This strawberry banana coconut smoothie comes together in just 5 minutes with a handful of simple ingredients. Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness while coconut milk delivers a rich, creamy texture.
Simply toss everything into a blender and blend until silky smooth. Use frozen strawberries for a thicker consistency, or add coconut water for a lighter drink.
It's naturally vegetarian, gluten-free, and easily made vegan by choosing plant-based yogurt and maple syrup as your sweetener.
The blender was screaming at seven in the morning and my neighbor definitely judged me, but that first sip of strawberry banana coconut smoothie made every awkward hallway encounter worth it.
I started making these during a summer when my refrigerator broke and the only reliable appliance I owned was a blender borrowed from my sister.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled: Frozen berries give a thicker, creamier texture without watering anything down.
- 1 medium ripe banana, peeled: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more fragrant the smoothie becomes.
- 1 cup coconut milk: Full fat canned coconut milk creates a luxurious, velvety base that feels indulgent.
- 1/4 cup coconut water, optional: This thins the smoothie beautifully and adds a subtle tropical brightness.
- 1/2 cup plain or coconut yogurt: Yogurt adds creaminess and a pleasant tang that balances the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut: A small handful reinforces the coconut flavor in a way liquids alone cannot achieve.
- 1 to 2 teaspoons honey, maple syrup, or agave: Adjust based on how sweet your fruit is and your personal preference.
- 1/2 cup ice: Ice gives the smoothie that satisfying, frosty thickness.
Instructions
- Load the blender:
- Toss in the strawberries, banana, coconut milk, coconut water, yogurt, shredded coconut, and your sweetener of choice.
- Add the ice:
- Drop in the ice cubes on top of everything so the blades catch them evenly.
- Blend until silky:
- Crank the blender to high and let it run until you see a smooth, creamy consistency with no chunks.
- Taste and adjust:
- Stop and give it a quick taste, adding more sweetener or coconut water if it needs a little help.
- Pour and garnish:
- Divide between two glasses and top with extra shredded coconut or a strawberry slice if you are feeling fancy.
One afternoon I handed a glass of this to a friend who claimed to hate coconut, and she drank the whole thing before I mentioned what was in it.
Making It Your Own
This smoothie is endlessly adaptable once you understand the basic ratio of fruit to liquid.
Boosting the Nutrition
A tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseed meal blended in adds fiber and omega threes without changing the flavor at all.
Tools and Prep
You really only need a decent blender and a knife, but a few small habits make the process smoother every time.
- Freeze overripe bananas in chunks so they are always ready to go.
- Hull strawberries before freezing to save time on busy mornings.
- Wash your blender immediately after pouring, because dried smoothie is a surprisingly stubborn mess.
Keep it simple, blend with intention, and enjoy something that nourishes you without demanding a single extra minute of your day.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
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Yes, frozen strawberries work wonderfully and actually create a thicker, creamier smoothie. You may want to skip the ice cubes if using frozen fruit to avoid watering down the flavor.
- → What can I substitute for coconut milk?
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Almond milk or oat milk are great alternatives. Keep in mind that lighter milks will produce a thinner smoothie. For richness similar to coconut milk, try cashew milk or add an extra tablespoon of yogurt.
- → How can I make this smoothie thicker?
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Use frozen bananas and frozen strawberries, omit the coconut water, and reduce the liquid slightly. You can also add a tablespoon of chia seeds and let the smoothie sit for a minute to thicken naturally.
- → Is this smoothie suitable for vegans?
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Absolutely. Use plant-based yogurt and swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. All other ingredients including coconut milk, coconut water, and shredded coconut are naturally vegan.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
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Smoothies are best enjoyed immediately after blending for the freshest taste and texture. However, you can prep the ingredients the night before by pre-measuring and storing them in the freezer or refrigerator.