Orange Carrot Ginger Smoothie

The recipe was inspired by my favorite carrot-orange juice I get from a local shop.  I love the combination with fresh ginger, so this is my smoothie version with some adjustments. If you like to change up the veggies you add to smoothies, you also might enjoy my pineapple beet smoothie. For more healthy smoothie recipes, check out my post for easy plant-based smoothies.

Ingredient notes and substitutions

The vitamin C-rich smoothie uses simple ingredients, but please see the exact measurements in the recipe card below.

Raw carrots - This slightly sweet root vegetable goes great in smoothies with fresh oranges.  It's also a nice alternative to adding greens to smoothies (you know, to sneak in more vegetables). For more recipes featuring carrots, try a carrot beet smoothie, carrot banana smoothie, or carrot bliss balls. 

Orange - The fruit adds even more sweetness and the orange flavor to this carrot orange smoothie recipe. For more smoothies with oranges, try arugula smoothie with frozen pineapple, a pineapple peach smoothie, or a blueberry raspberry smoothie.  If you don't have fresh oranges, substitute them with orange juice.  When peeling the orange, make sure to remove the white bitter pith.

Frozen pineapple - The sweet tropical fruit adds more sweetness and helps to make the smoothie cold without the need for ice.  

Frozen banana - The fruit makes the smoothie creamy, binds everything together, and in its frozen state negates the need for ice.  If you use a fresh ripe banana, you may want to add ice to chill the smoothie more. 

Either slice the banana before freezing or at least break it into smaller pieces.  I like to break it into four equal portions.  A whole frozen banana may be hard on some blenders to puree.

Fresh lemon juice - The lemon is optional but adds a nice brightness to the smoothie.  

Fresh ginger - Ginger root adds loads of flavor and a little spice.  It's more of a pop of flavor that hits the back of the throat and it has an almost warming quality to it. 

I love the spice of ginger in this carrot pineapple smoothie, but if you're not as big of a fan then just use 1 inch or leave it out.  If you're a bigger fan then use more ginger in the recipe.  Peel the ginger and grate it into the orange carrot smoothie with a Microplane. For more ginger beverages try ginger lemon cucumber water.

Cold water - Coconut water can also be used instead of water.

Tips

• If you substitute the frozen components with fresh ones, add ice cubes to make the smoothie cold.
• If you don't have a high-speed blender, then the carrots may need to be diced to be blended.
• When peeling the orange make sure to remove the white bitter pith.

Variations

• Use frozen mango instead of frozen pineapple
• Add ¼ teaspoon of ground turmeric

Instructions

If you're using a high-powered blender, peel and rough chop the carrots.  Add them along with peeled oranges, frozen pineapple, banana, and freshly grated ginger to a blender. 

Start with a 1-inch piece of ginger grated and add more if needed.  If you're unsure even start with ½ inch of grated ginger. Blend until smooth.  If you're using a regular blender then dice the carrot to blend them.  

Storage

The carrot-orange ginger smoothie is best served immediately, but leftovers can be stored and covered in the refrigerator.  Consume within 24 hours, if there is liquid separation just stir it back in.

Can you freeze ginger?

Yes, you can freeze ginger.  Peel the raw ginger and store it in a freezer-safe bag or container.  When you're ready to use, grate the needed amount with a microplane while still frozen.

Related recipes

• Dairy-Free Mango Smoothie
• Vegan Chocolate Banana Smoothie
• Spinach Pineapple Banana Smoothie
• Arugula Smoothie
• Carrot Banana Smoothie
• Blueberry and Raspberry Smoothie
• Ginger lemon cucumber water

As always, I hope you enjoy the recipe for a carrot pineapple smoothie! If you like the recipe, feel free to rate it and leave a comment.