Vegan immunity boosting frozen cranberry orange smoothie! A triple whammy smoothie of Vitamin C without a ton of extra sugar. Just naturally fruit sweetened with orange and cranberry! Plus it’s anti-oxidant rich and dairy free, not to mention tastes pretty darn delicious.
Happy Monday folks! Yes, those two words can co-exist. I’m trying to keep that perspective. Speaking of perspective, how do you view your health right now? What’s the one area you want to improve or “get healthier” in? Believe it or not, mine is immunity and gut health. You think I’m kidding but I’m not. Haha! More gut health. Be as it may, almost all health issues stem from poor gut health and low immunity. Ahhh… the gut. The second brain! Why is it so sensitive?
I’m not complaining, I promise. In fact, I’d have to agree that the sensitive gut is due to our crazy life style and quick fixes. Um, yes, been there, done that. Still struggle. And unless we win lotto and buy a mansion on island without any pollution, I think our life will always be a little stressful from time to to time! Which is why I think it’s important to do a weekly or monthly immunity boost for the gut and body, even if you aren’t stressed or run down.
So, here’s today’s TLC for the gut and immunity. It’s a triple whammy of Vitamin C without a ton of extra sugar. Just natural fruit sugars to make this orange smoothie sweet and tart! It’s anti-oxidant rich, it’s anti-inflammatory, it’s dairy free, and it tastes pretty darn delicious. It would be perfect for breakfast or post workout/run in order to keep your IMMUNE system and GUT health in check.
Let’s dissect this Immunity Boosting Orange Smoothie a little more, shall we?
- Freeze squeezed Orange Juice – Natural sweetener and loaded with of course... VITAMIN C. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, which means it dissolves in water. What’s not absorbed with then leave the body through the urine. You know what that means? —> YOU NEED a continuous supply of Vitamin C in your diet. But not a whole lot at once. Make sense?
- BONUS –> Research has found that loading up on Vitamin C may actually help shorten the length of time you’re sick and reduce symptoms.
- Lemon Juice or Lemon Essential Oil –> More good vitamin C and other vitamins. Can help ease stomach and indigestion too. I still have my essential oils from Blend retreat and loved using this in this orange smoothie. More facts on the lemon juice essential oils here.
- Banana – Potassium, Magnesium, natural whole food carb source.
- Cranberries (fresh then frozen) – I first bragged about cranberries and gut health in this post. And now I’m here to do it again.
- First, these little tarts are a good source of Vitamin C (again) other vitamins such as Vitamin E (fat soluble vitamin) and minerals such as manganese.
- Cranberries (Raw) only have 5 grams of sugar per cup! That’s impressive!
- Research has show that cranberries may actually help balance the bacteria in your gut by increasing your bifidobacteria (good bacteria). Did you know that your good gut bacteria can be thrown off just by stress or extreme diet/workout alone? We found that out the hard way. source
- Coconut or Almond Milk – I paired a non dairy milk with fat in this smoothie so that both water and fat soluble vitamins could be absorbed. So .. more absorption, more nutrients, better immunity = WINNING!
Immunity Boosting Frozen Cranberry Orange Smoothie
Immunity Boosting Frozen Cranberry Orange Smoothie {Vegan Friendly}
Ingredients
- 10 oz fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1 cup frozen raw cranberries (can use fresh but will not be as thick)
- 4 oz coconut or almond milk
- 1 small banana
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or few drops lemon essential oils
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- optional - ice for more thickness or protein powder of choice.
Directions
- Pretty simple. Juice orange. Combine with rest of ingredients in blender. Blend until smooth.
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As mentioned in the recipe, you can totally use fresh cranberries BUT the key to thickness and making it more like a shake are the frozen cranberries. LOVE THEM! Plus they last forever in the freezer.
Cheers to starting off the week with a little TLC, an immunity boost, and new way to spice up an regular plain orange smoothie. Definitely a good start to a Meatless Monday!
Favorite immunity boosting smoothie recipe? Do share!
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Ooooh good reminder! I need to make my smoothie for after my run today…..*leaves to go do that and comes back*….haha just kidding I am still here. This sounds delicious Linds, and SO good for us!
haha you’re funny! wish i could just send you some! sherpa friends!
I love the orange cran combo but never think to buy the cranberries until Thanksgiving is coming. With strawberries, I make this type of smoothie for my kids in the morning or as a snack. The orange juice and banana combo is so yummy 🙂 And yes, I too am still thinking gut health and immunity!
have you tried the frozen cranberries? less sugar and great for any gut dysbiosis!
Putting them on my list 🙂
I love cranberry and orange–it makes me think of fall mornings and those Betty Crocker Muffins! This I think might be a little bit better for me, though!
I love cranberries and orange flavored together and of course, you know gut health is near and dear to me. Definitely trying this one!
I love oranges and I love cranberries. I need to try them together and now is the time to grab some cranberries. Great post!
i totally forgot about cranberries!!! I love making smoothies with them, and that combo of orange and cranberry is perfect!
Uhmmmmm I also have a cranberry orange recipe coming up soon. They just pair so well together!
we are soooooo food twins! <3
I am so used to making pretty much the SAME smoothie over and over again and that I often forget there are other AMAZING and nutrient RICH varieties out there that I would love! I think it’s time to pick up my smoothie game! 😉
(P.S. I would also love to win the lottery…preferably without having to buy a lotto ticket. ha!)
I gotta admit – I never thought of the gut as the second brain – but that makes so much sense as when I’m stressed I feel it first in ma gut indeed – which is probably TMI – but it’s what lead me to drinking a warm cuppa water with half a lemon squeezed into it – especially on mornings when I know the day ahead is gonna be gut bus-tingly stressful! But – Lindsay – your smoothie sounds so much more delicious than my warm lemon water! So much more!
Cranberries and oranges are such a delicious and classic combo. I love that you have made them into a smoothie! Plus, it’s just so darn pretty…how could it not taste great?!
This smoothie looks like it’s positively glowing! Such fantastic flavor combo
i love a good glow smoothie. tee hee. and i LOVE YOU
I love the cranberry orange combo! Yum thanks for linking up with us today for meatless Monday
It’s amazing how much our gut affects our health. I’m all about aiding my gut too. 🙂 This smoothie looks amazing – I have never used cranberries in smoothies but I bet it’s great for a fall treat. I’ll have to try it soon!
totally agree Mary! Let me know if you try this!
That looks delish & amazing Lindsay!!!!
Uuummmmm so this sounds pretty freaking amazing. I will now be searching for cranberries next time I head to the store. And I love the nutrition factors in this (always) <3 pinning.
frozen section, yes. check there!
Great recipe for this time of year!
I’m not sure if you posted one like this last year but I thought I remember you posting a citrus cranberry one around when I did. I use lemon or orange but don’t add the banana and often add in Vega One for a dose of protein, vitamins, and minerals. I’m going to have this combo with the banana and honey. Maybe I should try it today as I really need to give my body some TLC and hopefully distress as I started coming down with something late Friday night (I have no voice and just pressure in my head) and I know stress probably is a big factor. Since I had a shake maybe tomorrow am. So happy I have frozen fresh cranberries in the freezer. Thanks again for sharing!
oh man, i’m sorry! sending you hugs and love and nourishment
Ok so I need to keep my eyes open for fresh cranberries. Tis the season right!! I’m so loving smoothies, especially for after workouts, sometimes I just don’t want to make a full elaborate meal! This flavor combo screams to me “fall/winter” without being pumpkin!!
totally! pumpkin will shine no matter what. haha, time to give cranberry some love
Oh yum! need to make this once I get my hands on some fresh cranberries!
look for frozen cranberries at safeway! they have them
did you check out the frozen section? I found them there
I don’t have any gut health issues and I still adore this. Despite it being a smoothie, it feels like comfort food to me. Bring on the vitamin C.
let’s just say this would be your maintenance smoothie, yes? <3
Love the cranberry orange combo! I could definitely use some immunity boosting gut health help!
amen! don’t we all… sigh
A good immunity and gut health boost recipe is always a winner for me! I love whole cranberries, especially with oranges – so tart and tasty!
woohoo! gut health lovers unite
I love the sound of this! It may have to go on the meal plan… because today is day 1 of our little anti-inflammatory experiment! Finally, right?
do you have essential oils? dude, get the lemon in this. MAJOR perfects for anti-inflammatory
I was around two sick little nephews yesterday and I do NOT want to get sick, so I’ve been loading up on fruits and veggies! This smoothie would be perfect!
oh those kiddos will definitely spread germs fast haha. Stock up on Vitamin C!
soo many great things about this smoothie! the first being those AWESOME SILVER STRAWS! I gotta get my hands on those. and yes i love adding cranberries to smoothies for that tart taste. mm!
straws are from West elm and I ADORE THEM! Gah.. i adore the whole place
Yum yum! So I LOVE cranberries and I am super excited for them to be coming fresh to grocery stores soon. Where have you been able to find them already??
do you have a safeway or randalls? i found frozen section! love them!
Unfortunately, neither are near me 🙁 But I will keep my eyes peeled for the cranberries for sure!! Thanks for the yummy recipe, Lindsay!
Hmmmm keep checking frozen section. Or try this with frozen berries!
I looked for cranberries (fresh or frozen) at TWO grocery stores this past weekend and they didn’t have them… ugh!! Once I find them, I’ll be making this smoothie. YUM!
do you have a safeway or randalls? i found frozen section! love it!
No 🙁 I have a Publix, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. I haven’t looked at Whole Foods yet.
oh i think whole foods has them!
I’ve only had the orange/cranberry combo in unhealthy treats like scones, muffins, and cookies 🙂 this smoothie looks so tasty! I have some frozen cranberries from last season…just gotta get me an orange!
Yes, good call! eat this with a cranberry orange muffin! haha. love it!
We’re going on vacation soon so I’m going to need all the immunity boosting I can get!! Never thought to add EO’s to my smoothie.. really great idea!
This combo makes me think Christmas, which is -never- a bad thing. LOVE the idea of using frozen cranberries to thicken it up, because you know I love eating my smoothies with a spoon 😉
always thinking my spoons. Speaking of .. I need to go to spoons now and pin you ball recipe. YES!
Gorgeous photos, Lindsay- they look so inviting! I love adding spinach for that extra nutrient boost. I have no doubt that it helps stave off unnecessary illnesses!
oh that would be even more powerful! I will have to add spinach next time
This is perfect! Thanksgiving is coming up in about 2 weeks in Canada so I need to do something with all the extra cranberries I’ll have.
With the flu season coming up, I’ll need all the extra immune boosters I can get.
Love cranberries and orange! I have really tried to like bananas, but I just don’t like the flavor/texture of them. Do you think the smoothie will be too thin if I leave out the banana? Any suggestions for a substitute? Thanks!
So there’s two things you could do. Add a couple dates instead of banana. Or thicken it with Greek yogurt. Let me know if you try either!
Yesssssss. All about anything high in vitamin C right now, everyone is walking around campus coughing and sniffling and I’m trying to not look like I’m avoiding them all… but I completely am. Plus, orange and cranberry sounds amazing. I keep seeing frozen cranberries around but I’ve been like ‘how do I even use these’ because they would get mushy.. But this sounds like a good use.
oh yes, stock up on that Vitamin C jess. college is always a swarm of sickness! haha
This looks AMAZING and I am making it ASAP:)))
let me know if you do!
Looks delicious! can I use whole oranges instead of juice? how many? peeled or whole? tia!
you want to use whole orange fruit? it does need some extra liquid. So peel the orange and use one. then maybe add more milk or water if it’s too thick. You might get a lot of pulp with the orange in there though.
Great smoothie but need to swap out the honey for something like rice syrup or maple syrup if you want to call it vegan…
thanks! i’ll be sure to update that. You can use agave nectar as well.
This looks delicious! I was wondering if I could you use regular orange juice in this instead of the orange (fruit)
You sure can! Keep me posted on how it turns out Paulette
Great recipe! Since I’m not a fan of bananas I subbed 1/3 of an avocado (alternative source of creaminess) and switched out the juice for 2 whole oranges (fiber, baby!). Ice was a great suggestion – made it just like a tangy yummy milkshake. Thanks!
oh i like that idea!! thanks for sharing Elizabeth!
Smoothies without the dairy and sugar can only help our immunity system and our poor guts. (https://www.drlam.com/blog/microbiome-gut-flora/23823/)
so true!
All are very healthy but in taste i like Coconut or Almond Milk
Me too! Love the coconut milk