Treat yourself to a tropical Mango Pineapple smoothie. It’s delicious, very refreshing and good for you.

My kids really like the Mango Pineapple smoothie from Mac Donald’s. We usually get it for them when on a road trip and only from time to time when at home. Since receiving my super duper blender last year I have been making all sorts of soups, sauces, dips, smoothies and popsicles. This Tropical Mango Pineapple Smoothie is my version of the one from Mac Donald’s. It’s creamy, smooth, refreshing, with a great combination of sweet and tart. Give it a try!

It is so easy to just throw in some pieces of fruit, add a bit of juice and yogurt, sweeten with honey or dried fruit and blend it all together. And the combinations are really endless: very berry, banana-strawberry, banana-blueberry, peaches and cream, chocolate and peanut butter and of course the green smoothie ( but that’s another post) to name a few. The best part? You know exactly what’s in it and no fruit goes to waste (as long as you remembered to freeze it). During the summer months, when the fruit is so delicious, especially peaches and nectarines, I freeze a lot of them. And always dream of having a second freezer (yes, I know, crazy dream!).

If the fruit I use is very ripe and sweet I might omit the additional sweetener. Typically, I use dates (just 1 or 2) or dried apricots and sometimes I add a bit of honey or maple syrup. Vanilla yogurt makes the smoothies more filling and that’s a great breakfast option for kids. Last year I got a popsicle mold and made tons of them during the summer by simply freezing the smoothies in the mold. My kids (and their friends) love these yummy yet healthy popsicles and I have no problem with my boys eating them for breakfast.

Makes: 2 servings      Prep time: 5 minutes      Ready in: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 banana, fresh or frozen
• 1 cup mango chunks, fresh or frozen
• 1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or frozen
• 2/3 cup vanilla yogurt
• 1 cup apple juice or water
• 1-2 dates, pits removed or 2-3 dried apricots, chopped
• 1 cup ice cubes (use only when all of the fruit is fresh)

Directions:

1. Using a high-speed blender combine all of the ingredients except dates. Starting on low speed, gradually increase the speed and blend for 1 minute or so. If the smoothie appears too thick, pour in more juice until it reaches the desired consistency. Add dates or apricots (or honey, if using instead) and blend for another minute until smooth.
2. Pour into glasses and serve.

Enjoy!