A mango smoothie bowl is the ultimate refreshing and delicious summer treat. This easy-to-make chilled sweet and tangy smoothie tastes like summer in a bowl. Mangos are a nutrient-dense superfood full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Paired with simple ingredients like banana, yogurt and almond milk, this smoothie bowl makes for an incredibly healthy and tasty snack or light meal.
This mango smoothie bowl recipe is perfect to make on a hot summer day. It will satisfy your sweet tooth without weighing you down.
Why Make a Mango Smoothie Bowl?
A mango smoothie bowl is cool, refreshing, and full of bright, tropical flavor. It’s a healthier alternative to ice cream since it provides nutrition from fresh fruits and vegetables. Smoothie bowls are also:
Highly customizable with unlimited mix-in possibilities Portable for on-the-go breakfasts or snacks Thick and creamy like a milkshake Making your own mango smoothie bowl only takes 5 minutes, so it’s a fast and easy option when you’re rushed in the morning.
Smoothie Bowl vs. Smoothie:
What’s the Difference? While mango smoothies drink thin and liquidly through a straw, smoothie bowls are extra thick blends specifically designed to be eaten with a spoon. The consistency is ideal for loading up with crunchy granola, fresh fruit, coconut, chia seeds, nut butters, and more delicious toppings.
You use less liquid when making smoothie bowls compared to drinks. The thicker texture allows you to pile on toppings without making it watery. Smoothie bowls transform your average smoothie into a fun, interactive meal.
Mango Smoothie Bowl Ingredients
What You’ll Need
The mango smoothie bowl recipe ingredients are simple and delicious. We will need:
- 2 ripe mangos, peeled and chopped (look for slightly soft mangos)
- 1 ripe banana, previously frozen
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup almond milk or milk of choice
- Honey or maple syrup to sweeten (optional)
- Toppings like granola, berries, coconut, chia seeds, etc.
Equipment for Making Smoothie Bowls
To blend this refreshing mango smoothie bowl recipe, you will need:
- A high-powered blender like a Vitamix or Ninja
- A large bowl to contain the finished smoothie
- A spoon for eating
The powerful blender is key to achieving the creamy, smooth texture.
How To Make Mango Smoothie Bowls Recipe
Quick and Easy Instructions
Follow these simple steps for easy mango smoothie bowl recipe success:
- Chop mangos into chunks, removing skin and pit
- Add mangos, frozen banana, Greek yogurt and milk to blender
- Blend until smooth and creamy, about 60 seconds
- Taste and sweeten if desired with honey
- Pour into a bowl and add toppings of choice
- Enjoy with a spoon – it should be thick enough to eat with a spoon
Keep reading for more details on each step.
Chopping the Mangos
The first step in this simple mango smoothie bowl recipe is to peel and chop the mangos.
- Peel the mango skin with a vegetable peeler or sharp knife
- Cut the mango off the pit in chunks
- Chop mango chunks into 1-2 inch pieces for ease of blending
Be sure your mangos are ripe. Underripe green mangos will not blend well.
Mango Ripeness Indicators
How do you know if a mango is ripe and ready to use? Look for these signs of ripe mangos:
- Slightly soft when gently squeezed
- Sweet mango aroma
- Reddish-orange mango skin
- Gives slightly with gentle pressure
The skin color and softness are the best ways to judge ripeness. Avoid mangos that are very hard or have green skin.
Frozen Banana’s Role
The frozen banana plays an important role in creating the perfect mango smoothie bowl recipe.
- It cools down the smoothie bowl naturally
- It gives a creamy, ice cream-like texture
- It adds natural sweetness so you don’t need to add as much honey/syrup
Peel your banana and place it in a freezer bag 24 hrs before making this recipe to ensure it freezes solid.
Selecting the Best Yogurt
When selecting yogurt, choosing a high-quality plain Greek yogurt makes all the difference.
Here’s what to look for on the yogurt label:
- Greek-style for thicker, creamier texture
- Low sugar – under 10g per serving
- Live active cultures – should list specific probiotics
- Whole milk Greek yogurt is creamiest
I suggest plain, unsweetened yogurt so you can control sweetness and flavorings.
Why Greek Yogurt?
What makes Greek yogurt different? Here are the main benefits:
- Much thicker and creamier than regular yogurt
- Contains probiotic cultures that are great for gut health
- Packed with protein – roughly 20g per cup
- Low in sugar compared to flavored yogurts
No wonder it makes such great smoothies!
Choosing the Right Milk
There are lots of non-dairy milk options beyond regular dairy milk. Which is best for mango smoothies?
- Almond milk – my top choice! Naturally sweet flavor goes great with mango
- Coconut milk – for a tropical, creamy twist
- Cashew milk – subtly sweet and dairy-free
- 2% milk – also works well and tastes rich
I don’t recommend watery milks like skim because they dilute the flavor. Always go for rich, creamy options.
Blending is Key
Now we get to the fun part – blending it all together into mango perfection!
Here are my pro blending tips for smoothie success:
- Allow ingredients to reach room temperature before blending
- Cut all fruits and veggies into 1-2 inch chunks
- Use a high-powered blender and blend for 45-90 seconds
- Stop and scrape down sides as needed to incorporate everything
- Add extra milk or yogurt for creamier consistency
Blend on high speed until completely smooth. No chunks!
Sweetening Naturally
This mango smoothie bowl likely won’t need any added sweetness thanks to the ripe mango and frozen banana.
But if you like it sweeter, opt for a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
- Start with 1 Tbsp honey or syrup
- Taste and blend in more if desired
Avoid sugary syrups and artificial sweeteners that don’t enhance flavor.
Pour into a Bowl
Once your mango smoothie is blended perfectly smooth, pour it into a bowl to transform it into a smoothie bowl.
Choose a wide, shallow bowl that:
- Allows you to see all the delicious layers
- Gives you lots of room for toppings
I love clear glass bowls, but creative ceramic bowls are cute too.
Pour in the smoothie, grab your toppings and dig in!
Mango Smoothie Bowl Toppings Ideas
Now for the best part – topping your mango smoothie bowl creatively!
There are endless topping possibilities limited only by your imagination. Here are my favorites:
- Granola – for crunch
- Berries – blueberries, raspberries, etc
- Banana slices
- Coconut flakes or shavings
- Chia or hemp seeds – great source of omega-3s!
- Sliced almonds
- Nut butter like almond or peanut butter
- Dark chocolate chips
Mix and match based on what you have around the kitchen. Almost any fruit, nut, seed or crunchy topping will pair nicely.
Smoothie Bowls For Summer
Now relax, grab your spoon and dig into this heavenly bowl of mango smoothie!
I like to swirl all the toppings into each creamy bite. The interplay of flavors and textures is what makes it so fun.
Close your eyes, savor the sweet mango along with cooling yogurt, crunchy granola – pure bliss! This truly tastes like a tropical vacation.
So easy to make at home, yet it tastes like an expensive smoothie bowl from your favorite health cafe. I hope you love this refreshing, healthy treat as much as I do!
Storing Leftover Smoothie
Will you have leftover mango smoothie? Try these storage tips to enjoy it again later:
- Place in an airtight container
- Smooth surface with a piece of wax paper (prevents browning)
- Refrigerate up to 24-48 hours
- Stir well before enjoying again
The texture may be slightly less creamy after refrigeration but still tasty!
Variations on the Mango Smoothie
Want to change up the flavors? You can customize this mango smoothie bowl recipe based on what you have available or are craving that day.
Try blending in any of these mix-ins:
- Pineapple – for more tropical flavor
- Banana – very complementary flavor and texture
- Strawberries or peach – sweet summer fruits
- Ginger – spice it up!
- Vanilla protein powder or extract
- Cinnamon – warming sensation
- Baby spinach – for nutrients, you won’t taste it!
Almost any fruit pairs nicely with mango if you get creative. Feel free to adjust the ratios of yogurt and milk to achieve your preferred consistency too. This mango smoothie recipe is very versatile for customization.
FAQs
Still have some questions about making the perfect mango smoothie bowl? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Is it okay to use frozen mango instead of fresh mango?
Yes, frozen mango works too! Just make sure no added sugar. Thaw first or use a very powerful blender.
Can I use low-fat or fat-free Greek yogurt?
I don’t recommend low-fat or fat-free yogurts because they make the smoothie too thin. Stick with whole milk yogurt for best texture.
What if I don’t have a high powered blender?
You can try making this in a basic blender but the texture may not be perfectly smooth. Add more Greek yogurt or frozen banana to thicken.
Can I prepare my own homemade granola?
Of course! Use your favorite granola recipe or purchase premade. Either works well topping mango smoothies.
What milk can I use if dairy free?
Great options include almond milk, coconut milk, cashew milk or oat milk. Stick to creamy, richer non-dairy milks.
Conclusion
In summary, this easy mango smoothie bowl recipe makes for a quick, healthy and satisfying breakfast, snack or light meal. Kids and adults will both love the sweet, tropical flavor combo.
It’s simple to throw together just a few ingredients for a burst of vitamin C and antioxidants. Customize with your favorite fruits and crunchy toppings. I hope you’ll give this a try – especially on a hot summer day when you need something cooling and sweet. Enjoy!
“Did you enjoy this refreshing mango smoothie bowl recipe? Follow us on Instagram @ketotacosalad for more delicious keto recipes and mouthwatering food photos!
