Happy New Year, friends!
We did it, you guys. We really did it. We kicked 2015’s butt, or maybe it kicked ours. Either way, a new year is upon us and I’m personally feeling pretty groovy about it all.
Yes, I said groovy. I’m allowed to. I am almost 30 after all (how was 1986 30 years ago?!).
Now, let’s talk 2016, what you guys want to see more of on Minimalist Baker, and green smoothies (because, health).
I’ve shared a number of green smoothies on the site because I love them so much. In fact, my current favorite is in our upcoming print cookbook (have you ordered one yet?!).
To recap, here’s my Favorite Green Smoothie, Grapefruit Green Smoothie, Super Green Smoothie Bowl, Hide Your Kale Smoothie, Stoplight Mango Green Smoothie, and Coconut Clementine Green Smoothie.
That’s a lot of smoothies. But when it comes to breakfast or post-workout snacks, you really can’t beat them. So let’s make the most of this gorgeous winter fruit and get our green smoothie on, shall we?
This recipe is simple, as always, requiring 10 minutes and 6 ingredients.
The base is frozen banana and coconut milk for a sweet, creamy base. Lime juice and blood orange juice add tart and brightness, and the greens come from generous handfuls of spinach and kale.
The result is a super creamy, slightly tart green smoothie with tons of vitamins and minerals, and without the flavor of spinach or kale. Serious yum.
I hope you all love this smoothie! It’s:
Creamy
Cold
Refreshing
Packed with healthy ingredients
Naturally sweet
Slightly tart
& A quick + easy meal or snack
This would make the perfect on-the-go breakfast or post-gym snack for busy folks looking to get in a quick serving or two of fruits and vegetables. For added protein, add a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder, or hemp seeds.
If you do give this recipe a try, let us know! Leave a comment it, rate it (once you’ve tried it), and tag a picture #minimalistbaker on Instagram! We’d love to see your smoothie in action.
Before you go, what would you love to see more (or less) of on Minimalist Baker in 2016? Let us know in the comments! We always aim to serve you better, and hope to make this our best year yet!
On a final note, if you’re looking to hit the “reset button” on your diet after the holidays, be sure to sign up for our email list to receive our FREE 15-recipe Detox Guide. Cheers, friends!
Blood Orange Green Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 small ripe banana (previously peeled, sliced + frozen)
- 3/4 cup frozen pineapple (or sub more banana)
- 2 blood oranges, juiced (2 oranges yield ~1/2 cup or 120 ml)
- 3/4 cup light coconut milk (carton beverage or canned)
- 2-3 Tbsp fresh lime juice (for tartness // add to taste)
- 2 big handfuls fresh or frozen greens (kale + spinach are best // organic when possible)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until creamy and smooth, scraping down sides as needed.
- Add more liquid if it has trouble blending. Add ice to thicken. Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more banana to sweeten, or lime juice for tartness.
- Best when fresh, though leftovers keep well-covered in the refrigerator up to 2 days.
Mona Temchin says
This was so good! Forgot to buy pineapple, so I doubled the frozen banana. Used a tbsp of lime juice, and a handful of fresh Lacinato kale. Halved the recipe for one person. So refreshing and not too sweet. It hit the spot! Your recipes are terrific.
Yay! Thanks for the lovely review and for sharing your modifications, Mona!
Jehan Marino says
This smoothie is the bomb! I halved the ingredients to make only one smoothie and drink right away. I freeze blood oranges to have on handy and it results in frothy, creamy smoothies! Perfect for a post run recovery treat to help with inflammation. Thank you for this recipe!
We’re so glad you enjoy it! Thanks for sharing! xo
Sheri says
So delicious!!!! I supremed the blood oranges so I added the juice *and* pulp… Absolutely outstanding (with or without the lime, I tried it both ways)!
Tiffany says
If you make this the night before do you usually reblend before drinking? Also, does it still have the nutrients?
Thank you!
Elizabeth says
I made this raw and replaced canned coconut milk with water, thickened it with raw walnuts, and used 1 1/2 large regular oranges, and used her substitution of bananas instead of pineapple. Considering the fact I used banana instead of pineapple, I think the sweetness of my smoothie was vastly reduced. Overall, I think it tastes pretty good. Next time I will try adding dates or use pineapple as recommended, if it’s in my kitchen. :-)
Thanks for sharing your recipe changes, Elizabeth!
Joy says
Great smoothie recipe, and so simple which I like :) thanks!
Mackenzie says
I love blood oranges! I can’t wait to try out this smoothie bowl! I also super duper love green smoothies. I have a yummy mango green smoothie up on my blog if you’d like to check that out! Thank you for all of the delicious recipes.
Evie says
wow! Your blood orange green smoothie is great job. I think it is very effective for Weight Loss Challenge for making smoothie! thanks
Lacey says
(Another recipe request) Vegan chili/loaded cheese fries!
I also love condiments, and you seem to always come up with the best recipes (vegan ranch, perhaps?). Healthy soup recipes are always fun, too. And not to bombard you with recipe requests, but what about tempeh “wings,” like bbq or buffalo? You know, like the sticky type of finger lickin’ wings (I’ve never eaten chicken wings before, real or fake, but I’m curious to try!).
Anyway, thanks for all your fantastic recipes! You make a healthy vegan life so much easier!
Erica says
Have you every tried prepping your greens for smoothies in advance? I buy bulk spinach or kale and blend it with just a little water. Then I freeze it into large bourbon silicone ice cube trays I bought on Amazon. Then in the morning I just plop one or two greens cubes into my smoothies. One normal bag of spinach makes four-six cubes. Huge timesaver in the morning and you don’t have to add any ice. :)
cindy says
I added a bit of lemon and lime juice and it completely blocks out the taste of the greens ! Amazing recipe !!!!!!!!!! although I used almond milk, I bet this smoothie can only taste better by using coconut milk instead.
Sarah says
What do you think about subbing frozen mango for the pineapple?
I think that would be lovely!
Haley says
I will be making this frequently while I can find blood oranges. This is definitely one of my favorite green smoothie recipes yet. A really good balance of tartness and sweetness.
Caroline H. says
Would love to see more refined-sugar-free recipes in 2016 (like just using coconut sugar or maple syrup or dates) and maybe more snacks and meals that can be taken to work for lunch. Thank you for all the wonderful recipes!
Sarah says
Hi Dana! I’ve been following you over the past year and a half over here in Germany! I LOVE your recipes and your blog! Your photography is so beautiful, and I feel SO GOOD about serving your Funfetti cupcakes, your almond coconut chocolate chip cookies (based on the Sprouted Kitchen’s recipe), etc. to my 1- and 3-year old girls! I drink your “Favorite Green Smoothie” every morning and it has made me feel so much better and more capable of running after the two littles! I also love your overnight oats and your kale chickpea salad with tahini dressing. YUMMMM!!! Would love more of those amazing sweets recipes that you are so talented at in 2016 but I probably have more of a sweet tooth than most of your readers!! ;) Thanks for a delicious and nutritious 2015! :)
Anne says
YES! This is what I need this grey&rainy first week of 2016, thank you :)
Laughed out loud for the (austin powers!) groovy bit, I’m from 1986 as well.. Seriously, how did 30 years happen over night?
Have an epic year!
xx from the Netherlands
Kristen says
Hi Dana,
I made this for the first time yesterday and have made it three times since. it’s amazing! Let me start by saying that I’m a smoothavore (I live for smoothies) and the hubby got me a vitamix for Christmas, so I’ve been going wild with it. This smoothie is one of THE BEST smoothies I’ve ever eaten. I had to comment on it. I basically want to eat nothing else. I raided the blood oranges at the store.
So good. Thanks.
Ps- when do your Canadian pals get our hands on your cookbook?
NOW! See this post for updated purchasing options.
Laureen says
Anything gluten free, vegan and without yeast makes me happy! More of those recipes please.
Amanda | The Cinnamon Scrolls says
Oh my gosh, Dana! What gorgeous photos and such a tasty sounding recipe! I can’t believe I’m just finding out about you and The Minimalist Baker now! I’ll definitely be returning soon — fabulous site! Happy New Year!
Sarah Baker @ Balanced Babe says
I love this recipe and will definitely have to try it! I just had a cocktail on NYE that had blood orange in it, and I could definitely use a healthy alternative now :-)
Julia says
Wow! This is such a creative take on the green smoothie. I’m always looking for new ways to mix it up – love this for the new year
Jenny says
Hi! I’ve been trying recipes from your blog for a while (I love them!). I’m wondering why you like to eat gluten free foods and opt for gluten free options. Thanks!
Nikki says
Looks delicious! Thanks for sharing :)
Christine says
Loved this tropical tasting smoothie! Was almost like a creamsicle. I added some vanilla protein powder and hemp hearts for an extra boost. Boyfriend approved too ;)
Jess E says
Any suggestions for replacing the coconut milk? I’m allergic to coconut. I saw that someone had suggested using avocado as a replacement, which I’m also not into.
I’m trying to eat healthier and one of my biggest obstacles is breakfast (hello, poptarts!). This smoothie actually looks like one I’d like, if I can find a substitute for the coconut milk. :)
Theresa says
Try using almond milk and a bit of almond butter (from blanched almonds), that should do the trick
I would sub a little extra banana, and then add all almond or rice milk!
Julie:) says
I would love some more gluten free lunch recipes! Also some healthy snacks would be great! This smoothie looks so yummy! Love the blood oranges!
(all of my sentences end with exclamation points!!)
Roxana says
This smoothie looks wonderful, I love that there’s coconut milk and pineapple in it! It looks so refreshing and tropical! :D Happy new year!
Delaney says
Aaah I love my green smoothies. Will definitely have to try this one! I’ll juice oranges and put them in, but I’ve never thought to try blood oranges. Yummy!
Sam says
I second the request for Indian inspired dishes! Also, after visiting Thailand this year, Thai food naturally features many vegan dishes since they don’t really use dairy in their cooking. Some curry or stew dishes for the winter would be great, too.
Great request! I too am smitten with Thai and Indian cuisine. Definitely more of those recipes to come!
C. Marie says
I’m ready for some clean, refreshing smoothies after the indulgences of the holidays! I really want to use blood oranges, so I’m hoping that I’ll see some at my farmers’ market when I walk over there today.
Good luck! Let me know how it goes!
Lacey says
I think all of your recipes are fantastic. While I probably have a million requests I could give, I think the most pressing one I have is for vegan matzo ball soup! I’ve attempted to make it on my own a few times (twice I even used different kinds of vegan chicken broths, if not just vegetable broth), and I can’t seem to make the balls stick together while staying fluffy. It’s a specific request, but maybe one to consider!
Thanks for reading!
Ooh, great request! Added to the list!
Bryce says
I would LOVE a vegan matzah ball soup! I have always felt like that was a huge thing missing from delis and other places as an option!
Theresa says
Delicious!
I would love to see more asian inspired recipes!
Sophie says
I was just about to post this same request. I can ALWAYS go for Asian. Maybe even Indian-inspired? I have always wondered how to make a vegan version of those cream- or yogurt-based Indian dishes.
Great request!
Mel @ The Refreshanista says
Mmmm, how fresh and delicious! I love blood orange :)
Daiana says
I love green smoothies! And this one looks interesting and yummy. But I have never ever been able to find blood oranges! If anyone knows where I can find some let me know. Thanks!! :)
Ah! They’re only in season a short time, but should be now in most places! I found mine at Whole Foods!
Dana says
They are also called Moro oranges and don’t always have the “blood” orange label on them ;) Just in case your store carries them under the name Moro
Annaliese says
Looks amazing! You have inspired my afternoon smoothie concoction! Although I lack blood oranges, I have a plethora of beautiful navel oranges in my fruit bowl. They shall meet their destiny in this smoothie! Happy 2016!
Ooh, let me know how it goes. Cheers, Annaliese!
Lucy says
That image of the blood oranges cut open is gorgeous!! Blood oranges remind me of being abroad in the summer, somewhere in the Mediterranean usually. This sounds totally delicious, and is such a good take on green smoothies (which can sometimes become a little uninspiring when you’ve had the same three favourite combinations all too often).
Agreed! Spicing it up in the green smoothie department is key to keep the love affair going. Hope you love this one, Lucy!
Miya says
This smoothie looks delicious! If I don’t have coconut milk on hand, can I use avocado instead for added creaminess?
That could work! Let me know if you give it a try!