Introduction

Hi, all – Carrie here… Our contributing editor Bella Bucchiotti is back with the second installment of In The Kitchen with Bella. I simply adored her easy tailgating recipes, and I know you did too. This time, I asked her for something healthy. After lots of traveling and eating out recently, I could use a good dose of healthy and fresh food.

Of course, Bella delivered something that is not only healthy but colorful as well – perfectly on brand! 😉

Keep reading for all the details…

Mango Strawberry Coconut Smoothie

Written by Bella Bucchiotti

Any day that starts with a smoothie is bound to be a good day! Smoothies are a quick and easy way to jump start your intake of fruits and vegetables. In addition, they are also perfect to grab for breakfast on the go. No doubt, you are going to love this colorful, delicious, layered mango strawberry coconut smoothie!

Layered smoothies are easy to create, pretty to look at, and full of flavor. Win, win, win! Even though they may look complicated to make, they really aren’t that difficult. It is simply layering different smoothies into one drink. In this case, we have layered a strawberry smoothie, a mango smoothie, and a coconut smoothie.

This recipe is dairy free but uses coconut water and coconut milk, which is the flavor tying the layers together. In fact, you can layer any flavor of smoothies together, even a tasty combination of vegetable and fruit layers. Just be sure to have a unifying flavor or ingredient.

A few tips: I always try to use a chilled glass when making smoothies. In fact, you can even chill between layers, if it is a warmer day. And remember to rinse the blender well between layers.

This recipe makes two full glasses, which is perfect for sharing!

Ingredients

• 2 cups mango, cut and frozen
• 2 bananas, sliced and frozen
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cups strawberries, cut and frozen
• 1 cup coconut water
• Chia seeds and cut fruits, optional toppings

Directions

First, place the strawberries and 1/2 cup coconut water in the blender. Blend until smooth and divide between two glasses. Wash blender.

Place the mango, 1 banana and 1/2 cup coconut water in a blender. Then, blend until smooth and divide between two glasses on top of the strawberry layer. Again, be sure to wash the blender.

Place the coconut milk and 1 banana in the blender. Next, blend until smooth. Then, pour into the glasses on top of the mango layer.

Finally, garnish with fresh fruit or a sprinkle of chia seeds before serving.

In conclusion, cheers to a healthy day! We hope you enjoy the recipe. Let us know your thoughts.