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If you love smoothies that taste bright and refreshing, this cranberry orange smoothie is one to add to your blend list. It combines tart cranberries, sweet citrus, and creamy frozen banana into a vibrant drink that feels both crisp and smooth. The spinach blends in seamlessly, making this an easy way to add greens without changing the flavor.

I still remember the first time I tried cranberries in a smoothie—right after Thanksgiving, staring down a bag of leftover fresh cranberries I wasn’t sure what to do with. On a whim, I tossed them in the blender with a banana, a handful of spinach, and a juicy orange… and wow. That tart-sweet combo instantly woke up my taste buds and made me feel good about what I was putting in my body. Here’s why:

  • Spinach adds fiber, iron, and a gentle green boost without overpowering the flavor.
  • Cranberries are antioxidant powerhouses that support immune health and reduce inflammation.
  • Orange brings vitamin C, hydration, and a citrusy brightness that balances the tartness of cranberries.
  • Banana offers natural sweetness, potassium, and a creamy texture that ties everything together.

Fresh cranberries vs. Frozen Cranberries

Fresh or frozen cranberries both work fine in this recipe. If you use frozen cranberries, then they will help chill your smoothie. And freezing doesn’t greatly affect the nutrient content of the fruit, though fresh will give you the most nutrients.

If you find yourself with extra cranberries after the holidays, there are plenty of delicious ways to use them up. Try my pomegranate cranberry relish for a classic, versatile staple that works well with both savory and sweet dishes. For a fresh, energizing option, blend up an Orange Cranberry Smoothie that balances tart berries with bright citrus.

5 (1 vote)

Cranberry Spinach Smoothie

This cranberry spinach smoothie is bright, tangy, and refreshingly smooth with a perfectly balanced sweet-tart flavor. Cranberries and juicy orange create a vibrant citrus base, while frozen banana adds natural creaminess. It blends together in just minutes, making it a quick breakfast option, especially during the colder months when cranberries are plentiful and at their best.
Prep: 3 minutes
Blend: 2 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Author: Jen Hansard

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup spinach
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ cup cranberries
  • 1 orange peeled
  • ½ banana frozen
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Instructions 

  • Place spinach and water in blender. Puree until smooth.
    putting spinach and water in blender.
  • Add fruit and blend again.
  • Pour in a glass.
    glass of green smoothie with sliced cranberries on top.

Helpful Tools

Notes

  • Use at least one frozen fruit to make the smoothie cold or serve over ice.
  • Swap in any leafy green of your choice for the spinach.
  • Add in protein powder of your choice, or my homemade protein powder.

Nutrition

Serving: 16 oz | Calories: 144 kcal | Carbohydrates: 36 g | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 1 g | Saturated Fat: 1 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1 g | Sodium: 37 mg | Potassium: 658 mg | Fiber: 8 g | Sugar: 22 g | Vitamin A: 3176 IU | Vitamin C: 90 mg | Calcium: 96 mg | Iron: 1 mg

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5 from 1 vote

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I thought this was really good! I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out perfect. Will def make again since I have more cranberries in the fridge.

    1. Love that you liked it so much. And it’s the perfect season for fresh cranberries.