The snow is coming down, the temperatures are freezing, and I’m sitting here thinking about how much I wanted to try to reframe my mindset around winter upon relocating to the northeast last year, but how the fact is that I am not a fan of this long, cold season… and I don’t think I ever will be.
BUT… I’m focusing on the fact that a couple weeks ago, I booked an island getaway to Turks & Caicos.
T-1 month until my husband and I are laying on this white sand beach soaking up the sunshine, swimming in the crystal clear water and straight up relaxing. I imagine there will also be bike riding, good food, and beach yoga, and I can’t wait!
Thinking about my upcoming tropical trip put me in mood for island flavors. Despite the chilly temps these days, I’m still enjoying smoothies a couple times a week – what can I say, I love packing a lot of goodness into one cup! – so naturally, I started concocting tropical smoothie creations.
In addition to some typical tropical ingredients, like mango, pineapple, coconut milk, and lime, I also included some anti-inflammatory ingredients in this smoothie: Turmeric and ginger are both potent anti-inflammatory spices, and avocado provides potassium, heart-healthy fats, fiber, and powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
While in the summer I pack in handfuls of ice into my smoothies, in the winter my smoothies include little to no ice (like in this recipe) – which results in a chilled drink from the frozen fruit, but not a bone-chilling smoothie.
Just a quick note that you can of course add in a number of things to add some protein into the mix, such as regular or dairy free yogurt, protein powder or hemp hearts.
Whip this smoothie recipe up in 2 minutes flat for a taste of summer any time of the year!
Tropical Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie {vegan & gf}
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup light canned coconut milk
- 1/2 cup frozen mango
- 1/2 cup frozen pineapple
- Juice from 1/2 lime
- 1 oz ripe avocado cut into a few chunks
- 1/4 TSP ground ginger
- 1/4 TSP ground turmeric
- Shredded coconut to top smoothie with optional
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a high-powered blender. Process until well combined.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
I’m linking up to Deborah and Sarah‘s Meatless Monday party this week! Check out the party if you’re interested in discovering some other new yummy veg recipes.
Tell me… Do you have any upcoming travel plans? Do you usually make smoothies throughout the winter?
I would have trouble getting through a brutal winter like that but looking forward to a vacation would definitely help! I truly need to try this smoothie — I love the turmeric and ginger in here!
It isn’t easy, especially after being spoiled living in California!
Ah yes I need some tropical flavors in my life right now! I’m wishing for summer hardcore this week…
I’m with you, Jennifer!
haha I have to admit that I kinda love winter (although to be fair – North Carolina winters – it gets cold but nothing brutal!). Loving the tropical flavors in this smoothie! I’m such a sucker for anything with ginger!!
That’s right… you’re a winter person! Teach me your ways haha because I’m trying over here & it isn’t working!
Turks and Caicos does sound pretty amazing right now and so does this smoothie. I love pineapple. Hope you will link this recipe up to meatless Monday tomorrow with us
All linked up 🙂 I love pineapple too, but mango has been the tropical fruit I’ve been craving the most lately!