If you know what lychee is, great!
But if you don’t know, then you have got to get yourself some right now.
They are so delicious.
Believe it or not, I only recently got introduced to lychees, and I absolutely loved them.
So, I decided to make a lychee smoothie.
PrintCreamy Lychee Smoothie Recipe
Indulge in a creamy lychee smoothie, a perfect blend of sweet lychees, banana, and milk for a tropical, refreshing, and deliciously smooth treat.
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 1x
Ingredients
- 6 lychees peels and pitted
- 1 large banana
- 1 tbsp of peanut butter (unsweetened)
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 cup of milk (use dairy-free if needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Lychees by peeling and removing the pits.
- Measure the other ingredients, and set them aside.
- Using a blender, add the lychees and banana first, followed by the rest of the ingredients.
- Blend for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
*For smoothie variations, benefits, and more, scroll past the recipe!
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Smoothie
- Cuisine: Tropical
- Diet: Low Fat
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 smoothie
- Calories: 362
- Sugar: 45.2g
- Fat: 2.2g
- Carbohydrates: 62.1g
- Fiber: 6.4g
- Protein: 7.3g
Why Make a Smoothie With Lychee
Lychees are not often used in smoothies, or consumed enough, but they do make delicious smoothies.
Incorporating lychee into smoothies not only enhances flavor with its unique taste but also boosts the nutritional profile of your drink, supporting overall health and well-being.
Here are some reasons why you should make a lychee smoothie:
- Rich in Nutrients: Lychees are a good source of vitamin C, which supports the immune system, aids in the absorption of iron, and promotes healthy skin by contributing to collagen production. (Source)
- Antioxidant Properties: They contain antioxidants like epicatechin and rutin, which help combat oxidative stress and may protect against chronic diseases, including heart disease and cancer. (Source)
- Unique Flavor: The sweet, floral taste of lychee can add an exotic twist to smoothies, making them more enjoyable and varied in flavor.
- Hydration: Lychees have a high water content, which can help to hydrate the body and make smoothies more refreshing, especially in warm weather.
- Low in Calories: They are relatively low in calories, making them an excellent addition to weight loss diets or smoothies aimed at weight loss.
- Vitamin B6: Lychees contain vitamin B6, which is important for brain health and the production of neurotransmitters. (Source)
- Mineral Content: Though not a major source of minerals, lychees do provide small amounts of potassium and copper, which are important for heart health and maintaining healthy blood vessels.
- Dietary Fiber: While not as high in fiber as some other fruits, lychees do contribute to the fiber content of a smoothie, aiding in digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.
If you enjoy this Lychee smoothie, I think you will also love my other tropical fruit smoothies, such as my passion fruit berry smoothie and my lime smoothie recipe.
Optional Recipe Customizations
There are some adjustments you can make to this recipe, that are just as tasty.
Here are some suggestions you could try that I have personally tested and love:
- Use Frozen Banana: I used a fresh banana, but I found that if you use frozen bananas, it can help thicken the smoothie.
- No Banana: Or, if you don’t like bananas, swap them for another tropical fruit, such as mango or pineapple.
- Add a Green Twist: Introduce a handful of kale or spinach. Kale will not only enrich the smoothie with a vibrant green color but also boost its nutritional value.
- Incorporate Nuts or Seeds: For an extra dose of protein and healthy fats, consider adding a tablespoon of chia seeds or pumpkin seeds.
- Splash of Herbal Notes: Infuse a hint of mint or basil leaves into your smoothie for a refreshing twist.
- Creamier Smoothie: If you are not avoiding dairy, add 1/2 cup of thick yogurt for a creamier smoothie.
Recipe FAQs:
Can I Use Canned Lychees In Syrup For This Smoothie?
Yes, you can use canned lychees, but be mindful of the added sugar in syrup. You may want to adjust other sweeteners in the recipe accordingly. For a healthier option, choose canned lychees in water or natural juice.
How Do I Prepare Fresh Lychees For This Smoothie?
Wash: Rinse lychees under cold water. Peel: Remove the outer skin with your fingers or a small knife. Pit: Cut the fruit in half and remove the large seed inside. Ready: The lychee flesh is now ready to use.
How Can I Tell If Lychees Are Ripe?
Ripe lychees are red or pink, slightly soft to the touch, and emit a fragrant aroma. Avoid those that are hard, overly soft, or lack fragrance.