A deceptively delicious blend, this carrot orange ginger smoothie with turmeric is creamy, colourful, naturally sweet and tastes like a creamsicle. This recipe was featured by Vitamix International and gained popularity as a result—it's so good!
Yields 2 servings
Prep Time 10 minutes | Cook Time | Total Time 10 minutes
Why this recipe works
Don't let the ingredients in this carrot orange ginger smoothie throw you off; people have described this recipe as tasting like a creamsicle. It's smooth, mildly sweet and very satisfying. Moreover, if you're like me, you'll be happy to know there is no banana used in this recipe.
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.
I originally created this recipe back in 2017 as a way to use up carrots and oranges from the fridge. Little did I know it would grab the attention of Vitamix International via Instagram; this recipe put me on their radar and landed me a role as their contract food photographer for 3 years (cool side note).
I hope you love it!
Praise from Vitamix
"how could we not spread the word about this wonderful creation?"
"It really is amazing!"
@Vitamix
See more reviews
"This was fantastic! My husband and I are trying to get over colds and this is perfect. Definitely will make this again".
@naomisleder
"I'm drinking this right now. So good. Reminds me of a creamsicle."
@whitecreek
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
For the full list of ingredients and quantities of each, please see the recipe card below or use the Jump to Recipe button at the top. 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 of any variety will reduce a lot of 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. Alternatively, use a 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. This adds a brilliant colour to the smoothie. If turmeric is contraindicated for you, omit it from the recipe.
- Fresh ginger root: Use the edge of a spoon to peel the thin skin from the rhizome. Again, if ginger is contraindicated for you, omit it from the recipe.
- Hemp hearts: these add a body and make the creamy texture. 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.
How to Make A Carrot Orange Ginger Smoothie
For the full detailed instructions, please see the recipe card further down the post.
- Roughly chop the prepped carrot into 1" pieces.
- Add all the ingredients into a high powered blender in the order listed (this is important to getting a smooth and even blend).
- Place the lid on the blender and process on high for 15-20 seconds.
- Blend until completely smooth.
- Portion into two serving glasses.
- Serve right away.
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 & 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
If you love my orange carrot ginger smoothie with turmeric, you may also enjoy:
Carrot Orange Ginger Smoothie with Turmeric
Special Equipment
- High powered blender
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk, or plant-based milk of choice
- 2 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon organic turmeric powder
- 2 tablespoon hulled hemp hearts
- 2 large (500g) navel oranges, peeled and cut into quarters
- 1 medium (280g) carrot, washed, peeled, stem end removed
- 1 inch (5g) piece of fresh ginger root, peeled
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup, (optional)
Instructions
- Roughly chop the prepared carrot into 1" pieces. Add all the ingredients to a high power blender container in the order listed.2 cups unsweetened almond milk, 2 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice, ¼ tsp vanilla extract, ¼ tsp organic turmeric powder, 2 tbsp hulled hemp hearts, 2 large (500g) navel oranges, 1 medium (280g) carrot, 1 inch (5g) piece of fresh ginger root, 1 tbsp maple syrup
- Place the lid on the blender and process on high for 20-30 seconds or until completely smooth.
- Portion into two serving glasses. Serve immediately.
Heidi's Notes
Nutrition
This is an approximation of the nutrition offered in this recipe, and is created using a nutrition calculator. I am not a nutritionist and cannot guarantee accuracy. If your health depends on nutrition information, please calculate again with your preferred calculator.
Disclaimer
all recipes on The Simple Green are developed and tested in a Canadian kitchen, at normal elevation, using electric appliances and ingredients available in Canada. Results may vary.
About Heidi Richter
Hi there! I'm Heidi, the professional recipe developer, food writer and photographer behind The Simple Green. Here you will find dozens of flavourful, approachable and well-tested recipes inspired by fresh seasonal ingredients you know and love.
