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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, it’s like giving your body a fresh start while enjoying the best of what plants have to offer.
But here’s the fun part: this smoothie isn’t just a detox—it’s a mini-vacay in a glass. It’s 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, it’s 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. It’s 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, it’s a great way to fuel your day. Here’s 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, ahem–regular.
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 doesn’t happen often, if it’s something you’re 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 don’t 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, I’m keeping all the fiber in with my veg + fruit, which helps clear out anything bad my body is holding onto. It’s 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 you’re interested in more plant-based recipes (and exclusive content), sign up for my free weekly newsletter.
Detox Island Green Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup spinach
- ½ cup coconut water unsweetened
- 1 orange peeled
- ½ cup pineapple
- ½ cup mango
- ½ 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 make 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.
Back for Day 2!! I’m reporting on behalf of my hubby, who is the one participating in the challenge through me, haha. Anywho, he LOVED this smoothie! This time I didn’t freeze the banana nor the greens ahead of time (I did yesterday, froze all except the liquid). The texture was smoother and not as brain-freeze-inducing as yesterdays. I also only added the exact water with no additional milk or other liquid. My guess is the fresh (and gigantic, lol) orange helped keep it thinner and easier to drink than yesterday’s; I also used lettuce as that’s what I had on hand from our CSA this week. Both delicious, I’m mainly toying with the texture/drinkability experience to make sure it’s something sustainable for him to be able to enjoy in his short lunch break! Thank you for this awesome challenge!
So glad you hear you both like this one, Kris!
Very tasty tropical smoothie. I like the tang of the orange and sweetness.
The orange def gives this one some tang, Evee!
Totally refreshing- first time putting navel oranges in my smoothie – great recipe!
Thanks (I also added ground flaxseed)
The oranges really make this one special!
Delicious! Used water instead of coconut water ( mine was expired).
I bet it turned out just as good, Dorothy!
Love how thick and creamy this recipe is and the flavor is definitely tropical. I’m sure I will make it again.
Love that this one made you feel tropical, Terry!
Ok THIS was delicious! I think the coconut water and the mandarins ( couldn’t find any good looking oranges when I shopped) took the flavor up a notch!
Delicious!
All 5 of us give it a .
Waiting for my hemp protein powder (made sure only ingredient was hemp)to deliver to make Jen’s homemade protein powder!
Looking forward to day 3!
I bet mandarins worked just as good, maybe better, Leeanna!
Oh wow, am I in the Caribbean or Hawaii? I think this is my new fav.
To note, my banana was really green, but it worked just fine in this one.
A tropical vacation for a fraction of the cost, Alane!
Not sure coconut water enhanced taste. Next time, will use regular water as I didn’t detect any coconut taste as I had expected. Orange taste comes through. Made with banana & wasn’t too sweet.
Regular water works too, Lee Ann!
I like the orange in this one.
The orange def makes this one special, Debbie!
This smoothie was very good too. It ever so slightly edged out day one for me. Can’t wait for day 3.
Hi Gail! Thrilled that you liked this one, can’t wait to see how you like day 3!
Tastes like paradise!
Def gives me “island vibes”, Kristen!
This smoothie was creamy and had alot of ingredients. Because I use a Blendjet I had to cut the ingredients in half which did not take away from its citrus flavors. Again another appetite pleasing drink.
Glad you liked this one, Boyd!
Delicious with great creamy texture! Added plain pea protein powder and spirulina.
Awesome additions, Mireielle!
Loved the taste but too much sugar. That’s why 4 stars instead of 5. Making as recipe is to accurately rate. When done with challenge I will use less fruit and more spinach. I added collagen powder.
Less fruit and more spinach is a great way to cut down on the natural sugars in this one, Pam!
Delicious! Added some SGS homemade protein powder for an extra boost! 🙂
Thanks for using our homemade protein powder recipe, Elisabeth!
Light, filling delicious. A perfect afternoon drink. I added protein powder yesterday and didn’t feel hungry until dinner. So I followed suit today. Day 2 in the books!
Protein powder really makes this one supercharged, Zelda!