However, fresh lychees can be difficult to find. These easy smoothie recipes rely on the intense sweet flavor of canned lychees, available in many major supermarkets.
1. Easy Pineapple and Lychee Smoothie:
Tart pineapple pairs nicely with the gentle sweetness of lychee in this recipe.
- 1 medium banana, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup canned pineapple tidbits
- 1 cup canned lychees (about 15 – 16, or as needed), gently squeezed to remove excess juice
- 2/3 cup non-fat yogurt
- 1/4 cup reserved canned pineapple juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 - 3 teaspoons honey or agave nectar, or to taste
- Ice cubes, optional
2. Process the frozen fruit in a blender until smooth (process in batches if needed).
3. Add the yogurt and pineapple juice, and process.
4. Add the vanilla extract, honey or agave nectar and ice cubes (if using) and process.
5. Serve immediately in tall glasses, or chill until ready to serve.
Nutrient-loaded Lychee Smoothie:
Lighter in calories than many other canned fruits, canned lychees add sweetness to this smoothie, while soy milk and silken yogurt up the protein, vitamin and mineral content, and add a richer flavor. To increase the health benefits of the smoothie even further, try adding a few spinach or kale leaves - while altering the appearance, they won't noticeably affect the flavor.
- 1 banana, peeled and sliced
- 10 canned lychees, gently squeezed to remove excess juice
- 2/3 cup silken tofu
- 1/2 cup soy milk
- 1/4 cup canned reserved lychee juice
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons honey or agave nectar, or to taste
- Ice cubes, optional
2. Process the frozen fruit in a blender until smooth.
3. Add the silken tofu, reserved lychee juice, and orange juice. Process again until smooth.
4. Add the vanilla extract, honey or agave nectar, and ice cubes (if using) and process.
5. Serve immediately in tall glasses, or chill until ready to serve.
More Smoothie Recipes:
Blueberry Tofu Smoothie - this protein-rich smoothie is a great choice for breakfast or a healthy afternoon pick-me-up.
Mango Smoothie - mango’s distinct tart and sweet flavor is great for smoothies.
Kiwi Smoothie - this smoothie pairs kiwifruit - native to parts of northern and eastern China - with nutty tahini paste.
Peach Mandarin Smoothie - Here’s a great choice for peach season – juicy sweet peaches are paired with canned mandarin oranges.
More Recipes Using Canned Lychees:
Pork With Lychees - This stir-fry pairs marinated pork with canned lychees, and has a sauce made with reserved lychee juice, hoisin sauce and a bit of rice wine or dry sherry.
Lychee Granita A recipe from chef Stephen Wong, with pitted lychees, kiwifruit and fresh strawberries.
