Naturally sweetened with fruit, this vegan orange carrot smoothie is an ideal summer refresher. The tangy pairing of orange and vanilla with creamy banana creates a whole30-approved Sunrise Smoothie that’s bright, satisfying, and easy to make.
This orange creamsicle-style smoothie tastes like a healthy version of the classic Orange Julius—think orange milkshake, but made with whole, nourishing ingredients.
Smoothies are a lifesaver for busy households: they’re quick to prepare, portable, and an easy way to add fruits and vegetables to the day.
Why You’ll Love This Smoothie
Healthy: This orange carrot smoothie is dairy-free, gluten-free, paleo-friendly, vegan-ready, and can be Whole30-compliant with the right ingredients.
Versatile: Enjoy it as a grab-and-go dairy-free breakfast, a post-workout refuel, or an afternoon pick-me-up. Top with your favorite smoothie bowl toppings to make it more filling.
Refreshing: The bright citrus and naturally sweet fruit make for an uplifting drink kids and adults both enjoy, and it’s a simple way to sneak extra nutrients into the day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Orange juice: Acts as the base—freshly squeezed orange juice gives the most vibrant citrus flavor.
Banana: Frozen banana creates a luxuriously creamy texture and adds natural sweetness. Frozen works best for thickness.
Cashews: Add a touch of healthy fat and body to the smoothie.
Almond butter: Enhances creaminess and adds a rich, indulgent mouthfeel.
Hemp hearts: Provide plant-based protein and a boost of nutrients while keeping the recipe vegan.
Carrot: Adds color, fiber, and subtle sweetness while contributing nutrients.
Vanilla extract: The vanilla-plus-orange combination is what creates that classic creamsicle flavor—don’t skip it.
Coconut water: Adds hydration and electrolytes; you can substitute filtered water or almond milk if preferred.
Helpful Tips
Use frozen bananas for the creamiest result; fresh bananas work but the texture will be thinner. If using fresh banana, add ice or more frozen fruit to thicken.
If you don’t have coconut water, plain water or almond milk are fine substitutions. Coconut water adds a refreshing electrolyte boost, especially on warm days.
Roughly chop the carrot before blending to help your blender process it more easily. This is especially helpful when prepping smoothies ahead of time.
How to Add More Protein
This Sunrise Smoothie is naturally plant-based and contains moderate protein from hemp and nuts. To boost protein:
- Add a scoop of vegan protein powder (note: this will remove Whole30 compliance).
- Add collagen powder for a clean protein boost (collagen is animal-derived, so it makes the drink non-vegan).
- Include extra hemp hearts, nut butter, or Greek yogurt (if not vegan) for additional protein and creaminess.
Toppings
If you like texture on top of your smoothie, try:
- Crunchy cinnamon granola
- Whipped coconut cream
- Fresh orange zest
- Toasted pecans
Frequently Asked Questions
Carrot adds bulk and fiber, helping the smoothie feel rich and creamy. Because the drink is sweetened with fruit, the carrot’s flavor blends in and isn’t prominent.
You can blend frozen oranges, but it requires a high-powered blender and may leave some texture. Freshly squeezed orange juice yields the smoothest, brightest result.
The smoothie is best fresh. If you must store it, pour into a mason jar and refrigerate overnight. It may separate and thin out—shake or reblend with a bit more banana before drinking.
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
Shelby Stover
Pin Recipe
Video
Equipment
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High powered blender
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
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Juice the oranges.
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Place all ingredients into a high-speed blender. Blend on medium-high for 2–4 minutes, or until smooth.
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If the mixture stalls, add a splash of water or coconut water or use a tamper to keep ingredients moving.
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Pour into chilled glasses and enjoy.
Notes
- Frozen banana creates the creamiest texture; fresh banana will work but the smoothie will be thinner.
- Coconut water adds hydration and a slight sweetness; water or almond milk can be substituted if preferred.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice provides the best citrus flavor.
- To increase protein, add collagen or a protein powder—note these will change the recipe’s vegan or Whole30 status depending on the choice.
- Don’t skip the vanilla extract—vanilla plus orange is key to that orange creamsicle flavor.
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, calculated with online tools. Please verify with your own data if needed.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 11g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Sodium: 111mg
Potassium: 679mg
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 14g
Vitamin A: 2738IU
Vitamin C: 28mg
Calcium: 92mg
Iron: 4mg
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