Meet your new favorite summer treat: a sweet, probiotic‑packed mango lassi smoothie with kefir. This cold, creamy drink blends ripe mangoes, yogurt‑like kefir, and a hint of spice into a refreshing twist on the classic Indian yogurt drink. It’s easy to make in minutes, perfect for hot, humid days, and packs a tasty, healthy punch you’ll want to enjoy again and again all summer long.
Sunlight streamed through my kitchen window as I blended that first batch, ripe mango, creamy kefir, and a dash of cardamom. The soft hum of the blender matched the stillness around me, and I felt calm as I watched colors swirl. Then came that first sip, cool, tangy, sweet like a warm, healthy, delicious hug that filled me up with simple joy.
As I stir each new blend, mango and kefir whirl into a smooth, creamy mix. Every gentle fold brings a smile, every taste a reminder of life’s small pleasures. I can’t wait for you to join this friendly journey and discover how making the perfect kefir treat can feel warm, satisfying, and simply good for the soul.
Why You’ll Love This
- Probiotic-packed goodness: Kefir is a drinkable yogurt rich in live cultures to support gut health, balance, and digestion.
- Vitamin boost: Mangoes bring vitamin A and vitamin C, plus potassium and fiber for overall wellness.
- Hydrating & cooling: A cold, refreshing smoothie that helps beat the heat.
- Diet-friendly: Naturally gluten free and vegetarian, with vegan/dairy‑free swaps available (coconut milk kefir + agave syrup).
- Kid-approved & diabetic-friendly: Adjust sweetness with honey or omit for a lower‑sugar option.
- Easy clean-up: One blender, minimal prep, big payoff.
Equipment Needed
- High-speed blender (Vitamix Blender Recommended).
- Chef’s knife & cutting board (for cutting mango)
- Optional: Y‑shaped peeler or vegetable peeler
Mango Lassi with Kefir
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare mango: Cut fresh mango or use frozen cubes.
- Load the blender: Add mango, kefir, honey (or agave), cayenne, cardamom, and ice.
- Blend: Blitz on high until smooth and creamy.
- Taste & adjust: Add more kefir or milk for a thinner lassi, Greek yogurt for thicker, or sweeten with extra honey/agave.
- Serve: Pour into glasses, garnish with a pinch of cardamom, mint leaves, or pistachios. Drink immediately for the best cold, creamy texture.
- Stand the mango on one end.
- Slice down on each side of the large, flat pit with a chef’s knife (rotate 90 degrees if you feel resistance).
- Score the flesh into a grid without cutting through the skin.
- Slice mango cubes off the peel, or peel first with a y‑peeler then dice.
- Trim any remaining fruit from the pit.
Notes
Variations
- Thick vs Thin: Add extra kefir or a splash of milk for a thin, pourable lassi; swap in Greek yogurt for an ultra‑thick treat.
- Spicy & Salty: Stir in kosher salt and extra cayenne with whole‑milk kefir for a street‑vendor–style punch.
- Gut‑Healing: Embrace Ayurvedic balance, mix warming cardamom with cooling kefir for a wellness boost.
- Vegan/Dairy‑Free: Use coconut milk kefir + agave syrup and plant‑based yogurt for a creamy, dairy‑free delight.
Tips & Tricks
- Best mango varieties: Alphonso or Ataulfo mangoes for peak sweetness and flavor.
- Garnish ideas: Saffron threads, chopped pistachios, or edible rose petals for a fancy touch.
- Vegan swap suggestions: Try soy or almond yogurt if you can’t find coconut kefir.
- Extra chill: Blend with ice or frozen mango for a frosty treat.
Storage & Tips
- Store leftovers in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 – 3 days.
- If separation occurs, simply stir or shake before serving.
- Prep frozen mango ahead: flash‑freeze diced mango on a baking sheet, then transfer to an air‑tight bag.
Health & Benefits
Drinking this mango lassi smoothie with kefir gives your body a powerful probiotic boost to support gut health and digestion. Rich in vitamins A and C from ripe mangoes, it fuels your immune system and helps maintain healthy skin. The live cultures in kefir promote a balanced microbiome, which can ease bloating and improve nutrient absorption. Plus, the natural sweetness from mangoes means you get energy and hydration without added sugar. It’s a simple, tasty way to nourish your body every summer day.
Cultural & Ingredient Context
Lassi has its roots in India and Pakistan as a classic stone-fruit yogurt drink. Mango season peaks April–June (look for Alphonso then), but frozen mango lets you enjoy this bright, fruity flavor year-round. Comparing kefir vs yogurt vs coconut kefir helps you choose the best probiotic-packed base for your taste and diet.
Related Recipes
Other Fermented Dairy Favorites:
Kefir Date Shake
Strawberry Spinach Kefir Smoothie
Kefir Pineapple Smoothie
More Mango Desserts:
Mango Kefir Smoothie
Blackberry Mango Kefir Smoothie
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FAQs
Is a lassi a smoothie?
Pretty much! A lassi is an Indian yogurt drink, and this mango lassi smoothie blends that creamy yogurt base with fruit and spices into a cold smoothie.
Can I use frozen mango?
Yes, no thawing needed. Frozen mango cubes make the smoothie extra-chilled and creamy.
Kefir or yogurt, what’s best?
Kefir is a drinkable yogurt loaded with probiotics; yogurt is thicker and tangier. Use either based on your texture preference.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, refrigerate for 2–3 days, but drink fresh for best flavor and probiotic kick.
How to sweeten for sugar-sensitive diets?
Use honey, agave syrup, or omit sweetener entirely if your mango is super-ripe and sweet.
Hi, I’m Natalia Smith, a kefir enthusiast and content writer dedicated to making fermented dairy approachable and enjoyable. My journey with kefir began in my own kitchen, experimenting with recipes and sharing the health benefits I discovered. Through hands-on experience and continuous learning, I aim to provide clear, trustworthy information that helps others embrace the goodness of kefir in their daily lives.