“So tropical and refreshing, it reminds me of being on vacation! Nothing wrong with adding a splash of tequila, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere …”
~ Kat B.
Island Sunrise, a popular Ninja Blender “Smoothies & Super Juices” recipe, is a refreshing tropical fruit smoothie loaded with healthy vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. This drink has a creamy sweet flavor, and a look and taste reminiscent of the popular vacation beverage tequila sunrise. Perfect for a mid-afternoon boost when you would rather by sitting on the beach watching the waves roll in.
Everything You Need
Key Ingredients
The Ninja Blender Island Sunrise smoothie ingredients are:
- bananas
- mango
- pineapples
- strawberries
- coconut water
- ice
Health Benefits
Bananas – Bananas are very healthy, readily available, and one of the least expensive fruits you can buy. They have relatively few calories, are rich in nutrients such as vitamin C and potassium, are full of potent antioxidants including flavonoids and animes, and are high in dietary fiber. Studies have shown that bananas can improve insulin sensitivity and may improve kidney health.
[Amazon Fresh]
Mango – Mango, in some corners of the world, is known as the “King of Fruits” and delivers an impressive amount of potent nutrients and healthy plant compounds. They are extremely high in vitamin C and provide significant amounts of copper, folate, and vitamin B6. Mangoes are also known to boost your immune system, improve digestive health with their amylases enzymes, help prevent diabetes, and have even been shown to reduce the risk of certain cancers.
[Amazon Fresh]
Pineapples – Pineapples are popular tangy tropical fruit that, surprising to most, originated in South America, not Hawaii. They are absolutely loaded with antioxidants and nutrients, including a ridiculously high amount of vitamin C (1 serving = 131% of the recommended daily intake), manganese, vitamin B6, and thiamin. Pineapples also contain a significant amount of the digestive enzymes bromelain that can help fight pancreatic cancer.
[Amazon Fresh]
Strawberries – Strawberries are a flavorful staple of many healthy smoothies and shakes. They are an excellent source of several important antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds including pelargonidin, ellagic acid, ellagitannins, and procyanidins. Strawberries are widely known to decrease the risk of heart disease, help regulate blood sugar, and reduce the risk of certain cancers.
[Amazon Fresh]
Coconut Water – Coconut water has become an increasingly popular health drink as of late. It is low in calories, efficiently replenishes electrolytes, is an excellent source of potassium, and contains potent free radical fighting antioxidants. Also, coconut water has been shown to lower blood sugar levels in people suffering from diabetes, prevent kidney stone formation, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
[Amazon Fresh]
Equipment Needed
A standard blender is all that is required to make Ninja Blender smoothies. If you are making it for just one person, we recommend using any one of the many available Ninja Single Serve Blenders as they are quick to set up and very easy to clean.
If you are making them for more than one person, we recommend a higher-end Ninja Blender that can process larger loads more efficiently.
For overnight storage, we recommend using a glass or BPA-free airtight container with a resealable lid.
How To Make The Ninja Blender Island Sunrise Smoothie
The Ninja Blender Island Sunrise smoothie is very easy to make:
- Step 1: Place banana, mango, pineapple, strawberries, coconut water, and ice into a blender and secure the lid.
- Step 2: Start the blender on its lowest speed and steadily ramp up to its highest speed. This will reduce wear and tear on the motor and blades, facilitate a more consistent blend, and help prevent food splatter onto the lid and sides.
- Step 3: Blend for approximately 30 seconds or until a smooth consistency is achieved.
- Step 4: Pour into a glass for immediate refreshment or place in the refrigerator in an airtight container to enjoy later.
Recipe Tips And Substitutions
For ease of use, we recommend peeling and slicing a number of bananas, putting them in a freezer bag, and storing them in your freezer for quick access.
If you don’t have frozen fruit, or simply prefer to use fresh fruit (we totally get that), we recommend adding 1/2 cup of ice to chill your smoothie and give it a pleasing icy texture.
Coconut milk or soy milk can be substituted for the coconut water and will make slightly thicker without significantly changing the flavor profile.
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Ninja Blender Island Sunrise Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 banana frozen, sliced
- 3/4 cup mango frozen, chunks
- 3/4 cup pineapple
- 3/4 cup strawberries frozen
- 1 cup coconut water
- 1 cup ice
- 1 Collagen Boost optional
Instructions
- Place banana, mango, pineapple, strawberries, coconut water, and ice into a blender and secure the lid.
- Start the blender on its lowest speed and steadily ramp up to its highest speed. This will reduce wear and tear on the motor and blades, facilitate a more consistent blend, and help prevent food splatter onto the lid and sides.
- Blend for approximately 30 seconds or until a smooth consistency is achieved.
- Pour into a glass for immediate refreshment or place in the refrigerator in an airtight container to enjoy later.
Notes
- For ease of use, we recommend peeling and slicing a number of bananas, putting them in a freezer bag, and storing them in your freezer for quick access.
- If you don’t have frozen fruit, or simply prefer to use fresh fruit (we totally get that), we recommend adding 1/2 cup of ice to chill your smoothie and give it a pleasing icy texture.
- Coconut milk or soy milk can be substituted for the coconut water and will make slightly thicker without significantly changing the flavor profile.
Video
Nutrition
Smoothie Frequently Asked Questions
Bananas aren’t directly responsible for muscle growth in the way that protein-rich foods are. However, they play a supportive role in muscle health and recovery. Bananas are an excellent source of essential nutrients like potassium, which can help prevent muscle cramps and support proper muscle contractions. They also provide easily digestible carbohydrates, vital for replenishing glycogen stores in muscles after a workout. This can aid in faster recovery and provide energy for future workouts. Including bananas in your post-exercise meal or snack, especially when combined with a protein source, can be beneficial for muscle repair and growth.
Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes found in pineapples, specifically in the fruit’s stem and juice. These enzymes are proteolytic, meaning they help break down protein molecules. Bromelain has gained attention for its potential health benefits. It’s believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, can aid digestion, especially in breaking down proteins in the stomach, and may even support wound healing and reduce swelling. Because of these potential benefits, bromelain is often used in supplement form for various health applications. When consuming pineapple as part of a meal with protein, it can assist in the digestive process, making the protein more accessible for absorption.
More Ninja Blender Smoothie Recipes
→ If you liked this delicious Island Sunrise smoothie, try more of our popular favorites on our Ninja Blender Smoothie Recipes page.
Source
Ninja Blender: Website
