This super fun smoothie is from my Green Smoothie Challenge. I wanted a way to help others start the healthy habit of adding 1 green smoothie a day, and this challenge is a great starting point. If you are new to green smoothies, or just need a boost, then this challenge is for you! Now, let's get blending this Vegan Tropical Smoothie!
Blending a Vegan Tropical Smoothie
Smoothies are super quick n' easy to make, and don't require fancy equipment. I blended many smoothies with my $40 Hamilton Beach blender before making the commitment to a Vitamix. Here's my no-fail blending formula:
- Blend spinach, orange, and water. You should blend until there are no leafy chunks swirling around, which might take a bit depending on your blender.
- Add the remaining ingredients and blend again. Blend until no chunks remain. If you're using all frozen fruit, thaw it a bit before adding so that your blender doesn't have to work as hard.
If you're using a high-powered blender, then I recommend leaving as much of the white-pith around the orange as possible because that pith contains oh so many nutrients. Yet if you are using a non-high powered blender, then the pith might not fully break down.
Using at least 1 frozen fruit will give you a refreshingly cold vegan tropical smoothie. I don't recommend freezing the orange for this smoothie since it acts as part of the liquid as well. If you do freeze the orange, then just add a bit more water to break down the ingredients.
Health benefits
Vitamin C
This smoothie contains over 100% of the recommended daily value of Vitamin C. This is an antioxidant that fights free radicals, which cause all kinds of chronic conditions. The CDC states 45% of adults in the US have hypertension, which can put us at risk for stroke or heart disease.
Potassium
This electrolyte lowers blood pressure, boosts energy, and fights fatigue. It also assists the body with digestion. Studies by the National Institute of Health show that daily consumption of potassium can improve bone health.
Vitamin B6
Our bodies need this vitamin to help metabolize protein, carbs, and fat. It also helps regulate our mood (read: happiness levels!), to help combat depression. The National Library of Medicine shows B6 may also aid in combating Alzheimer's disease.
Folate
Folate is vital in mood regulation as well, so it is used to combat depression. It also aids in heart health. Pregnant women are encouraged to up their intake of folate to assist in fetal brain development. This vegan tropical smoothie will take that baby's brain to genius level.
How to make a Vegan Smoothie
Many smoothies you buy from a restaurant contain dairy in some form. Whether the liquid is milk, the chocolate contains dairy, yogurt is added or whey protein powder, something in that smoothie probably contains dairy. Yet they don't have to!
My homemade smoothies have 3 components: leafy greens, fruit, and liquid. I typically use water or a plant based milk (almond, oat, or coconut are my go-tos). Try swapping your dairy milk with plant milk. Look for a protein powder that is vegan (not whey). If you like adding in yogurt, then look for a non-dairy variety.
Vegan Tropical Smoothie Recipes
Tropical smoothies are delicious and easy to make. Here are a few of my fav recipes:
- Tropical smoothie bowl
- Dragon fruit smoothie
- Island green smoothie
- Margarita smoothie
- Piña colada smoothie
- Dragon fruit smoothie bowl
- Pineapple smoothie
- Tropical kale smoothie
Which one sounds fabulous to you? Leave a comment once you blend these and let me know how they turned out! And once you blend the vegan tropical smoothie recipe below, don't forget to leave a rating 🙂
Smoothie FAQs
Lots of smoothies ordered at restaurants contain dairy in the smoothie mix, protein powder, or boosters. If you want a true vegan smoothie, stick to a plant based milk (or water), real fruit, and leafy greens. Use vegan protein powder and dairy free yogurt to boost.
I recommend blending your smoothies in 2 steps. First, blend the leafy greens + liquid. Once there are no leafy bits remaining, then add in the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth. Thaw frozen ingredients slightly to make them easy to blend.
While a Vitamix is going to give you a smooth beverage every time, they are also expensive! If you're a smoothie lovin' newbie, then I recommend getting a NutriBullet (not sponsored, just tested and approved!). They make great machines for a variety of budgets. Yet if you've been blending a long time and going through blender after blender (been there!) then I recommend saving up for a Vitamix. You will get years and years of use, and beautifully blended smoothies every single time.
Vegan Tropical Smoothie
Rate this Recipe Print RecipeIngredients
- 1 cup spinach
- ½ cup water
- ½ orange (peeled)
- ½ cup pineapple (frozen)
- ½ banana
- 1 serving Protein Smoothie Boost (optional)
Instructions
- Blend spinach orange, and water until smooth.
- Add remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.
Notes
- Use at least 1 frozen fruit for a refreshingly cold smoothie
- Use coconut water instead of regular water for an electrolyte boost
- Note that this recipe uses less water than normal smoothies because the orange acts like fruit AND liquid. If your orange is extra watery, don't be afraid to lessen the amount of water to start.
- Feel free to swap spinach with any leafy green you have on hand (kale works great in this recipe too!)
Deann
Love this recipe! Have gotten brave and tried a few variants, the most surprising being substituting butternut squash for banana. At our house, we actually like this flavor better as it isn't quite as sweet as banana.
Yum, either version!
Danielle Axtell
This is such a nutrient protein packed smoothie I love it it’s delicious abs satisfying. Tastes great too.
Lynne
Very similar to the orange Julius one but I like the added pineapple. I use pineapple a lot.
Simple Green Smoothies
Pineapple's nutritional profile is so lovely for boosting your immune system. Bonus points, Lynne!
ALBA ROCIO CLAVIJO
I loved this one!! I added cucumber.
Simple Green Smoothies
Cucumber is a great add. Very hydrating and refreshing! Thanks for sharing!
Cheryl B.
Love this recipe. The color is beautiful. I didn't use as much fruit as the recipe called for or as much liquid and it was still great. Will make this again.
Nancy
Perfectly sweet & refreshing. I have to watch my sugar count, so I left out the orange and the smoothie was delicious!
Holly
Enjoyed this smoothie and its vacation vibes on the back deck in the sunshine! Very refreshing!
Sushila Shah
I really like the taste of orange, and pineapple. After fourth day I felt that I experience some reduction in my pain and some improvement in my sleep.
Simple Green Smoothies
That's fantastic! That reduction in pain is most likely the inflammation calming in your body as you blend these ingredients daily.
Dr. Aja Holmes
This one made me feel like I was on island somewhere in the caribbean!! It was really refershing to taste.
Simple Green Smoothies
Yes! A staycation via your blender!
gloria
This smoothie gave me vacation vibes, a winning combination!
Jque
Delicious and so easy.
Favorite!!!
Rachelle McCann
You’ve done it again! This one is definitely a keeper. I did add collagen peptides, so mine was not vegan anymore, but I sure did love it.
Charity Quinn
Another star smoothie from Simple Green Smoothies. I love all of them including this one. Thank you!
Toni
Really liked the flavor. Need to blend a little longer as the orange did not fully blend up.
Sharon
Loved this one. The tropical blend is so refreshing and reminiscent of the south.
Crescenta S.
This smoothie taste great. Not to sweet and very refreshing.
Linda E
This smoothie was a beautiful green color and really brightened up a rainy morning. My husband and I are both enjoying having smoothies. We might be developing a new addiction!!!
Simple Green Smoothies
Green smoothies are the best habit to form!! Rawk on Linda!
Clareen M
Now this is my kind of smoothie!! Great flavor, tasted it then added mango & used coconut water
This recipe is a keeper for sure
Alannah
My favorite smoothie in this challenge so far! I added mango which made it even more tropical tasting and my 1 year old drank just about the whole thing so I made another!
Alyssa
Loved this smoothie. I made it a meal replacement by adding oats, extra greens, coconut oil, chia seeds, and hemp hearts. Was refreshing, flavourful, and most importantly filling!
Hope
This has been my absolute favorite of the challenge so far! This was very refreshing and delicious - perfect for spring/summer! I will definitely make this again!
Grace
I love tropical smoothies and especially enjoy oranges in smoothies! This was a delicious combination of fruit. I added about a third of an avocado and 2 tbsp of hemp protein powder for a breakfast meal replacement.
Barbara
Good. Enjoyed the orange and pineapple flavors.
Jennifer A
This was the sunshine on my rainy day! I added a coconut smoothie cube for even more tropical flair.
Michele
This smoothie was pretty refreshing, but something made my throat scratchy - maybe the pineapple. I'm looking forward to trying more recipes! I did add 2 tbs of protein powder and 1 tbs of almond butter to make it a meal replacement.
Simple Green Smoothies
Perfect adds for the meal replacement Michele! That scratchy throat could be indicating a sensitivity to one or more ingredients. Same thing happens to my kiddo when she eats fresh peaches - the inside of her cheek gets the itchy-scratchies. Def check in with your healthcare provider if it continues!
Laura Jacobson
Very good! So refreshing!
Janice
Definitely tropical and the best one so far! I added some drops of lemon essential oil and my usual chia seeds.
Betty
This is pretty good. I like tropical flavors. I’m still waiting for the one that knocks my socks off! I think fresh fruit makes a big difference, but that’s not always possible.
Joyce
Very good and just what I needed for a cool refreshing drink after coming in from the heat. Loved the flavor and the bright green color. My favorite so far this week.
Simple Green Smoothies
Another great idea for those warm days is to add your fave smoothie to a popsicle mold too. Even more of a treat!
Churice R
Awesome flavor and vitamins are great for the body. I added Blood Oranges for that extra boost of Vit. C.
Simple Green Smoothies
Blood oranges are an awesome upgrade here Churice! More of some really good stuff - antioxidants + vitamin A too!
Debbie A Meshishnek
Very yummy, I love the orange in it.
Eunice
Doing the smoothie challenge and this is my favorite so far. Looking forward to “Orange Julius” tomorrow!
Michelle
I really like today’s smoothie! I added some kale and some powdered ginger and it was yummy! Will definitely be making this one again.
Jen
Great tasting as always!
Cheryl Robillard
Can totally taste the orange - love the colour - such a vibrant green - goes down smooth and feel great about getting my spinach in!
Ogechi Nwaokelemeh
Sweet & tasty!
Pat L.
I had tried this before the Challenge started so today I substituted fresh squeezed orange juice, chia and flax seeds and 1/2 c. kale. Delicious!! It was much thicker with these additions but I liked the extra C and taste from the OJ. 🙂
Simple Green Smoothies
Brilliant upgrades, Pat!
Ruby
Yum!! Glad it's green again. Lol!
Simple Green Smoothies
LOL. We find green very comforting around here too Ruby!
Nancy Lewellen
Pleasantly surprised at how light and refreshing this one is. Love the colorful smoothies both before and after blending.
Janice
Smooth & just-right sweet! The protein powder is scheduled to arrive today. I look forward to trying with the powder.
Judith Walter
I liked it. A little thinner consistency. I added chia seeds, kale and protein powder
Simple Green Smoothies
Great add-ins Judith! Bonus points for you! 🙂
Cynthia
Tropical flavors are always my fav!! So good.
Jenn.
Best smoothie yet! So good!
Dora Suarez
So yummy and refreshing all I need is the poolside cabana. Seriously who needs a cocktail when these smoothies are so refreshing and nutritious and make delicious mocktails yummy for the entire family. I love the tropical blends; they really are my all-time fave. Today I added protein smoothie boost and I used a blend of baby spinach, kale and chard for my greens and called it breakfast. Delish.
Simple Green Smoothies
I'm here for it Dora!! Let's add a tiny umbrella too!!! 🙂
Dawn
This was DELICIOUS! So refreshingly tropical! I added protein powder for my breakfast,
Jeannette Pepin
Love this smoothie! So fresh and tasty. Loaded with nutrients all in one delicious serving!
Laura Young
Super tasty! Added parsley and it made it even more refreshing!
Simple Green Smoothies
Parsley adds more vitamin A, C + K. Rawkstar move, Laura!
Shirley
Who doesn’t love the tropical combo of banana and pineapple! Delicious, even though it is very green!
Valeria stewart
I can't give full rating since I had to substitute the pineapple for allergies, but I loveeeee the boost the orange gives the smoothie! Add the protein boost and it's an instant breakfast!
Amanda Peters
Wow, I liked this one! Maybe I'm getting better at my spinach portion or oranges are my new best friend lol.
Simple Green Smoothies
Yay Amanda!! Lol. You crack us up! Some people totally prefer more tropical-type smoothies (those containing citrus fruits) over berry flavors. Can't wait to see you blend up more of our recipes! 🙂
Dani Mitchel
I'm obsessed with this one. The orange takes it to a whole new level! I added Protein Smoothie Boost to turn it into a meal replacement and it was perfect!
Simple Green Smoothies
Let's hear it for the orange!! And way to up your smoothie game with some clean protein!
Alissabeth
Always a favorite. Especially good adding vanilla protein. Makes you feel like you’re at the beach!
Barbara
Yum!! This is a new favorite!
Amy Maxfield
Simple Green Smoothies!
You bless us with compassion and community!
Simple Green Smoothies
We're glad you're part of our community, Amy!
Stacia Wilson
The flavor was good but it was a bit frothy. I may have added to much water though. I probably had closer to a cup rather than 3/4 cups. It had a very refreshing flavor.
Fiona Gough
Another great smoothie.
Erin
This smoothie is always a winner! Love the fruity flavor and the feeling of being on a beach.
Shelley Anne
Smells really delicious and fruity. But taste wise was just okay for me. Might be because I did not have orange so used a peach. And did not have spinach so I used lettuce.
Cynthia
This is definitely one of my favorites! Love the citrusy smoothness.
Meagan
Yummy yummy...I used coconut milk instead + added zucchini, coconut flakes, vanilla & lime & subbed mango for pineapple. The pineapple would have been so yum though.
Grace
Today I used mostly frozen ingredients and added avocado, cilantro and ginger. This smoothie was cold and creamy!
Sherri Lyness
You had me a Tropical! My favorite smoothie so far.
Simple Green Smoothies
Same, Sherri! Such a good one. 🙂
CristinaRibeiro
Tropically refreshing!
Michelle
I add to sub the pineapple for strawberries because that's what had. But It was still really good
Susan
Love this tropical drink!
Tim
I thought the touch of orange zest along with a pinch of cinnamon was good. Always like pineapple in a smoothie. Tasted really good.
Jessica
I love green smoothies with tropical fruits! Today I added maca powder and chia gel made with pineapple juice. I also added a pinch of cinnamon because I read somewhere that cinnamon tastes good with pineapple. I didn't love it with the cinnamon but my husband did. Overall though, I love this smoothie/combo of fruits.
Sher
Vegan Tropical -
I absolutely love this - it is so yummy. so far this and ther first one Peach Banana are my favorites.
I plan on making the spiced almond milk tonight and strawberry chia pudding - stay tuned for comment
Simple Green Smoothies
Hey Sher! I love this one, also! And def let us know what you think of the spiced almond milk and chia pudding. 🙂
Jean
I Boosted this for a meal replacement. I added oats, almond butter, and plant based protein powder. Replaced pineapple with orange. This actually tasted quite good!
Laura Young
Tasty and super simple!
Lelian Ocampo
Wow this smoothie made me happy. It is like it jump started my morning! Idk if it has to do with the oranges but man, it made me feel good and awake!
Dora Suarez
I am just loving this spring 10day challenge, so far every recipe has been 5 stars, seriously. For today's recipe, Vegan Tropical, I was actually out of spinach and kale, but I remember that I had leftover smoothie cubes from the Key Lime pops so threw that in to the blend and what a delight it was. I feel like I should be sipping my smoothie by the beach. Tip for others trying this recipe, I always prep my smoothies in advance, in other words I ration and freeze the fruit, however I don't freeze my greens or citrus. I've learned from previous experience that the citrus is part of the liquid content, thus if I use frozen citrus my smoothies are way to thick and require added liquid. Enjoy, I did.
Simple Green Smoothies
Dora, I think Key Lime pops as smoothie cubes in this recipe would be amazing! Make it with coconut water and you can say you "put the lime in the coconut" haha! 😉 And thanks for posting the tip on not freezing citrus. I've found the same thing and even when I prep my oranges, I keep them in the fridge, not the freezer.
Andrea
Been a while since I used pineapple in my smoothie. Forgot how awesome it is! What a delicious mood boosting smoothie. I used a lot of frozen ingredients and reduced the water to make it into a smoothie bowl and topped it with granola and large flake coconut for extra tropical flare.
Ella
This one is w winner for us.
So fresh and so full of vitamin C.
Added - 4 leaves of basil, and a tsp. of chia seeds.