Naturally sweetened with fruit, this vegan orange carrot smoothie is the perfect way to refresh in the summer. With a tangy combo of orange and vanilla and a creamy texture from bananas, this whole30-approved, sunrise smoothie packs a punch.
An orange creamsicle smoothie recipe that's perfect for a hot summer's day. If you remember the old-school Orange Julius smoothies, that's what this tastes like.
Kinda like an orange milkshake but it's healthy!
As a Certified Nutrition Coach, I think smoothies are a game-changer for busy moms because they're so easy to whip up and portable.
Though this vegan orange smoothie isn't protein-packed, it can be adjusted with a few things to amp it up. Learn more about adding protein to smoothies.
Why You'll Love This Smoothie
Healthy: Naturally this orange carrot smoothie is dairy-free, gluten-free, paleo, vegan, and whole30 approves.
Versatile: Use the smoothie for an on-the-go dairy-free breakfast or a midday pick-me-up. Add your favorite smoothie toppings and create your own glass!
Refreshing: It's a delicious, fruit combo that comes out brighs and uplifting. Kids love it and it's a wonderful ay to sneak some nutrients into their day.
Ingredients You'll Need
Orange juice: As the base, orange juice is pretty important. Freshly squeezed orange juice will give it the most orange-bursting flavor.
Banana: Using frozen bananas will make this orange creamsicle smoothie extra creamy (learn how to build well-balanced smoothies for more tips like this!)Plus it gives it a burst of natural sugars.
Cashews: These add some healthy fats to the mix.
Almond butter: Helping the banana keep the smoothie creamy with an indulgent feel.
Hemp hearts: Since this orange creamsicle smoothie is vegan, these add a bit of plant-based protein.
Carrot: Sneaking in some nutrients to the smoothie recipe, the carrot also helps achieve the bright color.
Vanilla extract: It's the combination of vanilla extract and orange that gives this smoothie its classic orange creamsicle flavor. Learn more about types of vanilla to choose the right one.
Coconut water: regular filtered water will work but coconut water gives an extra burst of electrolytes.
Important Teaching Tips
Using frozen bananas will make the orange carrot smoothie creamier than fresh. However, fresh bananas do work! The sunrise smoothie just won't be as thick.
Regular water or even almond milk can be used in place of coconut water. That said, coconut water is loaded with electrolytes so it makes it more nourishing and refreshing.
Make sure to roughly chop the carrot, this makes it easier on your processor.
How To Add More Protein
The Sunrise smoothie is naturally plant-based and vegan so it only contains 11 grams of protein.
To bump that up you can add in a vegan protein powder (learn more about choosing the best protein powder for your goals). With this option though the smoothie won't be whole-30 approved.
Another option is to add some collagen powder to the smoothie. As one of the cleanest protein sources collagen is one of my go-to sources. Know that it is animal-derived though so the smoothie would no longer be vegan. Learn more about collagen versus protein powder.
Outside of that, check out how to add protein to smoothies for a few more plant-based options.
Toppings
If you like a bit of crunch or indulgence in your smoothies, the below toppings are our favorites.
- Crunchy cinnamon granola
- Whole30 whipped cream
- Grated orange zest
- Toasted pecans
Of course, if you're feeling the orange flavor you can save this blood orange martini to whip up on a warm day too!
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Ready to take your energy to a whole new level? I’ve gathered 15 of the best, superfood-based smoothie recipes perfect for busy moms who need a boost.
These recipes are:
- Dairy and gluten-free
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- Made from whole foods for a natural energy boost
In a day in which you’re super busy, stay fueled on the go with these recipes! Grab your copy of Superfood Smoothies now for just $4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Adding carrot to the sunrise smoothie gives it a bit more bulk so that the orange smoothie comes out rich and creamy. As for taste, since the smoothie is sweetened with lots of fruit you won't even notice it.
Though you can blend frozen oranges, you need a very high-powered blender. Even with that, there is often some texture left over. This orange creamsicle smoothie tastes best using fresh orange juice instead.
This orange carrot smoothie tastes best when freshly made. If you have a smoothie left over, store it in a mason jar in the fridge overnight. It'll thin out though and separate so give it a good shake before you drunk it or reblend it with a bit more banana.
Other Dairy-Free Smoothies You'll Love
- Salted caramel protein shake
- Chunky monkey protein shake
- Cookies and cream smoothie
- Banana matcha smoothie
Whole30 Sunrise Smoothie
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cups orange juice freshly squeezed, about two mandarin oranges
- 1 frozen banana
- 2 tablespoons cashews raw
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- 2 tablespoon hemp hearts
- ½ carrot peeled and chopped
- ¾ cup coconut water
- 8 ice cubes
- 1 tbs orange zest optional
Instructions
- Juice the oranges.
- Place all ingredients into a high-speed blender. Blend on medium to high for two to four minutes (depending on blender) until everything is smooth.
- You may need to add some additional water or use a tamper to keep things moving depending on your blender.
- Pour into a chilled glass and enjoy!
Notes
- Using frozen banana will make this smoothie creamier than fresh. However, fresh bananas do work!
- Likewise, you can always opt for water in place of coconut water. That said, coconut water is extremely hydrating and makes this orange banana smoothie just a bit more refreshing in the summertime.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice will give the smoothie the best flavor.
- If you wish to make this smoothie more protein-based, add in a scoop of collagen powder or your preferred protein powder. However, see the notes on the best way to do this.
- Don't omit the vanilla extract. Vanilla + orange is what gives this smoothie a similar flavor to an orange julius!
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Shelby S says
One of my favorite smoothies to cool down with in the heat, it's so refreshing!
Jenn says
Sounds amazing. Could I omit the hemp hearts or are they necessary? My local health food stores are a bit of a drive for me.
fitasamamabear says
The hemp hearts aren't necessary they just help boost nutrition (protein) and make it a bit smoother. If you're omitting them I'd put in a tablespoon of coconut milk to make it a bit creamier!
Luci says
I love the flavor of orange creamsicle but but that its vegan and a smoothie makes it better.
fitasamamabear says
I know- you can't go wrong with orange and banana right??
Esperanza Scotto says
This smoothie sounds delicious! I love that it's vegan too. I'm not a vegetarian/vegan, but I love trying these recipes!
fitasamamabear says
I'm with you! I'm not a vegan either but I love using minimal & healthy ingredients 🙂
Lisa says
I am a smoothie lover and need to try this! Sounds delicious!
XO-Lisa
fitasamamabear says
You can't go wrong with smoothies- so tasty! Enjoy 🙂
Luda Berdnyk says
Oooh yum, this looks delicious! My mom just discovered hemp hearts, so it looks like this is the perfect opportunity to try them out 🙂
fitasamamabear says
That's awesome that she's jumped into hemp hearts- they're super versatile- enjoy it!
jiselle jones says
ohh I love this you got me with the name! I will def try and I discovered when I freeze fruits my smoothie comes out like icecream which my girls love!
fitasamamabear says
Haha glad the name snagged you in 😀 Frozen fruit works SO MUCH better in smoothies. Keeping in mind both banana and avocado also help give it an ìce cream like" consistency 😉
Grace Blossoms says
Oh my goodness! I love this! I'm going to have to make this for a snack for my boys and myself tomorrow. We're always looking for healthy alternatives, and I love what you said about all fruit smoothies. So true. This one is interesting. I can't wait to try it! Thank you!
fitasamamabear says
I have a serious addiction to smoothies haha- they make the perfect snack! I hope you and your boys enjoy it, let me know!
Lynn Woods says
I'm excited about this! Creamsicles were my favorite as a kid. Can't wait to try it.
fitasamamabear says
It`s a refreshing one and even better that it`s healthy!
Ophelia Tang says
I love this smoothie. It looks and sounds delicious. I hope I can make it soon. Thank you.
fitasamamabear says
Enjoy it!
Jennifer says
I totally need to start using my blender more! LOL
fitasamamabear says
Haha yes! So many yummy things can be blended!
Lauren says
This recipe looks deliciious. I have never looked for hemp hearts. Do you order them online or find them in the grocery store?
fitasamamabear says
Hemp hearts are amazing! They have so many health benefits associated with them-though I will admit expensive. You can order them online here (https://amzn.to/2vq1CuQ <-- that's an affiliate link heads up!) or if your in Canada Bulk Barn sells them. if you're in the US I'd try a local health food store 🙂
Lees says
This is totally my go to breakfast! Except I don't use the cashews and I use plant based protein! Sooo delicious!
fitasamamabear says
Ah I love it! I switch it up depending on the day but I use a lot of plant based protein too. Anything orange banana is super addictive and tasty:D
Suanlian Tangpua says
OMG!! It look so refreshing and healthy. I can’t wait to try this weekend. Thanks for sharing all the secret ingredients and tips.
fitasamamabear says
No problem! I hope you enjoy it! It's so simple to make!
Suanlian Tangpua says
OMG!! I look so refreshing and healthy. I can't wait to try this weekend. Thanks for sharing all the secret ingredients and tips.