Enjoy this papaya strawberry smoothie which is packed with antioxidants and superfoods for a delicious smoothie which also helps with digestion and glowing skin!
Papaya is a delicious, tropical fruit that has digestive enzymes known to help with digestive health. The taste of papaya pairs well with strawberry. This smoothie is the perfect gut-loving remedy and a delicious way to start your day.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe (and Why Its Good for You!)
Digestion – Papaya is rich in papain which is an enzyme that aids digestion by helping to break down protein. Papaya seeds have also been shown to help clear any intestinal parasites (bad bacteria). This smoothie is also packed with fiber which you know is also great for your gut microbiome.
Easy and quick – This papaya strawberry smoothie comes together in 5 minutes and is a healthy and protein-packed way start your day, post-workout or for whenever you are on the go.
Benefits of Papaya
Here are just a few of the health benefits of papayas:
- Relieve bloating
- Helps with digestion
- Packed with vitamin C and potassium
- Supports glowing skin
Ingredients in this Papaya Strawberry Smoothie
- Papaya – Use ripe, bright orange-red papaya for the best taste.
- Papaya seeds – Save those seeds! Papaya seeds have anti-parasitic activity for your gut.
- Strawberries – Strawberries are full of antioxidants and fiber which are great for gut health. I recommend using frozen but fresh can be used in a bind. Just add a few ice cubes.
- Coconut yogurt – Using a probiotic coconut yogurt such as Cocoyo will add a boost of gut healthy probiotics. Be sure to look for plain yogurt with no added sugars.
- Seeds – This smoothie is great if you are seed cycling and you can swap out your seeds based on what you have. In the first half of my cycle I use 1 tablespoon each of flaxseed and pepitas. In the second half of my cycle I use 1 tablespoon each of plain, unroasted sunflower seeds and sesame seeds.
- Protein powder – To balance your blood sugar and keep you satiated. Look for a clean, toxin-screened protein powder. I’m currently loving this powder from Ritual.
- Water – I use water as my base but you can also use your favorite non-dairy milk as well.
- Ginger (Optional) – Ginger is a potent anti-inflammatory. Added to this combination gives this smoothie an almost tropical lime taste, but if you don’t like the taste you can omit it.
How to Make this Papaya Strawberry Smoothie
- Step 1: Peel the papaya and remove the seeds. Set the seeds aside for the recipe.
- Step 2: Peel the ginger (if using) and chop loosely.
- Step 3: Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender. Add a few ice cubes if need to make thicker.
Smoothie-Making Tips
- Use frozen strawberries. Since you are using fresh papaya it’s important to use frozen strawberries to thicken the smoothie and make it creamy. You can use fresh strawberries if that’s what you have – you may just want to add about a 1/2 cup of ice.
- Use ripe papaya. Unripe papaya can taste very bland and almost bitter so be sure to use ripe papaya that is bright orange.
- Swap out coconut yogurt. If you don’t like the taste of coconut and can tolerate dairy, use Greek yogurt instead for a protein boost.
Frequently Asked Questions
For this smoothie I use half yogurt, half water. You can also use the plant-based milk of your choice instead of water.
If you would like a thinner smoothie, add liquid 1 tablespoons at a time until you reached desired consistency.
If you want a thick smoothie, be sure to use frozen strawberries. You can also add ice cubes (about 4 at a time) until you reach your desired constancy.
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PrintPapaya Strawberry Smoothie
Enjoy this papaya strawberry smoothie which is packed with antioxidants and superfoods for a delicious smoothie which also helps with digestion and glowing skin!
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup cubed papaya, peeled
- 3/4 cup frozen organic strawberries
- 1 tablespoon papaya seeds (reserved from papaya)
- 1/2 cup coconut yogurt (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds (see notes)
- 1 tablespoon flax seeds (see notes)
- 1 to 1 1/2 scoop vanilla or unflavored protein powder (see notes)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger
- 1/2 cup water
- 4 ice cubes
Instructions
- Peel the papayas. Remove the seeds and set aside.
- Peel the ginger and chop finely. Set aside.
- Combine the papaya, strawberry, coconut yogurt, papaya seeds, pumpkin and flax seeds, ginger, water, protein powder and ice cubes in a high-speed blender.
- Blend until smooth.
Notes
- About Seed Cycling: This smoothie is great if you are seed cycling of you can swap out your seeds based on what you have. In the first half of my cycle I use 1 tablespoon each of flaxseed and pepitas. In the second half of my cycle I use 1 tablespoon each of plain, unroasted sunflower seeds and sesame seeds.
- Protein Powder: If I am drinking this smoothie for breakfast I typically add a serving and a half of protein powder to reach 40 grams of protein. However, you can add a single serving if that is most appropriate for your needs.