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Ready to hit the reset button on your eating habits? My detox island green smoothie is the ultimate way to do it. Packed with nutrient-rich greens, itโs like giving your body a fresh start while enjoying the best of what plants have to offer.
But hereโs the fun part: this smoothie isnโt just a detoxโitโs a mini-vacay in a glass. Itโs amazing how smell and taste can transport us to a memory, and this tropical blend takes me straight to sandy beaches and ocean breezes. Plus, you can save money and blend this healthier version of Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s recipe right at home!
Why This Smoothie Rawks
This detox island green smoothie is a delicious way to fuel your body with essential nutrients. Fresh spinach leaves provide a mild, earthy base packed with vitamins, while pineapple chunks add tropical sweetness and digestive benefits. A juicy orange brings a bright tang and a boost of immune-supporting vitamin C, making this smoothie as refreshing as it is nourishing.
Unsweetened coconut water keeps this smoothie hydrating and light, with natural electrolytes that replenish your body. Frozen banana adds creaminess and a touch of natural sweetness, perfectly complementing the rich, velvety texture of ripe mango pieces. Together, they create a luscious blend without the need for dairy which is why this recipe made it on my favorite 22 dairy-free smoothies list.
This smoothie tastes like a tropical getaway in a glass. With the vibrant flavors of mango, pineapple, and orange mingling with the freshness of spinach, every sip feels indulgent yet healthy. Perfect for breakfast or a midday pick-me-up, itโs a simple way to stay energized while enjoying a burst of island-inspired flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
While the ingredient list of this detox island green smoothie is somewhat flexible, this is my favorite combination. Itโs simple, delicious, and packed with nutrients that work well for my body.
- Spinach leaves: A smoothie staple, spinach adds a mild, earthy flavor and vibrant green color. Look for fresh leaves in the produce section, and opt for baby spinach for a milder taste that blends seamlessly.
- Unsweetened coconut water: Light and refreshing, coconut water brings a hint of natural sweetness and tropical vibes to your smoothie. Look for unsweetened varieties in the beverage aisle or refrigerated section.
- Orange: Juicy and bright, fresh orange adds citrusy sweetness and a burst of zest. Choose oranges that feel heavy for their size with firm, smooth skin for the juiciest results.
- Pineapple: Sweet and tangy, pineapple chunks add a tropical twist to your smoothie. Use fresh pineapple for the brightest flavor or look for frozen, pre-cut pieces for convenience.
- Mango: Mango brings a creamy texture and luscious sweetness. Choose ripe mangoes that yield slightly to gentle pressure or pick up frozen mango chunks for an easy addition.
- Banana: Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and a smooth texture. Use fresh for a lighter smoothie or frozen for an extra creamy and thick consistency.
Take a mini-vacay to the beach with this delicious tropical detox island green smoothie recipe!
How to Make a Detox Island Green Smoothie
This tropical detox island green smoothie is as simple to make as it is delicious. Packed with leafy greens and naturally sweetened fruits, itโs a great way to fuel your day. Hereโs how I make it:
- Measure the coconut water and pour it into the blender as your base. Peel the orange, remove any seeds, and add it to the blender along with the spinach.
- Blend the spinach, coconut water, and orange together on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and free of any leafy chunks.
- Peel or chop the fruits as needed, ensuring they are ready to blend. Add the prepared fruit to the blender, layering it on top of the blended spinach mixture.
- Blend again, starting at a low speed and gradually increasing to high until the smoothie is creamy and fully combined.
- Pour the smoothie into glasses and serve immediately for the freshest flavor.
Fruit Sugar vs. Refined Sugar
While refined sugars digest quickly and cause sharp blood sugar spikes, fruit sugars are metabolized differently. Natural sugar in fruit has vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and dietary fiber. The gradual digestion promoted by dietary fiber prevents rapid blood sugar spikes and ensures a steady release of nutrients into the body. You will stay full for longer and that same dietary fiber will help with keeping you, ahemโregular.
Easy Swaps and Add-Ins
- Add frozen fruit: For a cold smoothie, include at least one frozen fruit, or serve it over ice.
- Add protein powder: For an added protein boost, mix in a scoop of homemade protein powder to help fuel your day or post-workout recovery.
- Swap coconut water: Regular water may be used as a substitute for coconut water, if desired.
- Swap bananas: Avocados make a good, less sugary substitute for bananas.
- Swap spinach: Use your favorite leafy greens instead of spinach. Check out my leafy greens guide for the best options to use.
Common Questions
With a good dose of dietary fiber and a whopping 168 mg of Vitamin C, we sure think so! Yet, I know some rawkstars might need a bit less fruit sugar when blending. If that’s you, be sure to check out our Low Sugar Fruits for Smoothies guide.
Great question! Depending on the greens you use in your detox island green recipe, you can end up taking in higher amounts of oxalates, which in turn may cause kidney stones. While this doesnโt happen often, if itโs something youโre concerned about we def recommend staying hydrated with good water and rotating your greens. Changing up your greens on the regular helps to keep from building up any one particular nutrient in your body and ensures you get a wide variety of all those oh-so-good for you vitamins, minerals and more.
What is the purpose of a detox smoothie?
Most of us donโt take in healthy fruits and veggie as often as we should. Using smoothies is an amazing way to up the intake of the good stuff. When I blend my detox island green smoothie recipe, Iโm keeping all the fiber in with my veg + fruit, which helps clear out anything bad my body is holding onto. Itโs a great way to detox gently.
Each sip of this smoothie is packed with vitamins and minerals. It’s still packed with nutritious ingredients and healthful nutrients like antioxidants, vitamin A, and vitamin C. The nutrient and fiber rich greens do wonders to cleanse my body in a gentle, yet effective way. All of these ingredients are a powerhouse of goodness supporting your best health.
Yes! A detox island green smoothie can be a great partner in your weight loss journey. Packed with fresh fruit like mango, pineapple, and leafy greens, it keeps you feeling full and satisfied while being naturally low in calories. The blend of vitamins, minerals, and hydration also gives you a natural energy boost, helping curb cravings and support your metabolism.
More Tropical Island Smoothie Recipes
So now do I have you feeling all the tropical island feels??? If you’re ready for more vacation-worthy smoothies, be sure to give these a blend:
Where would you like to be sipping these tropical smoothies: beach or poolside? Drop a comment below to let us know! Your feedback helps me and all the readers in this community. And if youโre interested in more plant-based recipes (and exclusive content), sign up for my free weekly newsletter.
Detox Island Green Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup spinach
- ยฝ cup coconut water unsweetened
- 1 orange peeled
- ยฝ cup pineapple
- ยฝ cup mango
- ยฝ banana
- 1 serving homemade protein powder optional
Instructions
- BLEND spinach, coconut water, and orange together until smooth.
- ADD remaining fruit and blend again.
Equipment
Notes
- Use at least one frozen fruit to makeย the smoothie cold or serve over ice.
- May swap out coconut water with regular water, if preferred.
- To reduce sweetness, substitute avocado for banana.
- Swap out spinach for the leafy greens of your choice.
Citrusy, added ice to thicken it a bit
I bet the ice was a nice touch, Kate!
This smoothie was delicious right amount of sweetness even without the orange which I canโt eat.
This one is still great without the orange, Amelia!
My fave smoothie in a long time. The sweet fruit and coconut water was delicious and I love the bright colour and flavours.
This is a keeper. ๏ธ
Glad this one is a keeper for you, Marilla!
Really good!
Surprised that the orange actually worked as a smoothy.
The orange one in this one definitely makes it great!
It was really delicious; the flavors blended together very well.
Thanks Suzanne! Glad you liked this one!
This one will stay in my smoothie rotation!
So happy this one will be in your smoothie rotation now, Kayleen!
This one came up like a smooth shake. I really enjoyed it.
Glad you enjoyed this one, Bea!
The smoothies just get better every day. Loved this tropical smoothie. ๐
Yayy!! Glad to hear that, Deborah!
The island green smoothie was just ok. I reduced the amount of bananas and added avocado which gave this smoothie a creamy texture! I noticed a mild bitter taste after each sip. Iโm not sure what ingredient may have caused it. I believe the coconut water was a good experiment for me because I havenโt found any coconut water I like drinking alone so itโs best in the smoothie!!
Hmm I’m not sure what could have caused that either, Jemia!
Absolutely love, love, love this smoothie! My husband usually politely declines tasting my smoothies, but this one he actually tried it and said he could drink this one again. Itโs a winner!
Yay!! Glad this one is a winner for y’all Rhonda!
So tasty! I love the subtle taste of the coconut water and the creaminess the banana and mango added. Btw I was shocked the orange blended so well! This smoothie is definitely giving tropical island vibes.
Glad you were shocked by this one, Julie!
I liked the idea of substituting avocado for bananaโadding a healthful fat and reducing the sweetness. The touch of orange was nice as well.
Am going to substitute strawberry papaya for the orange next time though, since my orange trees are almost done producing, and I have so much papaya in the freezer from last season.
You’re so right, Jan! Adding healthy fat and reducing sweetness. Let me know how it turns out when you try it!
Refreshing and tasty! Great combination
Love that you found this one tasty, Bre!
Oranges in your smoothie during cold and flu season is a win win! They not only brighten up and add a refreshing flavor to the smoothie, but also provide that big punch of vitamin C to your system that’s needed. The citrus really enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients. No complaints whatsoever with this one!
Right?! A great way to add vitamin c, Debbie!
This smoothie tastes like a vacation on a tropical island! Itโs so good and so filling. I had it as an afternoon โsnackโ and added about 1/4 of an avocado, it kept me full until dinner.
This one is definitely a good one to drink if you need a mini vacay, Michelle!
I like the sweetness of the coconut water. Very good!
Glad you liked the coconut water in this one, Mary!