Layered Tropical Smoothies
Pineapple, mango and coconut milk add tropical notes to these colorful smoothies. After spooning the blended fruit mixtures into the glasses, place in the freezer to firm them up, which is key to creating a layered look. But if your layers aren’t perfect, no worries—just use a straw to swirl everything around a few times and voilà, your smoothie will look (and taste) equally cool. Don’t swap in fresh fruit for the frozen strawberries, pineapple and mango called for in the recipe; frozen fruit lends body to the smoothies. For thicker drinks, toss in a little more frozen fruit.
Ingredients
For the bottom layer:
- 6 oz. (185 g) frozen strawberries
- 4 oz. (125 g) diced fresh watermelon
- 1/4 cup (2 fl. oz./60 ml) coconut milk
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 Tbs. chia seeds (optional)
For the middle layer:
- 4 oz. (125 g) diced fresh honeydew
- Small handful of frozen diced mango
- 2 Tbs. coconut milk
- Squeeze of wildflower honey
- A few gratings of fresh ginger (optional)
For the top layer:
- 4 oz. (125 g) diced fresh cantaloupe
- Small handful of frozen diced pineapple
- 2 Tbs. coconut milk
- Small handful of fresh mint leaves
- Handful of ice
For garnish (optional):
- Unsweetened coconut flakes
- Fresh mint sprigs
- Bee pollen
- Thin slices lemon or lime
Directions
To make the bottom layer, in a Vitamix blender, combine the strawberries, watermelon, coconut milk, lime juice and chia seeds. Blend until smooth, starting on the lowest speed and increasing the speed to high, until smooth (this will help prevent splattering). Divide the mixture between 2 short tumbler glasses and immediately place in the freezer.
Quickly rinse out the Vitamix. To make the middle layer, in the blender, combine the honeydew, mango, coconut milk, honey and ginger and blend as directed above. Carefully spoon the mixture on top of the bottom layer in the glasses.
Quickly rinse out the Vitamix. To make the top layer, in the blender, combine the cantaloupe, pineapple, coconut milk, mint and ice and blend as directed above. Carefully spoon the mixture on top of the middle layer in the glasses and return them to the freezer.
Top the smoothies with the desired garnishes and serve immediately. Serves 2.
Williams Sonoma Test Kitchen