Orange Cranberry Smoothie

I’ve got the perfect use for those leftover cranberries this holiday season: a cranberry smoothie recipe! If you’ve never tried cranberry in a smoothie, you need to blend this healthy smoothie recipe. It’s tart, creamy, tangy, and has that classic orange and cranberry pairing.

It’s also a no-banana smoothie that’s dairy-free and can easily turn into a healthy breakfast smoothie or a meal replacement smoothie. Once you’ve finished prepping for your vegan Thanksgiving recipes or next holiday party, freeze leftover cranberries to enjoy this pink frozen fruit smoothie anytime, especially if you need something to balance out that pan of gluten-free brownies.

Why This Smoothie Rawks

This smoothie is packed with ingredients that support digestive health and overall wellness. There’s a reason why I’ve added cranberries to my top 10 Superfoods List. Cranberries support heart health, boost immunity, and may help to prevent stomach cancer. They also are known to help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Pineapple provides bromelain, an enzyme that aids in digestion and reduces inflammation.

Orange juice, with its high pulp and no added sugar, delivers a dose of vitamin C to support your immune system. Frozen peaches add fiber and natural sweetness, contributing to a smooth, satisfying texture. Together, they create a tangy, refreshing blend that’s as good for your gut as it is delicious.

Chia seeds add a nutritional boost with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber to keep you full and energized. These tiny seeds also promote heart health and support healthy digestion. With its vibrant flavors and nutrient-packed ingredients, this smoothie is a perfect way to start your day or recharge after a workout.

Orange Cranberry Smoothie Ingredients

This cranberry smoothie is a party of flavors and hits just right for those of us who like a bit of sharpness. Here’s what I’m putting in the blender:

• Cranberries: When these tart berries start showing up in my grocery store, I often grab more than one bag and freeze them to use in my smoothies, Steel Cut Oats, and more. Their vibrant color and bold flavor make them a versatile addition to both sweet and savory recipes.
• Orange Juice: Use high-pulp orange juice with no added sugar to keep the taste bright and natural. Look for fresh-squeezed options in the refrigerated section for the best quality.
• Frozen Pineapple: This is a staple in my freezer drawer since it goes in so many smoothies. It not only adds natural sweetness but also a refreshing tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with tart and citrusy ingredients.
• Frozen Peaches: I’m adding peaches for added creaminess, which balances the tartness of cranberries. Frozen ones work best for a consistent texture and are easy to find year-round in the freezer section.
• Chia Seeds: Since this fruit smoothie is high in natural sugar and a little on the thin side, I’m tossing in chia seeds right from the get-go. Their mild, nutty flavor complements the fruit while creating a gel-like texture that makes the smoothie satisfyingly thick.
• Garnish: A fresh rosemary sprig, sliced cranberries, or sliced pineapple makes a beautiful finishing touch. These garnishes not only enhance presentation, but also add an extra layer of flavor to your cranberry smoothie.

How to Make a Cranberry Smoothie

This smoothie is super simple to make since it doesn’t have leafy greens, making it quick and easy.

1. Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
2. Stop and scrape down the sides of the blender as needed to ensure everything is fully pureed. Depending on your blender, you may not need to stop and scrape down the sides. However, if some ingredients aren’t fully blended, feel free to take this step to ensure a smooth, chunk-free texture.
3. Serve the smoothie in your favorite glass and enjoy! For a festive touch, top with fresh cranberries, a sprig of rosemary, or a slice of pineapple or orange.

Easy Swaps and Add-Ins

Smoothies are great because you can customize them depending on your taste preferences and the time of day you’re blending. Here are a few easy swaps for this fun recipe to make it fit your nutritional needs:

Swaps

• Swap orange juice: Use 1 peeled orange + 1/4 cup water for a fresh alternative.
• Swap peaches: Use frozen mango.
• Swap cranberries: Use fresh or frozen cranberries. If you’ve got a cup of leftover cranberry sauce then you can use that, too!

Add-Ins

• Add a different flavor profile: Try unsweetened cranberry juice with one peeled orange to balance the sweetness while still enjoying a tart smoothie.
• Add leafy greens: For more vitamins and minerals, add a cup of leafy greens to this smoothie.
• Add protein powder: Boost the smoothie into a meal replacement by adding Greek yogurt, the best vegan yogurt, or homemade protein powder—opt for low-sugar varieties.

More Holiday Smoothie Recipes

Using seasonal produce means leaning into what is already available. If you haven’t noticed, it’s hard to find cranberries outside of Autumn/Winter! Here are some more warm smoothies and other cozy drinks for your healthy winter.

If you make this Orange Cranberry Smoothie, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. Your feedback helps me and all the readers in this community. And if you’re interested in more plant-based recipes (and exclusive content), sign up for my weekly recipe newsletter.