Orange Smoothie

This easy orange smoothie is creamy and refreshing! It’s full of nutrients and citrusy flavor…and tastes like an Orange Julius.

Love the citrusy flavor of oranges? Let’s make an orange smoothie! Oranges are often overlooked when it comes to smoothie recipes. But they’ve got a beautifully citrusy flavor and loads of Vitamin C. This orange smoothie is creamy and tangy, with just the right amount of sweetness. When Alex and I served it to a friend she immediately exclaimed, “It tastes like Orange Julius!” So it’s got that nostalgic vibe of 1990’s at the mall, too. Here’s how to make it!

Using oranges in smoothies

Here’s the thing about oranges in smoothies. Oranges are almost all liquid! They are not like most fruits, which when blended add fiber and body to smoothie. Turn on that blender and the oranges will immediately liquify and turn to a watery texture. If you’re whipping up a smoothie on the fly, know that adding an orange is more like adding water than anything.

To counterbalance all the liquid in an orange, add a load of ice. This helps to create a frothy texture. It’s also key to have other fruit too, like a banana, to help add body. Let’s talk ingredients, shall we?

Ingredients in this orange smoothie

Now that you know the main secret oranges in smoothies, here are the secrets behind this orange smoothie! Blending these ingredients gets the best frothy texture and orange flavor:

• Oranges: Room temperature oranges is all you need! Plus…
• Orange zest: This is what brings in just the right orange flavor! Without it, the smoothie tastes mild and lightly sweet…but not like an orange!
• Greek yogurt: Yogurt lends a creamy texture and loads of protein! It’s also got probiotics, which help with gut health. (See more yogurt smoothies.)
• Banana: The banana helps to make a creamy texture and adds the final sweetness.
• Ice: You’ll need quite a bit of ice for this smoothie! We used 2 ½ cups, but you can adjust based on your orange size and blender.
• Maple syrup or honey: You can make this orange smoothie without sweetener. We liked it with just 1 tablespoon to heighten the sweet flavor just a bit.

Amp up the protein

Want to add even more protein to this orange smoothie? Here are a few ideas:

• Best option: more Greek yogurt! Yogurt adds quite a bit of protein. Double the yogurt and use ½ cup instead of ¼ cup.
• Add cashew butter. This orange smoothie isn’t a natural candidate for adding nut butter. However, we think cashew butter would work! The sweet flavor of cashew butter melds well with tropical flavors. Use 1 tablespoon: it will change the flavor a bit.
• Protein powder: Throw in some protein powder if you like the stuff! We prefer natural protein options.

Variation: make it vegan

To make this orange smoothie vegan, here are a few suggestions:

• Substitute vegan yogurt brand that you enjoy. Depending on the brand, this could also add a little protein as well.
• Leave out the Greek yogurt entirely.
• Substitute the Greek yogurt with ½ banana. This helps to make up for some of the creamy texture.

More flavor variations!

Want to change up your orange smoothie? Here are a few more flavor ideas:

• Pineapple: Add more tropical flair! Add 1 cup frozen pineapple in place of 1 cup ice: this also makes for a thicker smoothie.
• Mango: Same idea! Use 1 cup frozen mango in place of 1 cup ice for an even fruitier flavor.
• Coconut. Throw in a handful of coconut to the mix (or toasted coconut).
• Vanilla. Use 1 teaspoon vanilla to make it taste like an orange milk shake.

Orange smoothie storage

This smoothie is best eaten immediately. But you can store this orange smoothie for about 1 day refrigerated. Store it in a sealed container or a mason jar with the lid on. It may separate, which is perfectly normal! Just shake it up and you’re good to go.

This orange smoothie recipe is…

Vegetarian and gluten-free. For vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free, see the variations above.

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More smoothie recipes

Want more healthy smoothie recipes? There are so many to try, including green, yogurt based, and more:

• Berries: Strawberry, Raspberry, Mixed Berry, Fruit, Blueberry, Strawberry Banana, Strawberry Mango, Berry Almond Milk, Strawberry Blueberry, or Blueberry Banana Smoothie Tart and full of sweet fruity flavor!
• Greens & veggies: Kale, Celery, Carrot, Avocado, Green, Beet, Broccoli, or Spinach Smoothie You’ll forget you’re eating all those healthy ingredients. (Go to Veggie Smoothies.)
• Creamy: Yogurt, Vanilla Protein, Chia Seed, Chocolate Banana or Peanut Butter Smoothie Lusciously creamy and packed with flavor.
• Fruits: Banana, Apple, Acai Berry, Peach, Watermelon, Mango Pineapple, Mango Banana, or Pineapple Smoothie Juicy and lightly sweet: perfectly refreshing.