Banana Mango Coconut Water Protein Smoothie
By the QuiteRecipes team (Jamy & Kaïna) | Food Service Professional, Early Childhood Expert & Parents
A hydrating post-game smoothie of banana, mango, coconut water and protein isolate, ideal for quick refueling after basketball.
Post-game, and recovery tastes like the tropics. Banana and mango blend with coconut water and a scoop of protein isolate into a quick, gentle refuel — the shake that gets athletes rehydrated in the time it takes to drink it.
🥄 Ingredients
- 🫗 2 ripe bananas, peeled
- 🫗 1 1/2 cups (250g) frozen mango chunks
- 🫗 2 cups (500ml) coconut water
- 🫗 2 scoops (60g) vanilla or unflavored protein isolate
- 🫗 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
- 🫗 Juice of 1/2 lime
Nutrition Facts*
*Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients, brands and portion sizes. Values are provided per serving.
👨🍳 Instructions
Add the coconut water, frozen mango, bananas and protein powder to the blender.
Add the lime juice and chia seeds if using.
Blend on high for 45-60 seconds until completely smooth.
Pour into two glasses and serve immediately over ice if desired.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- ✕
Adding ice to an already frozen fruit mix, which waters it down.
- ✕
Blending protein powder last, which leaves pockets of powder unmixed.
- ✕
Over-blending until the shake warms up and thins out.
🔄 Variations
Swap mango for pineapple or strawberries.
Add 1 cup of spinach for a green version with extra micronutrients.
Replace coconut water with oat milk for a creamier shake.
🧊 Storage
- 📦
Best consumed within 30 minutes of blending.
- 📦
Freeze leftovers in an ice cube tray to re-blend another time.
💡 Chef Tips
Tip 1: Use frozen mango for a thicker, colder shake without needing ice.
Tip 2: Add the liquid first so the blender does not struggle with the fruit.
Tip 3: Blend the chia seeds with the liquid first, then add fruit, to avoid clumps.
Tip 4: Serve straight away; the smoothie separates as it sits.
❓ FAQ
Why is coconut water in a recovery drink? It provides potassium and fluids to rehydrate quickly after intense game play.
Is it vegan? Yes, with plant-based protein powder.
How much protein does it give? Around 30g per serving with two scoops of protein isolate.
Can I use regular water instead? Yes, but you will lose the naturally high potassium of coconut water.
🔗 Related Recipes
About the Authors
This recipe and guide was developed, tested, and approved in our home kitchen and daily life. Jamy is a retired Food Service District Manager and Early Childhood Program Manager who spent his career overseeing multi-site restaurant operations, large-scale culinary production, and daycare menu management. Kaïna brings the ultimate real-world test: making sure it brings ease and joy to our kids on a busy weeknight.
Read more about our professional background and philosophy →