Whether you’re enjoying one for breakfast, as a poolside drink, or as post-workout refuel, it’s pretty easy to find a way to have a smoothie pretty much any time of the day. A simple way to mix up the flavor of your smoothies is to change the base. Coconut milk is a favorite of mine because it’s lactose-free and full of nutrients. The only problem is that sometimes the strong flavor of the coconut milk can clash with or overwhelm the other ingredients. To help you find the perfect balance of flavors, check out these coconut milk smoothie recipes.
1. Strawberry Coconut Smoothie
This recipe combines strawberries, coconut flakes, coconut milk, flax seeds, and cinnamon. The coconut flakes and flax seeds make it filling enough for a meal and contribute a cool variation in texture. This smoothie can be enjoyed very cold with frozen strawberries or pre-made so you can just grab it and go.
2. Green Kiwi Smoothie
The kiwi in this smoothie perfectly complements the tropical flavor of the coconut milk. Banana makes it creamy, and spinach adds lots of nutrients without compromising the flavor. Try adding the granola and flax seeds on top after blending for a little variation in texture while you’re eating it.
#SpoonTip: This recipe and the one above both call for Greek yogurt. While Greek yogurt adds extra protein and will make your smoothie creamier and thicker, you can easily leave it out to make the smoothies completely dairy-free and vegan.
3. Matcha Green Tea Smoothie
Trick your friends into thinking you’re a health freak drinking a green smoothie with this recipe. In reality, it tastes almost like a matcha milkshake. You’ll only need three ingredients: matcha powder, a banana, and coconut milk. If you like a little texture in your smoothie, try adding shredded coconut.
4. Pineapple Banana Smoothie
This recipe combines frozen bananas with fresh pineapple and coconut milk. The flavors of the fruits combine with the coconut milk to make a thick and creamy smoothie that will transport you to a tropical island, even if you’re commuting to work.
5. Fruity Green Smoothie
When just the right proportions of ingredients are combined, green smoothies can truly taste like dessert while loading your body up with nutrients that keep you feeling amazing all day long. This recipe gets it just right by combining orange juice and coconut milk as the base. It keeps the coconut flavor and sugar from the orange juice from overwhelming the frozen fruit. I’d recommend using a combination of peaches and mango for a smoothie that tastes as amazing as it looks.
6. Tropical Vacation Smoothie
Before this recipe, I’d never tried apple in a smoothie, but now I’ll never go back. The tart apple stands up very well to the sweet mango and creamy richness of the coconut milk. Plus, you can pre-cut and portion the ingredients to make your mornings a little bit smoother.
7. Blueberry Mint
Mint is another smoothie ingredient that I’d never tried before I came across this recipe. Now, I almost always pick up some fresh mint when I hit the grocery store. When combined with blueberries and spinach in this smoothie, it makes for a very refreshing post-run pick me up.
8. Healthy Shamrock Shake
Ditch the seasonal McDonald’s Shamrock Shake that’s full of unnecessary sugar. Instead, use coconut milk to make your own along with frozen banana, cacao nibs, and peppermint extract. Try adding some spinach to make it the same color as the original.
9. Healthy Nutella Smoothie
Next time you’re having major Nutella cravings, try making this vegan milkshake version. I like to use coconut milk as the base instead of water or other nut milks because it make the whole thing creamier and richer. Plus, the coconut flavor goes really well with hazelnuts and chocolate.
10. Strawberry Cupcake Smoothie
If you’re ready to get a little adventurous and officially cross the smoothie line into dessert, this is the recipe for you. You’re going to need some frozen bananas and strawberries, strawberry sauce, and coconut flakes. This smoothie is healthier than a regular shake because it has less sugar and contains healthy fats from the coconut milk.
11. Spicy Piña Rita
It’s up for debate whether this is a smoothie or some kind of nonalcoholic margarita, but what’s not up for debate is the fact that you need to try it. Healthy fats from the coconut milk and avocado make the drink super creamy and will leave you more satisfied than any other smoothie. If you’re not feeling super adventurous, feel free to leave out the jalapeño for an equally as refreshing drink.
12. Berry Banana Smoothie Bowl
I’m a huge fan of the smoothie bowl trend, because I’ve always like to eat my smoothies with spoons instead of straws. This recipe combines both strawberries and blueberries to make a beautifully-colored smoothie. The frozen banana makes it both thick and creamy, which is perfect for a spoonable smoothie.
13. Mint Watermelon Smoothie
Because watermelon has such a high water content, you don’t need to use much coconut milk in this smoothie recipe. It’s just enough to give it richness and a hint of coconut flavor that doesn’t overwhelm the watermelon or mint.
14. Healthy Dessert Smoothie
If you’re looking for a dessert with a little more body than a single Reese’s Cup, but with very similar flavor, try this recipe. The healthy fats and fiber will help you to feel more satisfied when you combine coconut milk, cocoa powder, peanut butter, banana, and honey to make your healthy dessert.
15. Matcha Piña Colada
If you want to pretend you’re having an adult beverage, try this recipe. It combines coconut milk with pineapple and matcha powder for a Japanese take on a piña colada. Try topping it with mint leaves for an interesting flavor twist and a pop of color.
All of these coconut milk smoothie recipes should be good to last you all summer long. Now grab your bathing suit and sunglasses, and a mason jar full of your favorite coconut milk smoothie, and catch some rays.