This version of the Detox Island Green Smoothie features tropical frozen fruit, coconut water, and gingers with a mint and avocado variation. It will quickly become a favorite in your household for its ease, creamy texture, and delicious flavor.
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I'm always on the hunt for recipes that are both nutritious and easy to whip up. Smoothies have been a staple in our household for their convenience and the effortless way they pack in nutrients. My kids adore fun and tropical flavors, so I knew I had to recreate a homemade version of the famous tropical smoothie cafe Detox Island Green Smoothie!
Enhanced with mint and avocado for an extra health kick, this recipe is a breeze to make, and has quickly become a favorite smoothie in our house!
👪Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in minutes with simple ingredients, perfect for busy parents.
- Nutrient-Rich: This healthy smoothie is packed with vitamins and antioxidants to support brain health and energy levels.
- Allergy-Friendly: Free from dairy, gluten, and eggs, making it ideal for families with dietary restrictions.
- Travels Well: This is a great recipe to make if you need a quick snack to go!
🧠Nutrient Highlight: Brain-Boost
As a neuroscientist and a mom, I love making recipes that support brain health and development. This homemade version of the green island detox smoothie, a family favorite, combines nutrient-rich ingredients that have brain-boosting properties. Here's a quick overview of why it's neuroscientist-approved:
- Banana: Packed with dietary fiber and vitamin B6, essential for nerve health and neurotransmitter production, enhancing mood and cognitive function (1).
- Spinach: Offers vitamin K, folate, and lutein, key for maintaining brain health and cognitive performance (2).
- Mangoes: Rich in vitamin C, crucial for brain tissue repair and neurotransmitter synthesis, acting as a potent antioxidant (3).
- Pineapple: Contains manganese for brain energy production and bromelain for anti-inflammatory benefits (4).
- Ginger: Provides gingerol, with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, supporting overall brain health (5).
- Coconut Water: Delivers essential electrolytes for hydration and optimal brain function, ensuring nerve signal transmission and brain cell maintenance.
- Avocado (Optional): I add this ingredient in for its healthy monounsaturated fats for blood flow and brain health, plus vitamin E to potentially reduce Alzheimer's risk (6).
- Mint Leaves (Optional): Offers menthol for cognitive function enhancement and a refreshing aroma known to improve alertness and memory (7).
🌟 Nutrient Profile Highlight
This green island detox smoothie is a powerhouse of brain-boosting nutrient-dense ingredients, combining the hydrating benefits of coconut water with the antioxidant-rich profiles of spinach, mango, and pineapple, and the healthy fats of avocado. It's designed to enhance cognitive function, mood, and overall brain health.
🥥Ingredients in Detox Island Green Smoothie
This copycat detox island green smoothie recipe brings the tropical smoothie café experience right to your kitchen with simple, natural ingredients.
- Coconut Water: Hydrates and blends everything into a smooth, drinkable texture.
- Ripe Banana: (Fresh or Frozen) I recommend using frozen if possible. Bananas add natural sweetness and a creamy texture.
- Spinach (Fresh or Frozen): Fresh spinach packs in nutrients without overpowering the taste.
- Frozen Mango: Offer a sweet, tropical flavor and a boost of vitamin C.
- Frozen Pineapple: Contribute to the smoothie's refreshing taste. You can use fresh pineapple but frozen is best.
- Ginger: Gives a subtle, spicy kick for an extra flavor dimension.
- (Optional) Avocado (Fresh or Frozen): This is not in the original recipe but I recommend it. It will add more creaminess and healthy fats to your tropical green smoothie!
- (Optional) Mint Leaves: Also highly recommend this add-in as it brings a fresh twist that elevates the overall flavor.
For full quantities, see the recipe card.
👩🏽🍳Step-By-Step: How to Make This at Home
Let's break down the steps to make detox island green smoothie at home:
Step 1: Prep Ingredients:
Measure out all your ingredients to help streamline the process. If you are not using frozen bananas you may want to add ice cubes.
Step 2: Add to a Blender:
Pour coconut water into a high-powered blender first to help everything mix more easily. Then add the banana, mango, pineapple, spinach, ginger, and if you're using it, avocado and mint.
Step 3: Blend Until Smooth:
Hit that high-speed setting for about 30 seconds to a minute, watching the ingredients whirl into a creamy, dreamy mixture.
Step 4: Adjust and Serve:
If it's too thick, a splash more coconut water can thin it. If you prefer it sweeter, a hint of honey or maple syrup does the trick, though the fruits usually have sweetness covered. Then serve immediately for the best results.
Enjoy your homemade version of the tropical smoothie café's detox island green smoothie, at home with these fresh, nutritious ingredients that are good for your body and brain.
💡Recipe Tips
Here are my top tips for ensuring your tropical green smoothie is creamy and delicious every time:
- Use ripe fruits: The ripeness of your banana and mango is key. Ripe fruits not only blend into a smoother consistency but also add natural sweetness, reducing the need for added sugar.
- Serve Cold: If you're not using frozen fruit, adding a few ice cubes can help chill the smoothie and keep it thick. And gives it that refreshing, frozen smoothie vibe, just like the original recipe from the tropical smoothie café.
- Blend in Stages: For a creamier version, begin by blending just the coconut water and spinach or kale. Then, add your fruits and ginger.
- Adjust to taste: After blending, taste your green island detox smoothie. If it needs a bit more sweetness, consider adding a splash of pineapple juice or a bit of honey. For creaminess, a bit of avocado can make a huge difference without overpowering the tropical flavor.
- Time Savor: To help save time, use all frozen ingredients. This will minimize prep and prevent any food waste.
🥭Substitutions & Variations
- Coconut Water: Plain water or any plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat) can be a hydrating substitute, maintaining the smoothie's tropical flavor.
- Banana: Avocado can provide creaminess if bananas are not your choice, adding healthy fats without compromising the smooth texture.
- Frozen Fruit: Fresh fruit works if frozen is unavailable. Feel free to swap mango and pineapple with any tropical fruits you have, like papaya or kiwi, for a similar nutrient profile.
- Spinach: Kale or any dark leafy greens can replace spinach, offering a similar lovely green color and nutrient density.
- Ginger: For a less spicy kick, a pinch of ground ginger or even turmeric can substitute fresh ginger, adding a new dimension of flavor and health benefits.
Recipe Variations:
Add-ins or toppings can enhance both the nutritional value and taste:
- Protein Boost: A scoop of your favorite protein powder or a spoonful of nut butter can add protein and healthy fats.
- Super Seeds: Sprinkle chia seeds, flaxseeds, or hemp seeds for extra fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Crunch and Flavor: Top with granola, coconut flakes, or sliced almonds for a crunch.
- Zesty: Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice or lemon juice for a pop of flavor.
🥡Storage
Fridge: Green Island detox smoothie is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in and air-tight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a good shake or stir before drinking, as separation may occur.
Freezer: For a frozen treat, pour the smoothie into ice cube trays and freeze. Blend cubes when ready to enjoy for a quick, icy smoothie. Remember, it's best served immediately for optimal taste and texture.
❔Recipe FAQ
If your smoothie feels too watery or not creamy, the likely cause is not enough banana or avocado. These ingredients add creaminess, so consider adding a bit more. Also, using frozen fruits can help achieve a thicker texture.
Yes, if the smoothie isn't sweet enough for your taste, try adding a bit more ripe banana or a splash of pineapple juice. These natural sweeteners enhance the flavor without the need for added sugars.
The traditional Island Green smoothie often includes sweeteners or additional fruits for taste, while the Detox Island Green focuses on ingredients such as ginger and leafy greens, without added sugars.
🍹More Healthy Fresh Recipes
I hope you enjoyed this detox island green smoothie recipe, if you are looking for more smoothie recipes or healthy bites be sure to check out these:
📖 Recipe
Detox Island Green Smoothie Copycat Recipe: Mint Twist
Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut water
- 1 cup spinach lightly packed (or kale)
- 1 ripe banana, peeled frozen or fresh
- ½ cup frozen mango
- ½ cup frozen pineapple
- 1 inch ginger peeled and chopped
Optional (recommended) add-ins
- ¼ cup avocado frozen or fresh
- 10 mint leaves
Instructions
- To a high-speed blender, add the coconut water, followed by the banana, frozen mango, pineapple, spinach (or kale), and ginger. If using, add in the avocado and mint leaves as well.
- Secure the lid and blend on high speed for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
📝Health Information Source
- Mesripour, Azadeh, Sajadian, Sepide, Hajhashemi, Valiollah (2019) .Antidepressant-like effect of vitamin B6 in mice forced swimming test and the possible involvement of the noradrenergic system. Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology Studies, 7(2), 52-59.
- Ferland, G., Presse, N., Belleville, S., Gaudreau, P., Greenwood, C. E., Kergoat, J., Morais, J. A., Payette, H., & Shatenstein, B. Vitamin K and cognitive function in healthy older adults. The NuAge Study. The FASEB Journal, 27, 840.13.
- Zylinska L, Lisek M, Guo F, Boczek T (2023). Vitamin C Modes of Action in Calcium-Involved Signaling in the Brain. Antioxidants (Basel) 19;12(2):231.
- da Silva EB, Eichwald T, Glaser V, Varela KG, Baptistella AR, de Carvalho D, Remor AP. (2022) Protective Effects of Probucol on Different Brain Cells Exposed to Manganese. Neurotox Res. 40(1):276-285.
- Kongsui R, Jittiwat J. (2023) Ameliorative effects of 6‑gingerol in cerebral ischemia are mediated via the activation of antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory pathways. Biomed Rep. 15;18(4):26.
- Dreher ML, Davenport AJ. (2013) Hass avocado composition and potential health effects. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 53(7):738-50.
- Casares N, Alfaro M, Cuadrado-Tejedor M, Lasarte-Cia A, Navarro F, Vivas I, Espelosin M, Cartas-Cejudo P, Fernández-Irigoyen J, Santamaría E, García-Osta A, Lasarte JJ. (2023) Improvement of cognitive function in wild-type and Alzheimer´s disease mouse models by the immunomodulatory properties of menthol inhalation or by depletion of T regulatory cells. Front Immunol. 27;14.
Josh Granek says
So delicious and refreshing. Exactly what we need when fighting off a cold!
Patricia Granek says
Definetly a nourishing smoothie!