Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ cups fresh or frozen papaya chunks (seeds removed)
- 1 large banana, preferably frozen
- ¾ cup liquid of choice (coconut milk, almond milk, oat milk, or orange juice)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or plant-based yogurt)
- 1-2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, to taste)
- ½ cup ice cubes (only if using all fresh fruit)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Papaya: If using fresh papaya, cut it in half lengthwise and scoop out all the black seeds with a spoon (discard them or save for another use). Cut the flesh into cubes and measure out 1½ cups. If using frozen papaya, simply measure out 1½ cups – no prep needed! If your papaya isn’t fully ripe, let the cubes sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to enhance sweetness.
- Prep Your Banana: If you haven’t already, peel and slice your banana. For the absolute best texture, use a banana that’s been frozen for at least 2 hours or overnight. If using fresh banana, you’ll need to add ice cubes to achieve proper smoothie thickness.
- Layer Ingredients Properly: Add ingredients to your blender in this strategic order for optimal blending: liquid first (milk or juice), then Greek yogurt, lime juice, any optional sweetener, fresh banana (if using), papaya chunks, frozen banana pieces (if using), and finally ice cubes if needed. This layering technique creates proper vortex action and prevents ingredients from getting stuck.
- Start Blending on Low: Begin your blender on the lowest speed setting for about 10-15 seconds. This breaks down the larger fruit chunks without overworking your blender motor or creating air pockets. You’ll hear the sound change as the ingredients start breaking down and incorporating together.
- Increase to High Speed: Gradually increase your blender speed to high and blend for 45-60 seconds until the smoothie is completely smooth, creamy, and velvety with no visible chunks remaining. The mixture should be a beautiful peachy-orange color and have a thick, luxurious consistency. If your blender has a tamper tool, use it to push ingredients toward the blades if needed.
- Check Consistency and Adjust: Stop the blender and check the thickness. If it’s too thick to blend properly or drink comfortably, add liquid 2 tablespoons at a time and pulse briefly. If it’s too thin for your liking, add a few more ice cubes, extra frozen banana, or more frozen papaya and blend again. Remember that the smoothie will thin slightly as it sits.
- Taste and Perfect: This crucial step ensures your smoothie is exactly how you like it! Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. If your papaya was under-ripe or you prefer sweeter smoothies, add honey or maple syrup and blend briefly. If it needs more brightness, add another squeeze of lime juice. Blend for just 5-10 seconds after any additions.
- Serve Immediately: Pour into glasses and enjoy right away while it’s perfectly chilled and the texture is at its peak. If desired, garnish with a small wedge of fresh papaya, a lime wheel, fresh mint leaves, or a sprinkle of coconut flakes for a pretty, Instagram-worthy presentation.
Notes
- Choose papaya that’s ripe but not overripe – it should be mostly orange-yellow with some give when pressed, and smell sweet and tropical
- Frozen fruit creates the best thick, creamy texture without diluting flavors with excessive ice
- The riper your banana, the sweeter your smoothie will be naturally
- Papaya can have a slightly musky flavor that some people find strong – the banana, lime, and optional yogurt help balance this
- For a lighter, more juice-like smoothie, use coconut water or orange juice and skip the yogurt
- If smoothie separates after sitting (normal!), just stir or shake before drinking
- Different blenders have different power – blend longer if needed to achieve silky-smooth consistency
- Protein powder (vanilla or unflavored) can be added for extra protein but may thicken the smoothie
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 smoothie (approximately 16 oz)
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 5mg