Caribbean Papaya Banana Smoothie
Why this recipe works
- Ready fast: Everything is blended together, making this a quick drink with very little prep or clean-up.
- Naturally creamy: Ripe banana, papaya, yoghurt and coconut milk create a smooth, full-bodied texture without cooking.
- Bright, balanced flavour: Lime cuts through the sweetness of the fruit and honey, keeping the smoothie fresh and lively.
Get the most out of this recipe
Ingredient notes
- Choose ripe papaya: Use papaya that smells fragrant and gives slightly when pressed; underripe papaya can taste flat and less sweet.
- Adjust the lime: Add lime gradually after blending if the fruit is very sweet or the smoothie needs a sharper finish.
- Balance bland fruit: If the papaya is mild, a little extra honey can help lift the flavour without making the drink heavy.
Texture tips
- For a thicker smoothie: Chill the papaya and coconut milk before blending, or use the optional ice for a colder, frothier texture.
- For a looser drink: Blend in a splash more coconut milk until the smoothie pours easily.
- Blend until silky: Give the fruit enough time in the blender so the papaya fibres and banana fully break down.
Dietary alternatives
- Make it vegan: Use a plant-based yoghurt and replace the honey with agave syrup or another vegan sweetener.
- Make it dairy-free: Swap the Greek yoghurt for a dairy-free yoghurt that blends smoothly with coconut milk.
Timing notes
- Serve straight away: The smoothie has the freshest flavour and best frothy texture immediately after blending.
- If storing: Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 24 hours, then stir or briefly re-blend before drinking.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel and deseed the papaya, then peel the banana. Halve the lime and juice it. Add the fruit and lime juice to a blender.
- Add the Greek yogurt, coconut milk and honey. Blend for 30 to 45 seconds until completely smooth. Taste and blend in more lime juice if you want it sharper.
- Add the ice cubes, if using, and blend again until frothy and very cold. Pour into a glass and serve straight away. If it is too thick, blend in a splash more coconut milk.
Recipe notes
Tips
- Use ripe, fragrant papaya for the sweetest flavour; if it tastes bland, add a little extra honey and lime.
- For a thicker smoothie, chill the papaya and coconut milk in the fridge before blending.
Substitutions
- Replace Honey with Agave syrup for a similar sweetness with a lighter flavour.
- Replace Greek yogurt with Yogurt for a looser, less tangy smoothie.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 1 days
- Best served immediately. If needed, refrigerate for up to 24 hours in a sealed container and stir or briefly re-blend before drinking.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 1 glasses
- Total time: 10min (10min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Caribbean
-
Allergens:
Milk
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