Description
A refreshing and nutrient-packed 5-minute Citrus Carrot Ginger Smoothie blending bright oranges, zesty lemon, sweet banana, fresh ginger, and wholesome hemp hearts for a creamy, plant-based start to your day. Perfect for a quick breakfast or energizing snack, this vegan, gluten-free smoothie combines vibrant flavors with health-boosting ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits and Vegetables
- 1 Large Navel or Cara Cara Orange (or three small oranges such as mandarin or satsuma, peeled, seeds removed)
- 1 Thin Slice of Lemon (leave skin on, seeds removed)
- 2 Medium Carrots (chopped into chunks, no need to peel)
- 1 Banana (peeled, sliced into chunks, frozen preferred for creaminess)
- 1 inch (2.5 cm) knob of Fresh Ginger (leave skin on; increase to 1 1/2 inches if you love ginger)
Pantry
- 3 tablespoons Hemp Hearts (or a small handful of preferred nuts such as cashews or nut butter)
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Turmeric
- Pinch of Black Pepper (optional)
- 1 cup (235 grams) Water
Instructions
- Add Ingredients to Blender: Place the peeled orange, lemon slice (with skin on but seeds removed), chopped carrots, banana chunks, fresh ginger knob, hemp hearts, ground turmeric, water, and optional black pepper into the pitcher of a high-speed blender such as a VitaMix.
- Blend Smoothly: Start blending at low speed, gradually increasing to high. Blend the mixture until completely smooth, about 45 seconds, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Adjust Consistency: If the smoothie is too thick, add additional water to reach your preferred consistency. Blend again briefly to combine.
- Serve: Pour the smoothie into glasses and optionally sprinkle extra hemp hearts on top for garnish and added texture.
- Enjoy Immediately: Drink the smoothie right away to enjoy maximum freshness and nutrient benefits.
Notes
- This smoothie is plant-based, making it suitable for vegetarians and vegans, and is naturally gluten-free.
- For an intensified ginger flavor, increase the ginger knob size to 1 1/2 inches.
- Ground turmeric adds vibrant color and anti-inflammatory properties; black pepper enhances turmeric absorption.
- Use frozen bananas to create a creamier, chilled smoothie, especially refreshing in warmer months.
- Adjust water quantity to achieve your desired smoothie thickness.
- Consume immediately for best flavor and nutritional value.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 196 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 33 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
