Enjoy this Super Easy Strawberry Coconut Milk Smoothie that is also paleo, dairy free, and gluten free! Healthy, kid-friendly and tastes like a dessert!
Even if you LOVE fruit, it is still challenging consuming the daily recommended dietary guidelines. And, how can you guarantee you get all those servings?
And kids can be especially picky about trying and eating fruits and veggies.
Is there a delicious way to get several servings at once?
Oh, the challenge.
So, we have to get creative…and smart!
As a kid, I drank too many instant strawberry shakes for breakfast, made by mixing a store bought powder concoction with either milk or water. Bleh! Way too sweet and unnatural tasting. Plus, artificial ingredients.
A strawberry coconut milk drink would have trounced a back in the day powdered strawberry breakfast drink!
Growing up near farms, on eastern Long Island, I did quite literally have great access to fresh fruits and vegetables. So, why the instant strawberry drink?
Two important elements – quick and easy.
Mid-June brought the annual Strawberry Festival to the area. Carnival rides, strawberry shortcakes galore, and the crowning of the Strawberry Queen were highlights of the festival for me. Plenty of fresh, delicious strawberries.
The first time I made this smoothie, I knew smoothies made with coconut milk were a great idea. Then came a smoothie that tasted like Egg Nog. Too good to be true.
But, a delicious healthy strawberry coconut milk dessert would have also been amazing!
TRY THIS FOR SMOOTHIE SUCCESS:
I find that in order to be successful in my smoothie a day habit, I need a good routine where ingredients and tools are easily accessible. The ten minutes it takes to pull my blender out of the cabinet, and chop up fruits and veggies will come between me and my smoothie, especially during a particularly busy morning. However, with a few easy strategies, smoothie success is a breeze, even on the busiest of days.
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A GREAT BLENDER – WHILE I HAVE A LARGER BLENDER FOR CERTAIN RECIPES, IT IS THIS SMALLER BLENDER WHICH YOU WILL FIND ON MY COUNTER.
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Make my daily smoothies with this blender.
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Strong enough to whip up frozen fruit, ice, and nuts
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Easy to rinse cups (vs. harder to rinse and clean blender pitcher)
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Portable caps for the blender cups (so I can take my smoothies to-go!)
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Less clunky than a larger blender and fits perfectly on my counter top.
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FROZEN FRUIT IN PLASTIC BAGS READY TO GO:
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It is super easy to buy frozen, pre-chopped fruit from the grocery store.
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Reasonably priced and organic produce available.
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If buying fresh produce, freeze by placing fruit on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread fruit in an even layer with no pieces touching. Freeze completely and then place in plastic bags. If you place fresh fruit in bags and freeze, you will have frozen clumps of fruit that are hard to separate and use.
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Have your favorite smoothies all year, not just when fruit is in-season.
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I often transfer the contents into resealable individual clear plastic bags for easy use. It is easy to monitor when the supply is running low.
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The Best Strawberries To Buy:
Strawberries made the top (#1) of the EWG’s list of produce that should be purchased organic. The list is stating that a lot of pesticide residue on conventional strawberries.
My Apple Pie Smoothie is made with organic apples and Ultimate Green Smoothie is made is organic spinach since they also made the “dirty dozen” list.
The reason I don’t buy organic bananas? – bananas have a thick skin which must be peeled off to get to the fruit. However, with strawberries, you are eating the “skin“. Bananas are also farther down, at #31 on the dirty dozen 2017 list.
As I am in the habit of buying organic sweet potatoes, I noticed they have moved down on the list at #35. Even though I peel the skin, I will probably still continue to buy organic to make my Sweet Potato Smoothie recipe.
The decision to buy organic is an individual one based on what is available in your area.
Tips For Making Your Strawberry Coconut Milk Smoothie:
- Using frozen strawberries and bananas yields a more creamy, milkshake consistency.
- For extra plant based protein, try adding a tablespoon of hemp seeds.
Simply combine all ingredients in a blender and let it whirl for a few minutes until the desired consistency. If it seems too thick, just add more ice cubes or water.
What you will need: 1 ripe banana (fresh or frozen), 1 cup strawberries ( fresh or frozen), 1 cup organic coconut milk (you could substitute any non-dairy milk), 6 ice cubes and 1/2 orange (or sub 1/4 cup orange juice). Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth, creamy and frothy.
This Coconut Milk Smoothie Is Great As/For/Because:
- As a quick breakfast for those on the go, commuters, and kids getting ready during hurried mornings.
- Make ahead prior to workouts (or as a post workout snack)
- After school snack (very kid-friendly)
- Instead of dessert
- mid-morning snack
- fresh whole foods (no artificial ingredients)
- Low sugar from fruit only
- Dairy free and vegan
This strawberry banana coconut milk smoothie can be stored in the refrigerator for later (but best used within the same day).
Bonus: Make a beautiful smoothie bowl! Add your favorite chopped fruit on top. I sprinkled some chia seeds, roasted coconut chips and organic cacao nibs for nutrition and crunch. 🙂
You May Also Like:
Strawberry Spinach Smoothie
No more pleading with the kiddos about eating more fruits! They will excitedly howl as they devour this smoothie! Plus, it will be your favorite go-to also! 🙂
Products Used In This Recipe:
Enjoy this delicious, fruit smoothie, which is perfect for a snack, breakfast, or dessert! Berries and fruits are a great source of anti-oxidants!
- 1 ripe banana (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup organic coconut milk (can sub your favorite dairy free milk)
- 6 ice cubes
- 1/2 orange (can sub 1/4 cup orange juice)
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Place all ingredients in a blender and blend for a few minutes until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy and the desired consistency.
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Pour your smoothie into a glass and enjoy! Top with strawberry or other fruit slices.
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Smoothie can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Pin This Recipe:
Melissa @ Insider The Kitchen
April 15, 2017 at 9:13 pmHi Christine,
I made as recipe said & it is yummy. I don’t care for bananas in things, & this didn’t much taste like strong banana so I liked it very much. Was a great afternoon snack!
Michelle | The Last Food Blog
April 7, 2017 at 11:39 amI love a good strawberry smoothie, and yo are so right, they are great for getting the kids to get some extra fruit in 🙂
Christine
April 9, 2017 at 9:51 amHi Michelle, So true!
Amy
April 7, 2017 at 11:16 amI love that these are made with fruit that’s not too expensive to buy. With 4 kids that’s one of the problems I run into. My kids can eat like $25.00 worth of fresh fruit in one sitting.
Christine
April 9, 2017 at 9:51 amYes, Amy, I completely understand!
Lisa | Garlic & Zest
April 7, 2017 at 10:26 amMy daughter is such a smoothie queen, she’s going to love this – especially with the coconut milk. For me, I’d add a little cream of coconut and a shot of rum!
Christine
April 9, 2017 at 9:52 amHi Lisa – Ha! Love your idea!
Karthika
April 7, 2017 at 10:06 amThat looks like my kind of breakfast! Loved the tips mentioned ! Amazing post
Christine
April 9, 2017 at 9:52 amThanks so much Karthika!