Smoothies are an excellent way to get a nutrient-dense breakfast or snack by blending together fruits, vegetables, dairy, protein powders, and other mix-ins. The possible smoothie combinations are endless, but a popular flavor pairing that sounds delicious yet untested is strawberry and mango.
The Short Answer
Yes, strawberry and mango complement each other extremely well in smoothies. The sweet strawberry and tropical mango flavors blend together into a refreshing, fruity smoothie. When combined with a dairy or non-dairy base like yogurt or milk and ice, the strawberry mango smoothie is thick, creamy, and full of flavor.
Examining the Flavor Profiles of Strawberry and Mango
To understand why strawberry and mango work well together, it’s helpful to take a look at each fruit’s flavor profile individually:
Strawberry
- Sweet, with lightly floral notes
- Juicy texture
- Bright red color
- Contains vitamin C, manganese, folate, potassium
Mango
- Sweet, tropical, and peachy
- Smooth, creamy texture
- Vibrant yellow-orange color
- Contains vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, potassium
When blended together, the sweetness of the strawberry balances beautifully with the tropical mango. The red strawberry and orange mango also create an appetizing color combination.
Nutritional Benefits of Strawberries and Mangos
In addition to their complementary flavors, strawberries and mangos pack a nutritious nutritional punch:
- Vitamin C – Mangos and strawberries are both high in immune-boosting vitamin C. One cup of strawberries provides over 100% of the RDI for vitamin C, and a mango has over 60%.
- Fiber – Mangos and strawberries provide fiber, which aids digestion. A mango has 2.6g per cup, while a cup of strawberries has 3g.
- Potassium – The potassium in strawberries and mangos supports heart health and muscle function. Strawberries have 233mg per cup, and mangos have 276mg.
- Phytonutrients – Mangos and strawberries contain beneficial plant compounds like carotenoids, anthocyanins, and polyphenols that act as antioxidants in the body.
By blending mangos and strawberries together, you get a smoothie jam-packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants important for health.
Complementary Texture
Mangos and strawberries also have complementary textures that work well blended together. Strawberries have a soft, seedy texture, while mangos are smooth and creamy when ripe. The contrasting textures add more interest to the smoothie.
Delicious Strawberry Mango Smoothie Recipes
Convinced that strawberry and mango pair perfectly in smoothies? Here are some delicious strawberry mango smoothie recipes to try:
Basic Strawberry Mango Smoothie
This 3-ingredient smoothie is simple, refreshing, and full of fruity flavor. The Greek yogurt adds protein and makes it thick and creamy.
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- 1 cup frozen mango
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. For more sweetness, add honey or maple syrup to taste.
Strawberry Mango Green Smoothie
This version contains spinach for an extra nutrient boost. The banana adds natural sweetness.
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- 1 cup frozen mango
- 1 medium banana
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup baby spinach
Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until creamy and smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy!
Strawberry Mango Coconut Smoothie
Coconut milk and shredded coconut give this smoothie a tropical flair. The chia seeds add healthy fat, fiber, and thickness.
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- 1 cup frozen mango
- 1/2 cup canned coconut milk
- 2 tbsp shredded coconut
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
Blend all ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Top with extra shredded coconut.
Tips for Making Strawberry Mango Smoothies
Follow these tips for making fresh, delicious strawberry mango smoothies every time:
- Use frozen strawberries and mangos for thicker texture and icy cold smoothies. Let the frozen fruit thaw slightly before blending if your blender has trouble with large frozen chunks.
- Add Greek yogurt or milk for creaminess, protein, and healthy fat.
- Bananas, avocado, silken tofu, and nut butters also blend well in mango strawberry smoothies.
- For nut-free smoothies, use dairy milk, coconut milk, or oat milk instead of almond milk.
- Boost nutrition with spinach, kale, or avocado for fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Play around with mix-ins like coconut, chia seeds, vanilla, cinnamon, and honey to customize the flavor.
- For thicker smoothies, use less liquid or more frozen fruit. Add ice to thin it out.
- Garnish your mango strawberry smoothies with fresh fruit, coconut, cacao nibs, chia seeds, or granola.
Possible Pitfalls When Combining Strawberry and Mango
While strawberry and mango are delicious blended together, there are a couple things to look out for:
- Mango can overpower strawberry – Because mango has such a rich, tropical flavor, it can sometimes overtake the strawberries. Use slightly more strawberries than mango so the flavors balance.
- Honey can thin out smoothies – While honey adds natural sweetness, it’s also very liquid. Start with just a drizzle and add more as needed to prevent your smoothie from getting too thin.
- Underripe mangos won’t blend well – Be sure your mango is ripe enough that the flesh is soft and smooth when you blend it. Underripe mangos can add fibrous chunks.
As long as you keep these tips in mind, your strawberry mango smoothies will turn out picture perfect every time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use fresh or frozen strawberries and mangos?
Frozen strawberries and mangos are best for smoothies because they blend up thicker and creamier. Freezing concentrates the fruit’s natural juices and sweetness too. If using fresh fruit, add several ice cubes to chill and thicken the smoothie.
Can I use strawberry and mango juice instead?
You can use 100% fruit juices, but the smoothie won’t be as thick or nutritious. Whole blended fruits add fiber that juices lack. For a smoother texture, stick to blending whole frozen strawberries and mangos.
What liquid should I use in a strawberry mango smoothie?
Popular liquids to use include:
- Non-dairy milk: almond, coconut, oat, soy
- Dairy milk: cow’s milk, goat milk, nut milks
- Yogurt: Greek, regular, coconut yogurt
- Plant-based: banana, avocado
Choose your favorite dairy or non-dairy liquid to achieve the flavor and texture you desire.
Can I add greens like spinach or kale?
Absolutely! Blending greens into your strawberry mango smoothie is a great way to add fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Good options are spinach, kale, swiss chard, beet greens, and arugula.
What if I don’t have mangos – what can I substitute?
If you don’t have mangos, try peach, pineapple, banana, or even zucchini or avocado for creaminess. The tropical mango flavor will be missing, but another fruit can still complement the strawberry.
The Bottom Line
Strawberry and mango pair wonderfully together in smoothies. The sweet strawberry and tropical mango flavors balance each other out and blend together into a refreshing treat. Mangos and strawberries are both nutritional powerhouses, providing ample vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The soft textures also blend together smoothly.
When making a strawberry mango smoothie, use frozen fruit for thickness. Add yogurt, milk, or a plant-based liquid for creaminess. Feel free to customize with mix-ins like greens, coconut, chia seeds, or vanilla. Garnish with fresh fruit or crunchy toppings. Avoid using underripe mangos or too much honey. Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be whipping up delicious strawberry mango smoothies in no time!
