Between this smoothie and an out-of-town wedding that was jam-packed with friends, dancing, and enough laughter to keep my cheeks sore for days, there is a whole lot to glow about today. We spent the weekend in Cincinnati for our friends' beautiful wedding, and it turned out to be a mini college reunion of sorts. A handful of us even rounded out the festivities by spending yesterday afternoon at our alma mater, Miami, before heading back to our respective homes, hearts glowing and minds happy.
And this smoothie? I think it's capable of infusing even the gloomiest of days with a bright glow. It's vibrant, refreshing, and packed with vitamin c thanks to a triple-threat lineup of strawberries, papaya, and baobab powder. Simply toss strawberries, papaya, ice, dates, lime juice, and baobab powder (optional) into a blender, and blend until smooth. Lately, I've been able to find pre-cut papaya at the store, so I've been using that to simplify and quicken the process in the morning.
The tropical flavor leans toward summer a bit more than it does spring, but I'm not one to complain about summer nuances in spring smoothies. Bring on the sunny vibes. The papaya lends a silky-smooth texture, the lime juice makes the flavors pop, and the dates add just enough sweetness to balance out the acidity from the fruit. The baobab powder is an optional add-in, but I recommend it if you can get your hands on it. It kicks up the vitamin c content, and its subtle flavor pairs perfectly with the strawberries and papaya.
📖 Recipe
Glowing Strawberry-Papaya Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups diced fresh strawberries
- 1 ½ cups peeled, diced fresh papaya
- ½ cup ice
- 2 dates, pitted*
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice**
- 1 teaspoon baobab powder, optional
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender, and blend until smooth.
Notes
**1 tablespoon is the juice from approximately ½ a medium lime.
Abby @ The Frosted Vegan says
Your weekend sounds so fun! I love those weekends, but it makes going back to work so hard, right? I adore strawberries and am so excited that it's that season again!
Ashley says
Hi, Abby! It really was so much fun. Weekends like that remind me just how important it is to laugh with friends and how much I miss them! There's a good portion of us in Chicago, but many of them are spread out across the country, so it's a special treat to have everyone in one place. Happy almost weekend!
Celeste Jackson says
This looks delicious.....Can't wait to try this in my new VitMix!
Ashley says
So envious of your new Vitamix! I bet it will whirl this smoothie up in just a few seconds. Enjoy!
The Holistic Herbivore says
Oooh! I love baobab powder!! This looks great!!
Ashley says
Thank you! Baobab is quickly creeping up on maca in my ranking of favorite smoothie add-in. So good!
Liz @ Floating Kitchen says
Oh my gosh. The color of this is so FAB. I can't get over it. This would definitely make anyone feel like a million bucks! XO
Ashley says
Thanks so much, Liz! When I poured it into the glass, I was actually a bit stunned by the brightness of the color. I thought the papaya would mute the red a bit, but it really made it glow!
lynsey | lynseylovesfood says
the colour of this is amazing!! I haven't tried the baobab powder but will keep my eyes peeled. xo
Ashley says
Thanks, Lynsey! Baobab is starting to gain more popularity, and it's predicted to become the next big superfood. I purchase mine online through Organic Burst, but most Whole Foods carry it as well. I hope you're able to find it soon!
Adam says
Thanks for sharing Ashley, this was so delicious
Ashley says
You're welcome! So glad you enjoyed, Adam. Thanks for taking the time to come back and share your feedback!