This is a delicious and refreshing recipe for a thick mango smoothie bowl without banana. It’s very simple and easy to make with just 4 basic ingredients plus your chosen toppings, and will provide you with a very healthy dish that can be eaten as a breakfast, snack or dessert.
A mango smoothie bowl is so quick and easy to make. The mango replaces the banana and creates a velvety sweet, thick bowl of creamy goodness that brings you a great tropical taste. You can have this taste all year round as this recipe uses frozen mango instead of fresh.
It’s packed with vitamins and antioxidants and is great for weight loss as it’s low in calories. Add your favourite toppings for an extra nutrient boost and visual appeal and this mango smoothie bowl is sure to be a firm favourite in your home.
Why you should make a mango smoothie bowl without banana
- A creamy delicious dish that’s so easy, quick and healthy
- Makes a great breakfast, post workout healthy snack or healthy dessert alternative for kids
- No bananas!
- Gluten free
- A great way to get kids to eat more fruit
- Great to include if you’re following a Mediterranean Diet
Mango smoothie bowl: base ingredients
- Frozen chopped Mango: You’ll need 1-2 handfuls. Mangoes will lend their natural sweetness and a luscious, creamy texture to your smoothie bowl, making them the perfect banana substitute. Let the mango sit out of the fridge for 5 minutes to soften slightly before blending.
- Greek Yoghurt: 1/2 cup of thick, creamy Greek yoghurt will add a delightful tanginess and a dose of protein to the mix.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Sweeten your smoothie base to taste with 1-2 teaspoons of honey or maple syrup, depending on your preference for sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract (about 1/2 teaspoon) will infuse the bowl with a warm, aromatic flavour.
Toppings for the mango smoothie bowl (Get Creative!):
- Fresh Fruit: Choose from a medley of fresh fruit options like sliced strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, or pomegranate seeds for a burst of colour and flavour.
- Crunchy Granola: Consider adding a delightful crunch with some granola. This not only enhances the texture but also add a healthy dose of soluble fibre from the oats.
- Coconut Flakes: A sprinkling of unsweetened coconut flakes will transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: For a refreshing finish, garnish your bowl with a few fresh mint leaves.
Frequently asked questions
What is a smoothie bowl?
A smoothie bowl has similar ingredients to a smoothie drink but is thicker in texture and is served in a bowl with various toppings and eaten with a spoon.
Can I use a different yoghurt?
Yes, plain yoghurt will work well if you don’t have any Greek yoghurt. The dish will be slightly less thick.
How do I make my smoothie bowl thick?
- Do not use fresh fruit. Using fresh mango will result in a watery smoothie texture rather than a thick smoothie bowl. To get the best thick texture you need to use frozen fruit.
- Add 2 tsp of chia seeds. They will absorb some of the liquid and thicken the dish.
- Be very careful when adding any liquid. Add small amounts at a time.
- Add more mango. The extra frozen mango will thicken it up nicely.
- Add a small amount of diced avocado and blend. You’ll also get the benefit of extra omega 3 essential fatty acids from adding avocado.
Can I make a smoothie bowl with oats?
Yes, just add them with all the other ingredients and blend together. Adding oats will give you extra soluble fibre that’s great for bowel health.
How to Make Mango Smoothie Bowl without Banana
Step 1: Blend the Mango Smoothie Base
In a blender, combine the diced frozen mango, Greek yoghurt, honey or maple syrup (adjust to your desired sweetness) and vanilla extract.
Blend until you achieve a silky, smooth consistency. If needed, you can add a splash of water or milk to adjust the thickness.
Step 2: Pour Into a Bowl
Once your mango smoothie base is perfectly blended and luscious, pour it into a bowl of your choice. The size of the bowl depends on your appetite and presentation preferences.
Step 3: Add Your Toppings
Now, it’s time to get creative! Start by arranging your fresh fruit on top of the mango smoothie base and then add your extra toppings – see below for more ideas.
Step 4: Serve immediately and enjoy
There you have it – a delightful Mango Smoothie Bowl without banana that’s not only a feast for your taste buds but also a visual masterpiece. Get ready to enjoy a breakfast or snack dish that’s bursting with tropical flavours and health benefits.
Additional Toppings for a Mango Smoothie Bowl
Take your bowl from delicious to extraordinary by adding some of these extra toppings:
Nuts:
Almonds: Sliced or chopped almonds provide a delightful crunch and a nutty richness that pairs beautifully with the mango’s sweetness.
Walnuts: Walnuts offer a slightly bitter note and an earthy depth that complements the tropical flavours of mango.
Seeds:
Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds not only add a delightful crunch but also provide a dose of healthy omega-3 fatty acids, fibre and protein.
Flaxseeds: Ground flaxseeds offer a nutty flavour and are also rich in fibre and essential omega-3 fatty acids, making them a very nutritious choice.
Pumpkin Seeds: these seeds lend a mild, savoury crunch to your bowl while offering iron, magnesium, zinc, and protein.
Dried Fruits:
Dried Cranberries: These sweet and sour morsels lend a chewy texture.
Dried Apricots: Diced dried apricots offer a pleasant chewiness and a hint of natural apricot sweetness. They’re also a good source of non-haem iron.
Dark Chocolate Shavings:
A few shards of dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) provide a decadent contrast to the fruitiness of the smoothie bowl.
It’s also pretty good for you as it contains flavanols which are associated with lowering your risk of heart disease.
Nut Butter Drizzle:
Almond, Peanut, or Cashew Butter: Drizzle a swirl of your favourite nut butter on top for a creamy, savoury touch that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Edible Flowers:
If you’re really pushing the boat out then elevate the visual appeal of your smoothie bowl with edible flowers like pansies or nasturtiums (optional but oh-so-pretty).
Remember, the art of crafting the perfect Mango Smoothie Bowl lies in the combination of these toppings. Get creative and mix and match to suit your taste and mood.
Kids will also love decorating their own smoothie bowl and this can be a great way to get them to eat more healthily and take an interest in preparing food.
Top tips for presentation of a Smoothie Bowl
Creating a banana-free mango smoothie bowl isn’t just about flavour; it’s also an opportunity to craft a work of edible art. To truly elevate your smoothie bowl, pay attention to presentation.
After all, we eat with our eyes first. Here are some tips to make your smoothie bowl visually appealing and Instagram-worthy:
Choose the Right Bowl:
Start with a beautiful, wide, and shallow bowl. A white or pastel-coloured bowl can make your vibrant smoothie bowl pop.
Smoothie Base Placement:
Pour your mango smoothie base into the centre of the bowl, allowing it to spread evenly but not too close to the edges.
Toppings Arrangement:
Arrange your toppings strategically. Start with the larger items, such as slices of fresh fruit, around the outer edge of the bowl. This frames your creation and draws attention to the centre.
Create symmetry or patterns with your toppings. For example, you can place fresh berries in a circular pattern or sprinkle coconut flakes in a diagonal line.
Use contrasting colours. Mix bright and vibrant toppings with darker or neutral-coloured ones to create visual interest.
Textural Balance:
Think about textures when arranging toppings. Place crunchy elements like granola or nuts next to softer items like fresh fruit to add contrast.
Drizzles and Swirls:
Drizzle nut butter, honey, or yoghurt over the top in a zigzag or spiral pattern. This not only adds flavour but also creates an eye-catching design.
Garnish Wisely:
Add a final touch with garnishes like a sprig of fresh mint or a few edible flowers. These small details can make a big difference.
Why Go Banana-Free?
Allergies and Intolerances:
One of the most significant reasons people go banana-free is due to allergies or intolerances.
Banana allergies, although relatively rare, can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like itching, swelling, or digestive distress.
For individuals with intolerances, the high fructose content in bananas can cause digestive discomfort, including bloating and gas. In such cases, banana alternatives are a welcome relief.
Unique Flavor Preferences:
While bananas are undeniably delicious and creamy, their flavour can dominate a smoothie bowl. Some people simply prefer other fruit flavours to shine through without the banana’s distinctive taste.
Mangoes, with their tropical sweetness, offer a refreshing change, making them an excellent substitute for those seeking a different flavour.
So, what’s so great about mangoes?
Rich in Vitamin C:
Mangoes are a superb source of vitamin C, boasting even more of this immune-boosting vitamin than oranges.
A single cup of diced mango provides approximately 60% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin C. This vitamin plays a crucial role in supporting your immune system, promoting healthy skin, and aiding in collagen production.
Abundant Fibre Content:
Fibre is your digestive system’s best friend, and mangoes are brimming with it. A cup of mango chunks delivers around 3 grams of dietary fibre, aiding in digestion, promoting regular bowel movements, and helping you feel full and satisfied.
Antioxidants Galore!
Mangoes are packed with antioxidants like beta-carotene, which help protect your cells from oxidative stress and inflammation.
These antioxidants are associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases and may contribute to overall health.
Creamy and Luxurious Texture:
Mangoes lend a creamy and velvety texture to your smoothie base that rivals the traditional banana. This lush texture enhances the overall experience of your smoothie bowl, making it a true treat for your palate.
Versatile:
Mangoes have a flavour that’s both sweet and slightly tangy, making them an excellent canvas for a wide range of flavour combinations. They pair wonderfully with a variety of fruits, nuts, and seeds, allowing you to get creative with your toppings and mix-ins.
Mango Smoothie Bowl
Ingredients
- 1-2 handfuls frozen chopped mango
- 1/2 cup Greek yoghurt
- 1-2 tsp maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 tsp vanilla essence
- 1 handful mixed fresh fruit (kiwi/strawberries/blueberries etc)
- 2 tbsp granola
- 1-2 tbsp coconut flakes
- 3 mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the diced frozen mango, Greek yoghurt, honey or maple syrup (adjust to your desired sweetness) and vanilla extract.
- Blend until you achieve a silky, smooth consistency. If needed, you can add a splash of water or milk to adjust the thickness.
- Pour it into a bowl of your choice.
- Add your choice of toppings.
- Serve immediately.
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