Healthy Orange Creamsicle Smoothie

This healthy Orange Creamsicle Smoothie tastes just like the popular ice cream bar with flavors reminiscent of orange and vanilla. AND it's healthy! Packed with protein, antioxidants & Vitamin C, you can have all of the deliciousness and none of the guilt!

I used to love to run and catch the ice cream man that came around during the summer and grab one of those delicious creamsicles, all icy orange on the outside and creamy vanilla ice cream in the center. It was one of my favorite ways to keep cool.

Now I can get that same flavor, without all the calories, in this creamy, dreamy orange cream smoothie, similar to an Orange Julius Smoothie but way better for you. It's easy to make and packs a healthy punch full of Vitamin C, protein, and important antioxidants. It's a great way to start the day or energize before or after a workout.

Ingredients for Banana Orange Smoothie

• Oranges - bring the Vitamin C to this smoothie but you can opt for any citrus in their place. Freeze the oranges prior to using for a thicker smoothie.
• Almond milk - keeps this orange smoothie light and dairy-free but any milk can be used. For even more creaminess and flavor, think of substituting a vanilla coffee creamer for the milk.
• Frozen Bananas - gives this orange dream smoothie a creamy thickness. However, if you don't have frozen on hand, fresh will work, it will just be a thinner mixture.
• Greek Yogurt - adds the creaminess, a punch of protein and creates a feeling of satiety to stop that mid-morning snacking. Use a nut or coconut-based yogurt to keep this dairy-free.
• Protein powder - adds additional protein. Use your favorite brand that adheres to your diet or lifestyle.

Variations

• Apple Banana Orange Smoothie - add 1 apple, cored, to this recipe for added fiber, Vitamin C and important antioxidants.
• Blood Orange Smoothie - replacing navel oranges with blood oranges will result in a smoothie that is a little bit less sweet with a hint of raspberry-like flavor. It will also make one brightly colored beautiful smoothie!
• Blueberry Orange Smoothie - add ½ to 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries to the mix
• Carrot Orange Smoothie - Slice 1 large carrot and add to the blender. This addition gives an added boost of antioxidants, fiber, Vitamin K1 and potassium.
• Cranberry Orange Smoothie - combine ½ cup frozen cranberries with the rest of the ingredients. It will make one beautifully colored, slightly on the tart side, smoothie.
• Mandarin Orange Smoothie - replacing the navel oranges with mandarins will make the smoothie a little sweeter.
• Orange Peach Smoothie - living in Georgia, this is a must! Just add 1 cup of peaches to this smoothie.
• Strawberry Orange Smoothie - combine ½ to 1 cup of cut-up strawberries, either fresh or frozen.
• Other variations include adding ½ to1 cup pineapple or raspberries to this recipe.
• Try making with other citrus to replace the oranges, such as lemons or limes.

How to Make an Orange Smoothie

Gather the simple ingredients, fresh oranges, orange zest, frozen bananas, vanilla yogurt, milk, vanilla protein powder, and vanilla extract, and in 5 minutes breakfast is served!

1. Start making the orange smoothie by adding yogurt to a blender.
2. Pour in almond milk or your favorite type of milk.
3. Add in remaining ingredients, orange sections, orange zest, frozen bananas, vanilla and protein powder.
4. Blend until smooth.

5. Pour smoothie into mason jar then top with whipped cream, if desired, and garnish with an orange slice and a sprig of mint. Sip it through a straw or use a spoon to get every last drop.

Cool, fresh and delicious this Orange Creamsicle Smoothie is great any time of year. In the winter, it boosts your Vitamin C and helps strengthen your immune system. In the summer it cools you off and has you thinking vacation.

Whenever you have it, that delicious orange flavor, mixed with a hint of vanilla, will have you licking your lips and wishing there was more. Enjoy!

More Healthy Smoothie Recipes

Apple Pie Smoothie tastes like pie in a glass! And it's the healthy way to say hello to fall!

Mango Orange Smoothie is a combination of mangos, orange juice, and bananas that lets you celebrate the flavors of summer year-round.

Pineapple Orange Smoothie from Two Healthy Kitchens brings a tropical twist to a Creamsicle Smoothie with the addition of pineapple.

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie tastes like dessert without the guilt. It's totally healthy, packed with plenty of fiber and protein, and bound to get any day started right.

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This post has been updated with more information, step-by-step directions, and new photos. It was first published on August 14, 2014.