Mango and banana make one of the most reliable smoothie pairings around: mango brings a bright tropical flavor and a beautiful golden color, while banana adds the creamy texture and gentle sweetness that let you skip added sugar almost entirely. The result is a thick, satisfying drink that works equally well as a quick breakfast or a refreshing snack on a hot day.

For the best flavor, use a mango that’s properly ripe — it should give slightly when pressed and smell sweet near the stem. An underripe mango tends to be fibrous and less sweet, which can leave the smoothie tasting a bit sour. Frozen mango chunks work great too, and they make the smoothie extra thick and cold, so you can skip the ice altogether in that case.

Kefir or yogurt makes the smoothie tangier and more refreshing while adding a bit of protein, balancing out the natural sweetness of the fruit. If you’d rather keep the flavor more neutral, swap in regular milk or a plant-based option like almond or oat milk.

This smoothie pairs nicely with granola, chia seeds, or a handful of nuts on the side if you want to turn it into a more filling meal. A handful of spinach or a touch of fresh ginger are easy add-ins too, for extra nutrients or a little zing.