Carrot Orange Ginger Smoothie with Turmeric (no banana)

A deceptively delicious blend, this carrot orange ginger smoothie with turmeric is nutritious, colourful and naturally sweet, although additional sweetener can be added if desired. Creaminess is created by the addition of hemp hearts, almond milk and a good high powered blender. This recipe was featured by the team at Vitamix International and gained popularity as a result—it's so good!

Jump to:

• Why this recipe works
• Praise from Vitamix
• Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
• Step by Step Instructions
• Helpful Tips
• Make Ahead and Storage
• More Recipes
• Carrot Orange Ginger Smoothie with Turmeric

Why this recipe works

Carrot, oranges, lemon and turmeric are blended together with punchy ginger and rounded out with creamy hemp hearts and almond milk. A hint of vanilla really brings this smoothie together and makes it seem like something more decadent than it is.

Don't let the ingredient list throw you off; people have described this recipe as tasting like a creamsicle—it's smooth, mildly sweet and satisfying and there is no banana (if you're like me and don't appreciate the taste of it in smoothies). The creamy texture is created by hemp hearts and almond milk, along with the help of a high powered blender. This recipe takes your average morning OJ to a whole new level— I'm hope you will love it, too!

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

For the full list of ingredients and quantities, please see the recipe card below. To make this carrot orange ginger smoothie with turmeric you will need the following:

Carrot: I use orange coreless carrots (scarlet nantes) as they tend to be sweeter and less bitter. However, removing the skin off any variety of carrot will reduce any possible bitterness. Choose carrots that are firm with a uniform skin free of blemishes to ensure you're getting the best quality and flavour. Moreover, check the carrot tops and avoid any that show signs of rot.

Oranges: choose a large juicing variety like navel oranges which are widely available. However, you could use another large variety like Cara cara or Valencia. You basically want a variety that is sweet, tart and juicy. Avoid those varieties that are too sour for eating raw (Bergamot, Seville, etc.). Make sure your oranges are free of blemishes and as fresh as possible. Choose oranges that are firm to the touch with a bright colour, little to no green and a rind that is neither overly soft or wrinkled (this can indicate over-ripeness).

Lemon juice: Use fresh lemon juice. This recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of lemon juice which is the equivalent of 1 large lemon.

Turmeric powder: I prefer to use an organic turmeric powder to reduce the risk of contamination which can occur with this spice. There are also lots of scientific studies on the benefits of turmeric as an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant.

Fresh ginger root: Again, I prefer to use fresh organic ginger root and I use the edge of a spoon to peel the thin skin from the rhizome.

Hemp hearts: these add a creamy texture and added nutrition. Be sure to source organic hulled hemp hearts.

Unsweetened almond milk: you can use any plant based milk you prefer for this recipe. Just be sure it is unsweetened.

Vanilla extract: this adds a lovely hint of vanilla (and decadence) to this blend.

Maple syrup: this is optional and solely for the purpose of adding additional sweetness, if you prefer.

Step by Step Instructions

For the full detailed instructions, please see the recipe card further down the post.

STEP 1: Roughly chop the prepped carrot into 1" pieces.

STEP 2: Add all the ingredients, except for the chia seeds, into a high powered blender in the order listed (this is important to getting a smooth and even blend).

STEP 3: Place the lid on the blender and process on high for 15-20 seconds or until completely smooth.

STEP 4: Portion into two serving glasses and top with a sprinkling of chia seeds (optional).

Helpful Tips

Use a high powered blender: this is key to getting this smoothie to blend properly. Carrots are quite hard and require a lot of processing to blend them smoothly. I use a Vitamix, however you can use your preferred brand of high powered blender.

Add the ingredients in the order listed: this helps make the blending process smooth and efficient. Placing the liquids in first will help prevent air pockets from forming. Next add powders, then lighter items and finally harder or heavier items on top—this will help push the mixture into the blades and create a more even blend and prevent your blender from stalling. If you choose to add ice to this recipe (see below tip) you will want to add the ice last.

Source quality ingredients: the quality of the ingredients is important and will make this smoothie better if you choose for the best produce available.

Use cold almond milk: I prefer my smoothies cold and always use refrigerated almond milk.

Add Ice for a chilled smoothie (optional): this blend is fairly thick on it's own, however, you could add ½ a cup of crushed ice to the blender if you prefer a more iced texture to your smoothies. Just note that this will increase the quantity of the smoothie and dilute some of the flavour.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: you can prepare the oranges, carrot and ginger the night before and freeze them in a covered freezer-safe container overnight (you will need to blend the mixture a little longer to account for the frozen texture).

Storage: like most smoothies, this recipe is best consumed right away; it doesn't store well.

More Recipes

Citrus and Ginger Root Tonic Smoothie

Dairy-free Golden Turmeric Milk

Vegan Rhubarb Peach Lassi

If you made my Carrot Orange Smoothie with Ginger and Turmeric please leave me a comment below with a star rating; it really helps others who are interested in making the recipe. For more from The Simple Green, follow me on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest. Consider becoming a subscriber to receive emails of new recipes and posts.