vegan | gluten-free | refined sugar-free | easy | 15 minutes or less

This is my all-time favorite smoothie.  It's the one I go back to regularly.  It's true, I love the mango-lime combination in just about any form; in a smoothie, it's divine.  In the early days of smoothie shops, I remember asking if the smoothie makers would add lime to my tropical smoothie.  Consistently, they looked confused by the question.  The smoothies were so sweet, though - made with juices, sorbets, added sugar - that I longed for the tartness of the lime to provide balance.  I find this smoothie to be not too sweet, not too tart.  Just right.  And it's made with only whole foods and plant-based milk, so it's full of naturally-derived flavor.

My kids love having a smoothie for breakfast or after school, and this smoothie is made often for them.  The youngest prefers to leave the lime out.  Totally doable.  It just ends up on a sweet note instead of achieving that balance; kids tend to like that sweet note.  He also prefers a small one in the morning with additional breakfast, while my oldest is out the door early with a large smoothie in hand.  So it's up to you and yours how you divide up your batch.  Enjoy it the way you like it.  It's all good.  By the way, does this make a good cocktail by just adding a little tequila, vodka, or rum?  Yes.  Yes, it does.

Mango Lime Smoothie

Makes 4 cups.  Serves:  2 large or 4 small  //  Prep time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups frozen mango chunks

• 2 cups almond milk or your favorite plant-based milk

• 1 cup kale

• 1 banana

• 1 medjool date

• 1 thin lime wedge, about ⅛ of one lime

Method:

1. Place all ingredients in a high-speed blender.

2. Blend on high. Once well incorporated, blend on low until the date and lime have been broken down, if necessary.

3. Enjoy thoroughly.

Author's note:  

While I consider eating more produce the top priority, I do recommend buying organic ingredients whenever possible to avoid consuming (and supporting the use of) harmful pesticides and GMOs.  Compare the cost of organic to the drive-thru and you may be surprised to find that organic made-at-home meals can cost less.  Many recipes you'll find here travel well and are about as quick to make as hitting the local fast-food joint.

My goal is to provide recipes that are easy and relatively quick; doable during a busy week.  Kitchen times are approximate and will depend on various factors, like your personal kitchen speed and how many hands you have working with you.  Cooking can become a centering experience that brings family together. I hope you enjoy the ride!