapple, coconut Greek yogurt, and coconut milk.
