Broccoli Mango Banana Lime

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Broccoli might not be the first ingredient that comes to mind when you’re making a fruit smoothie, but this Broccoli Mango Banana Lime Smoothie is a surprisingly refreshing way to blend it. Sweet mango and ripe banana soften broccoli’s earthy flavor, while fresh lime adds a bright citrus finish that keeps the smoothie tasting fresh and lively.

The banana also gives the smoothie a naturally creamy texture, so you don’t need yogurt or milk to make it smooth and satisfying. Water keeps the blend light, making this an easy dairy-free smoothie made with just five simple ingredients.

If you’re hesitant about putting broccoli in your blender, this is a good recipe to start with. The key is balancing it with naturally sweet fruit. Mango and banana do most of the work here, while the lime cuts through the sweetness and gives the entire drink a cleaner, brighter flavor.

It’s quick, colorful, and ready in about five minutes — especially handy when you have some broccoli in the refrigerator and want to use it in something other than another side dish.

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What Is A Broccoli Mango Banana Lime Smoothie?

A Broccoli Mango Banana Lime Smoothie is a fruit-and-vegetable smoothie made by blending broccoli florets with mango, banana, fresh lime, and water. It has an unusual ingredient combination, but the flavors work together better than you might expect.

Broccoli brings a fresh, slightly earthy character to the smoothie, while mango contributes tropical sweetness. Banana makes the mixture creamier and helps mellow the stronger notes of the broccoli. Lime is the finishing touch, adding enough acidity to brighten the fruit and keep the smoothie from tasting overly sweet.

Unlike green smoothies that rely on spinach or kale, broccoli gives this drink a slightly different flavor and texture. A powerful blender helps break the florets down completely, creating a much smoother drink.

You can also adjust the balance to suit your taste. A little extra mango makes the smoothie sweeter, while more lime gives it a sharper citrus finish.

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Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Mango Banana Lime Smoothie

This isn’t your typical green smoothie, and that’s part of the fun. Broccoli gives it a fresh flavor that’s noticeably different from a spinach-based blend, while the fruit keeps it approachable.

It’s also about as simple as smoothie recipes get. Five ingredients, one blender, and a few minutes are all you need. I especially like using frozen mango when I have it because it makes the smoothie colder without having to pile in ice.

You can easily play with the proportions, too. Start with less broccoli, make it extra limey, use frozen banana for a thicker texture, or throw in a little more mango when you want it sweeter.

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What Does Broccoli Mango Banana Lime Smoothie Taste Like?

If you’ve never added broccoli to a smoothie before, you might expect it to dominate the flavor. Surprisingly, it doesn’t. In this Broccoli Mango Banana Lime Smoothie, the fruit does a good job of balancing broccoli’s fresh, slightly earthy taste.

Mango brings a juicy tropical sweetness, while ripe banana adds a softer sweetness and creamy texture. Together, they mellow the stronger notes of the broccoli without completely hiding it. You can still tell there’s a fresh vegetable in the smoothie, but it shouldn’t taste like you’re drinking a bowl of raw broccoli.

The lime makes a big difference. Its bright, tart flavor cuts through the sweetness of the mango and banana while giving the smoothie a cleaner, more refreshing finish. If you enjoy a stronger citrus flavor, you can add a little extra lime juice or a small amount of finely grated lime zest.

Texture depends largely on your blender and ingredients. Fresh banana produces a lighter, drinkable consistency, while frozen banana or mango makes the smoothie noticeably thicker and creamier. Because broccoli is fibrous, blending until completely smooth is especially important with this recipe.

Overall, expect a smoothie that’s fruity, mildly earthy, creamy, and citrusy rather than strongly vegetable-forward. If you’re trying broccoli in a smoothie for the first time, using a very ripe banana and sweet mango is the easiest way to make the flavor more approachable.

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Ingredients For Broccoli Mango Banana Lime Smoothie

One of the best things about this Broccoli Mango Banana Lime Smoothie is how simple the ingredient list is. You only need five ingredients, and each one plays an important role in balancing the flavor and texture.

Broccoli

You’ll need 2 cups of broccoli florets. Fresh broccoli gives the smoothie its distinctive green color and mild earthy flavor. Cut larger florets into smaller pieces before blending so they break down more easily.

Because the broccoli is used raw, wash it thoroughly before blending. The FDA recommends washing fresh produce under running water before preparing or eating it rather than using soap or commercial produce washes.

The stems are edible too, but they’re firmer and more fibrous. For the smoothest texture, I prefer using mostly florets in this recipe.

Mango

Use ½ cup of mango for natural sweetness and tropical flavor. Fresh or frozen mango will work, although frozen mango makes the smoothie colder and a little thicker.

Choose ripe mango whenever possible. Sweeter mango helps balance the broccoli without needing to add sugar or another sweetener.

Banana

One medium ripe banana adds sweetness, body, and creaminess. A banana with some brown spots on the peel works especially well because it will generally be sweeter than a barely ripe banana.

You can also use frozen banana if you prefer a thicker, colder smoothie.

Lime

You’ll need ½ lime, peeled. Lime adds the tart, citrusy note that makes this combination taste brighter and more refreshing.

Peel the lime and remove most of the thick white pith, which can make the smoothie taste bitter. For even more lime flavor, add a small amount of finely grated zest from a well-washed lime.

Water

Use 1 cup of water to help everything blend smoothly while keeping the smoothie light and refreshing.

If your blender struggles with the broccoli, add a little more water as needed. For a thicker smoothie, start with slightly less and add more only after checking the consistency.

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Why Broccoli Works So Well In Smoothies

Broccoli isn’t nearly as common in smoothies as spinach or kale, but it can work surprisingly well when it’s paired with the right ingredients. The trick is giving its fresh, slightly earthy flavor enough sweetness and acidity to create a balanced drink.

That’s exactly what happens in this Broccoli Mango Banana Lime Smoothie. Mango provides a bright tropical sweetness, while banana adds a softer flavor and creamy body. Lime brings acidity and a fresh citrus note, preventing the combination from tasting flat or overly vegetal.

Texture is another reason the other ingredients matter. Raw broccoli is naturally firm and fibrous, so blending it with soft banana and juicy mango helps create a smoother consistency. A high-speed blender is especially useful here because it can break the florets down more thoroughly.

Broccoli also gives you a way to make a green smoothie without relying on leafy greens every time. It won’t disappear into the background quite as easily as baby spinach, but that’s part of what makes this recipe different. You get a mild vegetable note alongside the tropical fruit rather than a smoothie that tastes entirely like banana and mango.

If you enjoy experimenting with broccoli in smoothies, our Broccoli Orange Soy Banana Ginger Smoothie uses a completely different combination of citrus, banana, soy milk, and ginger.

If I’m having this smoothie for breakfast, oats are one of the easiest things to put alongside it. You can always add more the next time. That’s probably the easiest approach if most of the smoothies you normally make are fruit-based.

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How To Make Broccoli Mango Banana Lime Smoothie

Making this Broccoli Mango Banana Lime Smoothie takes only a few minutes, but the order you add the ingredients can help everything blend more smoothly.

Prepare The Ingredients

Start by thoroughly washing the broccoli and other fresh produce under running water. Since the broccoli goes into the smoothie raw, it’s worth taking a moment to wash the produce thoroughly and follow basic safe food handling practices. Cut the broccoli into smaller florets so it blends more easily. Peel the banana, prepare the mango if you’re using fresh fruit, and peel half of the lime. Remove any seeds and as much of the thick white pith as you can to prevent unwanted bitterness.

Add The Water First

Pour 1 cup of water into the blender first. Adding the liquid before the solid ingredients helps the blades move more freely and makes it easier to break down the broccoli.

Add The Fruit And Broccoli

Add the banana, mango, peeled lime, and broccoli florets to the blender. If you’re using frozen mango or banana, you may need a splash of additional water depending on the strength of your blender.

Blend Until Completely Smooth

Start on a lower speed and gradually increase to high. Blend for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until you no longer see small pieces of broccoli.

Don’t rush this step. Broccoli is more fibrous than many typical smoothie ingredients, so giving it enough blending time makes a noticeable difference in the final texture.

Check The Flavor And Consistency

Taste the smoothie before pouring it into your glasses. If it’s too thick, blend in a small splash of water. If the broccoli flavor is stronger than you’d like, add a little more mango or banana. For a brighter finish, squeeze in some additional fresh lime juice.

Pour into two glasses and serve immediately while the smoothie is fresh and cold.

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Smoothie Making Essentials

Making this smoothie regularly? A powerful blender and a few simple prep tools make it much easier to get raw broccoli completely smooth while keeping smoothie prep quick.

Smoothie Essential	Why It’s Useful	Link
High-Speed Blender	Helps break down fibrous broccoli and frozen fruit into a smoother consistency.	Check Price on Amazon
Glass Measuring Cup	Makes measuring the water and other ingredients quick and consistent.	Check Price on Amazon
Citrus Zester	Useful when you want to add a small amount of fresh lime zest.	Check Price on Amazon

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Pro Tips For The Best Broccoli Mango Banana Lime Smoothie

The ingredients may be simple, but a few small details can make your Broccoli Mango Banana Lime Smoothie noticeably smoother and better balanced.

Use Sweet, Ripe Fruit

Ripe mango and banana are especially important in this recipe because their natural sweetness balances the broccoli. A banana with a few brown spots is ideal. If your fruit isn’t particularly ripe, the broccoli flavor may be more noticeable.

Cut The Broccoli Into Smaller Florets

Don’t put large chunks of broccoli straight into the blender. Smaller florets break down more easily and help you get a smoother texture, particularly if you aren’t using a high-powered blender.

Try Frozen Mango Or Banana

For a colder, thicker smoothie without watering it down with ice, freeze the mango or banana beforehand. You don’t need both fruits frozen unless you want a particularly thick consistency.

Don’t Skip The Lime

Lime isn’t just an extra flavor in this smoothie. Its acidity helps balance both the sweetness of the fruit and the earthy character of the broccoli. Taste the smoothie after blending and add another squeeze if it needs more brightness.

Blend Longer Than A Typical Fruit Smoothie

Bananas and mangoes break down quickly, but broccoli needs a little more time. Blend until you can’t see small green pieces floating through the drink. Depending on your blender, this may take up to two minutes.

Adjust The Broccoli To Your Taste

Two cups of broccoli creates a noticeable vegetable presence. If this is your first broccoli smoothie, starting with about one cup is completely fine. You can gradually use more as you become familiar with the flavor.

Serve It Right Away

This smoothie has its best flavor, color, and texture immediately after blending. If it sits for a while, some separation is normal. A quick stir or shake will bring it back together.

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Common Mistakes To Avoid

This Broccoli Mango Banana Lime Smoothie is easy to make, but broccoli behaves differently in the blender than softer fruits. Most problems come down to ingredient balance, preparation, or not blending long enough.

Using Too Much Broccoli The First Time

The original recipe uses two cups of broccoli, which gives the smoothie a definite vegetable flavor. If you’ve never tried broccoli in a smoothie, you may enjoy it more by starting with a smaller amount and working your way up.

There’s no need to force the full amount on your first try. The best smoothie is the one you’ll actually enjoy drinking.

Using An Underripe Banana

A firm, barely ripe banana doesn’t provide nearly as much sweetness as a ripe one. Since the banana helps balance the broccoli, this can leave the smoothie tasting more earthy than expected.

Look for a yellow banana with a few brown spots for a sweeter, creamier blend.

Leaving Too Much White Pith On The Lime

The lime peel and thick white pith underneath can be bitter. Since half a lime goes directly into the blender, take a moment to remove most of the pith and check for seeds before adding it.

Not Blending Long Enough

Stopping the blender as soon as the fruit disappears can leave tiny pieces of broccoli throughout the smoothie. Give it enough time to become genuinely smooth.

If your blender is having trouble, stop it, scrape down the sides if necessary, add a small splash of water, and blend again.

Adding Too Much Water At Once

One cup works well for the original recipe, but fruit size and whether you’re using fresh or frozen ingredients can change the consistency.

If you prefer thicker smoothies, you can start with a little less water. It’s always easier to thin a smoothie after blending than to make an overly thin smoothie thick again.

Adding Too Much Ice

Ice can make the smoothie colder, but a large amount also dilutes the mango, banana, and lime flavors. Frozen mango or frozen banana is a better option when you want a thicker, colder smoothie without losing flavor.

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Broccoli Mango Banana Lime Smoothie Variations

Once you’ve tried the original Broccoli Mango Banana Lime Smoothie, it’s easy to adjust the recipe without losing the combination that makes it interesting. A small change in fruit, liquid, or texture can make the smoothie feel completely different.

Make It Extra Tropical

Add a handful of fresh or frozen pineapple. Pineapple works naturally with mango and lime, adding more tropical sweetness while helping soften the broccoli flavor.

Make It Creamier

Replace some of the water with plain Greek yogurt or your favorite unsweetened plant-based yogurt. This gives the smoothie a richer, creamier consistency and makes it feel more substantial.

You can also add a small piece of avocado for creaminess without introducing much additional sweetness.

Make It Sweeter

If your mango and banana aren’t particularly ripe, add more of either fruit rather than immediately reaching for added sugar. A couple of pitted dates can also provide extra sweetness while changing the flavor only slightly.

Add More Greens

For an even greener smoothie, blend in a handful of baby spinach. Its mild flavor works well with broccoli and is easily balanced by the mango and banana.

Give It A Ginger Kick

Add a small piece of peeled fresh ginger for a warm, spicy note. Start with a small amount because ginger can quickly become the strongest flavor in the smoothie.

Ginger and lime are particularly good together, so this variation gives the drink a noticeably brighter finish.

Make It Colder And Thicker

Use frozen mango, frozen banana, or a combination of the two. This creates a colder, thicker texture without needing a large amount of ice.

If the mixture becomes too thick for your blender, add water a tablespoon or two at a time until the blades move freely.

Try Coconut Water

Swap the regular water for coconut water for a subtle coconut flavor that complements the mango and lime. The result remains light and refreshing but takes on a slightly more tropical character.

Make It More Lime-Forward

If lime is your favorite part of the recipe, add an extra squeeze of fresh lime juice after blending. A small amount of finely grated lime zest can intensify the citrus aroma even further, but use it sparingly so it doesn’t overwhelm the fruit.

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Helpful Smoothie Add-Ins

Want to experiment with the recipe? These pantry staples make it easy to change the texture or add something different without completely changing the mango, banana, broccoli, and lime combination.

Smoothie Add-In	Best For	Link
Chia Seeds	Adding texture and an easy seed-based add-in	Check Price on Amazon
Ground Flaxseed	Blending easily into fruit and green smoothies	Check Price on Amazon
Unsweetened Coconut Water	Replacing plain water for a more tropical variation	Check Price on Amazon
Unsweetened Plant-Based Protein Powder	Turning the smoothie into a more substantial option	Check Price on Amazon

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Health Benefits Of Broccoli Mango Banana Lime Smoothie

This Broccoli Mango Banana Lime Smoothie combines fruit and vegetables in one simple drink. Rather than treating it as a miracle “detox” or making exaggerated health claims, its biggest advantage is straightforward: it’s an easy way to enjoy several whole plant foods at once.

A Simple Way To Enjoy More Fruits And Vegetables

Broccoli, mango, banana, and lime each contribute different nutrients and plant compounds. Blending them together can be a convenient option for people who want to include a wider variety of produce in their day.

Unlike juicing, blending generally keeps the edible fiber from the fruits and vegetables in the finished drink.

Broccoli Provides Vitamin C And Vitamin K

Broccoli is naturally a source of several nutrients, including vitamin C and vitamin K. It also provides folate and dietary fiber.

Using broccoli in a smoothie is simply another way to enjoy this vegetable when you want something different from steaming, roasting, or adding it to a meal.

Mango Provides Vitamin C And Carotenoids

Mango contributes natural sweetness along with vitamin C. It also contains carotenoids, including beta-carotene, which the body can convert into vitamin A.

That natural sweetness is particularly useful here because it helps balance broccoli without requiring added sugar.

Banana Provides Potassium And Carbohydrates

Banana contributes potassium and carbohydrates while also giving the smoothie much of its natural sweetness and creamy texture. In this recipe, banana adds a creamier consistency while naturally sweetening the smoothie.

Lime Adds A Fresh Source Of Vitamin C

Fresh lime contributes vitamin C along with the acidity responsible for the smoothie’s bright flavor. Although only half a lime is used, it has a noticeable effect on the overall taste.

The Whole Ingredients Provide Fiber

Because the broccoli, mango, banana, and peeled lime are blended rather than strained out, their edible fiber remains in the smoothie. Fiber is an important part of a balanced diet and is one reason a blended smoothie differs from a strained fruit or vegetable juice.

The exact nutritional profile will vary depending on the size and ripeness of your fruit, the amount of broccoli used, and any additional ingredients you decide to add.

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What To Serve With Broccoli Mango Banana Lime Smoothie

This Broccoli Mango Banana Lime Smoothie is light, fruity, and refreshing, so it pairs especially well with foods that add a little more substance. What you serve alongside it really depends on whether you’re having the smoothie for breakfast, as a snack, or simply as a refreshing drink.

Pair It With Breakfast Oats

If I’m having this smoothie for breakfast, oats are one of the easiest things to put alongside it. The mild flavor works well with the mango and lime, and toppings like berries, walnuts, chia seeds, or sliced banana give you plenty of ways to change things up.

Serve It With Toast

Whole-grain toast with peanut butter, almond butter, or another favorite nut or seed butter gives you a simple contrast to the cold, fruity smoothie. Avocado toast also works well if you’d rather keep the pairing savory.

Add Eggs For A Savory Breakfast

If you prefer something savory in the morning, serve the smoothie alongside scrambled, boiled, or poached eggs. The bright mango and lime flavors provide a refreshing contrast to the eggs.

Pair It With Yogurt And Granola

A small bowl of Greek yogurt topped with granola and fresh fruit works nicely when you want something creamy and crunchy alongside the smoothie. Choose plain or lightly sweetened yogurt if you don’t want the overall meal to become too sweet.

Enjoy It With Nuts Or Seeds

For a quick snack, you don’t necessarily need to prepare another recipe. A small handful of almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, or another favorite nut or seed makes an easy accompaniment.

Keep It Simple

The smoothie can also be enjoyed completely on its own, especially as an afternoon drink or lighter snack. With broccoli, mango, banana, and lime already in the blender, there’s no need to turn every glass into a complicated meal.

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How To Store Broccoli Mango Banana Lime Smoothie

This Broccoli Mango Banana Lime Smoothie tastes best immediately after blending, when the flavor is fresh and the texture is at its smoothest. If you have leftovers, though, you don’t need to throw them away.

Store It In The Refrigerator

Pour leftover smoothie into a clean, airtight container or jar and refrigerate it promptly. Filling the container fairly close to the top can reduce the amount of air trapped inside.

For the best quality, I recommend enjoying the leftover smoothie within 24 hours.

Don’t Worry If It Separates

Some separation is completely normal. The thicker fruit and broccoli mixture may settle while the liquid rises toward the top, especially after several hours in the refrigerator.

Simply shake the sealed container well or stir the smoothie before drinking. If the texture has become too thick, blend or stir in a small splash of water.

Can You Freeze This Smoothie?

Yes. Pour leftovers into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid, then transfer the frozen smoothie cubes to a freezer-safe container.

When you’re ready for another smoothie, put the cubes back into the blender with a little water and blend until smooth. This is also a useful way to avoid wasting a partial serving.

Make-Ahead Tip

If mornings are busy, preparing the ingredients ahead of time works better than blending the entire smoothie the night before.

Portion the mango and banana into a freezer-safe container and keep them frozen. Wash and prepare the broccoli separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to make the smoothie, add everything to the blender with fresh lime and water.

You get most of the convenience of a make-ahead smoothie while still enjoying a freshly blended texture.

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Smoothie Storage & Prep

Planning smoothies ahead? A few reusable containers can make ingredient prep and leftover storage much easier.

Prep Essential	Why I Like It	Link
Glass Smoothie Jars With Lids	Convenient for refrigerating a leftover serving	Check Price on Amazon
Silicone Freezer Tray	Useful for freezing leftover smoothie into cubes	Check Price on Amazon
Reusable Freezer Containers	Great for portioning mango and banana ahead of time	Check Price on Amazon

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Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli Mango Banana Lime Smoothie

Can You Put Raw Broccoli In A Smoothie?

Yes. Raw broccoli can be blended directly into a smoothie. Cut it into smaller florets first and blend thoroughly, since broccoli is more fibrous than softer ingredients such as banana or mango. A high-speed blender will generally produce the smoothest texture.

Can I Use Frozen Broccoli?

You can, although frozen broccoli may change both the flavor and texture. If using packaged frozen broccoli, check that it’s plain broccoli without sauce or seasoning. For this particular recipe, fresh broccoli gives the smoothie a fresher flavor.

Can I Use Frozen Mango Or Banana?

Yes. Either one works well and will make the smoothie colder and thicker without adding ice. You can also freeze both, although you’ll probably need a little extra water to keep everything moving in the blender.

Can I Taste The Broccoli?

You can taste a mild fresh, earthy note, particularly because the recipe uses two cups of broccoli. However, ripe mango and banana help balance it, while lime adds brightness. If you’re new to broccoli smoothies, start with less broccoli and increase it gradually.

Do I Need To Cook The Broccoli First?

No. You can put the broccoli in the blender raw after thoroughly washing it and cutting it into manageable florets. Cooking it isn’t necessary for this recipe and will change the flavor.

What Can I Use Instead Of Water?

Coconut water is an easy alternative and complements the mango and lime nicely. You can also experiment with an unsweetened plant-based milk if you want a creamier smoothie, although it will change the light, refreshing character of the original recipe.

Can I Make This Smoothie Ahead Of Time?

You can, but it’s better freshly blended. If necessary, refrigerate it in an airtight container and enjoy it within about 24 hours. Shake or stir well before drinking because natural separation is expected.

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More Smoothie Recipes To Try

If you enjoyed this Broccoli Mango Banana Lime Smoothie, here are a few more refreshing recipes to try next:

• Broccoli Orange Soy Banana Ginger Smoothie – Another creative way to use broccoli in a smoothie. Orange and banana balance the fresh broccoli flavor, while ginger adds a bright, slightly spicy finish.
• Mango Banana Kiwi Pineapple Smoothie – A sweet and tropical combination packed with mango, banana, kiwi, and pineapple. This is a great choice when you’re craving something fruity and refreshing.
• Sweet Green Smoothie – A creamy green smoothie made with spinach, banana, avocado, oat milk, vanilla protein powder, and flaxseed. It’s a good option if you prefer a milder-tasting green smoothie.
• Apple Cucumber Cooler – Crisp, light, and refreshing, this fruit-and-vegetable drink is especially enjoyable when you want something less creamy and more cooling.
• Mango Banana Carrot Orange Smoothie – Sweet mango and banana meet fresh carrot and citrus for a colorful smoothie with a naturally bright, fruity flavor.
• Peach Blueberry Banana Spinach Smoothie – A fruit-forward green smoothie combining sweet peaches and blueberries with creamy banana and spinach.

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Final Thoughts On This Broccoli Mango Banana Lime Smoothie

Broccoli in a smoothie sounds a little strange until you actually try it. That’s what makes this recipe worth making at least once.

The mango and banana give you the familiar fruitiness you’d expect from a smoothie, but there’s still a fresh green note from the broccoli. Then you get that little hit of lime at the end, which is probably my favorite part.

Don’t worry about getting the proportions perfect on your first try. If two cups of broccoli sounds like a lot, use one. Want it sweeter? Throw in some extra mango. Want more zing? Squeeze in more lime.

That’s the nice thing about a five-ingredient smoothie: it’s incredibly easy to make it your own.

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Did You Make This Broccoli Mango Banana Lime Smoothie?

If you tried this Broccoli Mango Banana Lime Smoothie, I’d love to know how it turned out. Did you make the original version with two cups of broccoli, or did you start with a little less? Maybe you used frozen mango, added extra lime, or came up with your own variation.

Leave a comment below and share what worked for you. Your experience can also help other readers who might be trying broccoli in a smoothie for the first time.

And if you share your smoothie on Instagram, tag @smoothies_nature365 and use #thesmoothierecipes so we can see your creation.

Be sure to explore more recipes on The Smoothie Recipes for everything from tropical fruit smoothies and creamy breakfast blends to refreshing green smoothies and vegetable-based drinks.