I just made a Cranberry Orange Smoothie that packs 70% of your daily vitamin C, 11 grams of protein and only 190 calories, so you can actually be smug about breakfast.

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I’m obsessed with this Cranberry Orange Smoothie. I love how tart frozen cranberries punch through the sweet orange and plain nonfat Greek yogurt that keeps it thick and strangely adult.

It wakes me up without slamming me with sugar. And I look forward to something that’s low-cal but still feels like a treat.

It hits like an immunity boost yet tastes like dessert. I bring it when I’m rushing, when I need Cranberry Smoothies, or when I just want something clean and sharp.

No fluff. Just bright, punchy, really addictive.

I drink it all week and sometimes twice a day.

Ingredients

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Frozen cranberries: tart punch and antioxidants, brightens the whole drink.
Medium orange: juicy sweetness and vitamin C, it’s fresh and zippy.
Half frozen banana: creamy texture, natural sweetness without added sugar.
Plain nonfat Greek yogurt: protein boost, makes it thick and tangy.
Unsweetened almond milk: light base so it’s smooth without heaviness.
Honey or maple syrup: optional kiss of sweetness, go easy.
Vanilla extract: basically warm, cozy background flavor, subtle and nice.
Chia or ground flaxseed: plus fiber and omega fats, adds body.
Ice cubes: extra chill and thicker texture if you want it frosty.

Ingredient Quantities

1 cup frozen cranberries

1 medium orange, peeled and segmented

1/2 medium frozen banana

1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt

3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other milk)

1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, optional

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional

1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flaxseed, optional

Ice cubes, optional for thicker texture

How to Make this

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1. Put 3/4 cup almond milk into the blender first so the blades don’t get stuck.

2. Add 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract if you’re using it.

3. Toss in 1 cup frozen cranberries, 1 medium peeled and segmented orange, and 1/2 medium frozen banana.

4. Add 1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flaxseed now if you want the extra fiber and omega 3s.

5. Drizzle in 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup only if you need a bit more sweetness.

6. If you like a thicker, colder smoothie add a few ice cubes, otherwise skip them.

7. Secure the lid and blend on high for about 45 to 60 seconds until completely smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides once if needed.

8. Taste and adjust sweetness or thickness: add a splash more milk to thin it, or a couple ice cubes to thicken, then blend briefly again.

9. Pour into a glass, sprinkle a few extra chia seeds on top if you want, and enjoy right away for the best flavor and vitamin C.

Equipment Needed

1. Blender (high speed is best so frozen cranberries get smooth)
2. 3/4 cup and 1/2 cup measuring cups plus 1/2 teaspoon measuring spoon
3. Paring knife and small cutting board for peeling and segmenting the orange
4. Vegetable peeler (makes orange prep quicker and less messy)
5. Tablespoon measuring spoon (for chia or flaxseed)
6. Spoon or rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the blender
7. Glass or serving cup to pour the smoothie into
8. Ice cube tray or bag of ice if you want it thicker and colder

FAQ

Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of frozen? A: Yes, you can, but fresh berries will make the smoothie colder to blend unless you add ice. They can taste a bit tarter, so you might want a touch more honey or maple syrup.

Q: How do I make it thicker or creamier? A: Add more frozen banana, a few ice cubes, or increase the Greek yogurt to 3/4 cup. If you want it extra creamy, use a tablespoon of nut butter or a splash more almond milk and blend longer.

Q: Can I make this dairy free? A: Definitely. Swap the Greek yogurt for dairy free yogurt like coconut or soy, or use 1/4 avocado for creaminess. The almond milk already keeps it mostly dairy free if you skip the yogurt.

Q: How long will leftovers keep? A: Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours. It may separate, just stir or shake before drinking. For longer storage freeze in portions and thaw in the fridge overnight.

Q: Is this recipe good for kids or picky eaters? A: Many kids like the bright orange flavor, but cranberries are tart. Use a bit more banana or honey to sweeten it, and hide spinach or a scoop of oats if you want extra nutrition without a big flavor change.

Q: Any tips for boosting nutrition or fiber? A: Add a tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseed, a handful of spinach, or a scoop of protein powder. Those extras thicken the smoothie and keep you full longer.

Healthy Cranberry Orange Smoothie Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Frozen cranberries: swap for frozen mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries) or pomegranate arils for similar tartness and color, they blend a bit sweeter though.
Medium orange: use a clementine or 1/4 cup fresh orange juice if you don’t want to peel segments, it’ll still give bright citrus flavor.
1/2 frozen banana: replace with 1/2 avocado for creaminess and less sweetness, or 1/4 cup frozen mango if you want more tropical sweetness.
Plain nonfat Greek yogurt: sub with plain dairy free yogurt (soy or coconut) or silken tofu for a protein boost and a smoother, slightly different texture.

Pro Tips

– Slightly thaw the cranberries for 5 to 10 minutes if your blender is weak. They’ll break down easier and you’ll avoid a grainy texture, but don’t let them sit so long the orange starts to go watery.

– Zest the orange before you peel it and toss a little rind in the blender for brighter flavor without extra sugar. A tiny pinch goes a long way, just don’t add the bitter white pith.

– If you want creamier mouthfeel without more yogurt, swap half the almond milk for canned coconut milk or add a tablespoon of nut butter. Both boost richness and help mask any tartness.

– For best texture, pulse first to chop the fruit then blend on high; stop once or twice and scrape the sides. If it’s too thick, add milk in small splashes so you don’t over-thin it.

Healthy Cranberry Orange Smoothie Recipe

Recipe by Sam Ecclestone

0.0 from 0 votes

I just made a Cranberry Orange Smoothie that packs 70% of your daily vitamin C, 11 grams of protein and only 190 calories, so you can actually be smug about breakfast.

Servings

servings

Calories

342

kcal

Equipment: 1. Blender (high speed is best so frozen cranberries get smooth)
2. 3/4 cup and 1/2 cup measuring cups plus 1/2 teaspoon measuring spoon
3. Paring knife and small cutting board for peeling and segmenting the orange
4. Vegetable peeler (makes orange prep quicker and less messy)
5. Tablespoon measuring spoon (for chia or flaxseed)
6. Spoon or rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the blender
7. Glass or serving cup to pour the smoothie into
8. Ice cube tray or bag of ice if you want it thicker and colder

Ingredients

1 cup frozen cranberries
1 medium orange, peeled and segmented
1/2 medium frozen banana
1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other milk)
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, optional
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flaxseed, optional
Ice cubes, optional for thicker texture

Directions

Put 3/4 cup almond milk into the blender first so the blades don't get stuck.
Add 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract if you're using it.
Toss in 1 cup frozen cranberries, 1 medium peeled and segmented orange, and 1/2 medium frozen banana.
Add 1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flaxseed now if you want the extra fiber and omega 3s.
Drizzle in 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup only if you need a bit more sweetness.
If you like a thicker, colder smoothie add a few ice cubes, otherwise skip them.
Secure the lid and blend on high for about 45 to 60 seconds until completely smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides once if needed.
Taste and adjust sweetness or thickness: add a splash more milk to thin it, or a couple ice cubes to thicken, then blend briefly again.
Pour into a glass, sprinkle a few extra chia seeds on top if you want, and enjoy right away for the best flavor and vitamin C.

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.