I'm trading in the processed sugar and dairy in the traditional Orange Julius for a smoothie version sweetened with fruit. It's honestly still a super sweet treat, yet my healthy Orange Julius smoothie fuels my body the right way.
Raise your hand if you remember walking by the shopping mall food court and seeing people lined up at Orange Julius? And who remembers recreating the creamy orange smoothie in 7th grade Home Ec?
How to Make a Healthy Orange Julius
I can't wait for you to try this sweet treat! It definitely hits the spot for my sweet tooth and has no weird ingredients.
- Blend spinach, oranges and almond milk until smooth (I'm talking no leafy chunks floating around).
- Add the banana and blend again until smooth. It helps to use frozen banana to get a chilled smoothie.
- Add in ½ teaspoon of vanilla to make this taste even more like a traditional Orange Julius.
My healthy smoothie version is loaded with goodness and doesn't mess around with the sweet factor either. No fake sweeteners are needed! Just make sure you use a ripe banana.
We all know oranges = vitamin C (80% of the recommended daily intake), but did you know that oranges are also full of fiber? Your digestive system will thank you for eating more oranges.
Tips for a Great Smoothie
If the sugar is a little much for you (even though it's 100% natural!), swap half of the banana for a quarter of an avocado. You'll still get the dream cream texture, but not as much sugar in this healthy Orange Julius smoothie.
You can also swap out the almond milk with the plant milk of your choice, coconut, cashew or oat. There are so many great options. Whichever milk you use, make sure it is unsweetened.
When blending this orange smoothie, blend it twice to help your blender chop up the spinach as much as possible.
Adding ice cubes to the glass when you pour out the smoothie will cool down the beverage if using all fresh ingredients.
Orange Julius Smoothie FAQs
The original Orange Julius consists of orange juice concentrate, milk, vanilla, sugar and ice. While it is sweeter than my version, I bet mine still tastes deliciously orange-y! My smoothie contains spinach, oranges, almond milk and banana.
It depends! Spinach is typically mild, and the orange and banana in this Orange Julius smoothie are definitely the dominant flavors. You might still get a slightly earthy taste if you've got a sensitive palate.
They can be! Make sure yours are loaded with only whole food ingredients (no added sweeteners). Use unsweetened, plant-based milk or water for the base. Boost your smoothies with protein and healthy fats to help your body break down the natural sugars.
When is the perfect time to drink a smoothie?
- For breakfast or even on the go with a Mason jar, cute lid and straw.
- As a nutrition-packed snack that helps you step away from the vending machine!
- Before or after a workout to add that protein after and MCT oil before to fuel your body during your workout.
Anytime you need a refreshing, fruity drink loaded with fiber, vitamins and minerals, consider blending up a smoothie. It's the healthiest fast food out there and can provide energy, fuel and promote health. Some smoothies like the Orange Julius smoothie recipe contain more natural sugar. Boost these smoothies with a plant-based protein powder to help your body process the sugar.
Orange Smoothie Recipes
Don't forget to leave a comment and review after blending the Orange Julius smoothie below. I'd love to know how yours turned out!
Orange Julius Smoothie
Rate this Recipe Print RecipeIngredients
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- ¼ cup almond milk
- 2 oranges
- ½ banana (frozen)
- 1 serving Protein Smoothie Boost (optional)
Instructions
- Place spinach, oranges and almond milk in blender. Puree until smooth.
- Add banana and blend again.
Notes
- Use at least one frozen fruit to make the smoothie cold or serve over ice.
- Another non-dairy milk can be substituted for the almond milk, such as hemp, cashew or coconut milk.
- Swap ½ banana with ¼ an avocado to lower the natural sugar.
- Add ½ teaspoon vanilla to make this even more reminiscent of the original Orange Julius.
Nutrition (estimated)
A Daily Green Smoothie
This smoothie recipe is from my free Smoothie Challenge. If you loved the taste of the Orange Julius smoothie, then this challenge is for you! Sign up for the challenge, grab your blender, and get ready for a great new healthy habit.
Drink your smoothie as a quick breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up; they are great any time of day!
Lisa
Doesn’t look anything like an Orange Julius, but sure does taste like one! I used one frozen orange and one was room temperature. The banana was also frozen. The smoothie was nice and cold. I’m very impressed with how refreshing it is.
Cheryl B.
Really like this one even though I used kefir instead of almond milk. I also only used one orange, but it was still flavorful. Added hemp hearts.
Nancy
I love how we can make adjustments to these recipes and still have a delicious smoothie! I left out the oranges to cut down on sugars. I know it defeats the purpose of an "Orange Juilius" smoothie, but I did not want to skip this recipe!
Holly
Super refreshing. Definitely reminiscent of my orange julius days. I boosted this one with a smoothie cube. One of my favorites...and so simple!
Sushila Shah
This orange julius is very refreshing. Use of fresh orange in smoothie had a very unique taste.
Lynne
Yummy! I love this one. I made with lemons and it tastes so good. I had run out of oranges and can’t wait to get more for this! It’s definitely a keeper for my smoothie recipes.
Dr. Aja Holmes
This on is a my fave. I can't drink regualar orange juice but I can eat oranges. this one was refreshing and yummy!! I felt the vitamin C going in my body LOL
Simple Green Smoothies
It's like sunshine in a glass, right Dr. Aja?! Yum!
gloria
I love a good orange julius but I never thought to make it into a green smoothie. I added kale as my green and I did not regret it. I am a big kale fan.
Dory
It was very good. I substituted kale for spinach, as well as added some pineapple and collagen to it 🙂
Nancy Lewellen
Must be my oranges but wasn’t my favorite - will try again with next purchase of oranges.
Simple Green Smoothies
Def give it another blend and let us know Nancy!
Jennifer A
Fruity and creamy! I added collagen.
Cynthia
I love this recipe! Smooth and creamy!!
Joyce
I really liked the flavor. The oranges were great in it. Will definitely make this one again.
Patti Langford
I totally enjoyed the oranges in the smoothie!
Clareen
I love the regular orange Julius you buy, but now I have a knock off to make at home that's healthier!! Love the creaminess & with the added oranges & pulp I find it extra filling
Simple Green Smoothies
Yes Clareen! And we totally recommend taking it to go in a mason jar with a straw, so you can still stroll around the mall with it - just like the store-bought version. 🙂
Sharon
The combination is smooth and delicious. The milk reduces the acidity, too. Great for To-Go.
Ruby
Admittedly creamy citrus has never been my thing. I was pleasantly surprised. Next time would use water
Linda E.
This smoothie tasted good, but was very thick. my oranges were not real large. I probably should have used three oranges. I try to follow the recipes exact, since I am new to making smoothies. I am happy to be learning!!!
Simple Green Smoothies
The liquid from the oranges does make up part of the liquid in this smoothie recipe. So you're def right, Linda. Larger or additional oranges will do the trick.
Alyssa
I loved my modified version of this recipe. Instead of almond milk, I soaked a few nuts overnight in some water and soaked the peeled oranges and the zest of one of the oranges in 1/4 of water, also overnight. In addition to the listed ingredients, I added a heaping tsp of matcha, 1 tsp of real vanilla extract. Then made it a breakfast smoothie by including 1/4 oats, 1 tbsp coconut oil, and a mixture of ground flaxseed and chia seeds. It did originally come out quite thick so I carefully added some extra water to thin it out. Overall a great smoothie that I would make again. Would just possibly start with a bit more water and reduce the amount of zest.
Simple Green Smoothies
Such a fun modification, Alyssa! Love your creativity here.
Michelle
I really liked this one. So yummy! It was thicker than I expected, I’ll probably add some water next time but still really good.
Betty
Not my favorite. Too thick and not cold enough. I liked the suggestions of adding ice and adding vanilla. Might have been better.
Janice
Loved it!
Dawn
This was so Yummy and so simple!
Michele
This smoothie was very refreshing. I added a couple of ice cubes to make it colder, since I wasn't using any frozen fruit.
Grace
This one turned out too thick for me. I added a bunch of water to thin to my liking, and ended up with triple the amount of smoothie. The extra water seemed to diminish the flavour. I think I’d like to try this with coconut water instead of (or in addition to) almond milk.
Barbara
Very good. Nice orange flavor.
Jen
This was super yummy! I hadn’t tried it before, but it will be on my favs list 🙂
Dora Suarez
Yummy. So creamy and delicious loving the mix of the citrus with almond milk.
Jennifer A
Delicious! I added some crushed ice to make it cold.
Laura Jacobson
I really like this one! The only issue that I had with the recipe was that there was not enough liquid, so I did add in more almond milk. Any suggestions on this?
Jennifer A
1/4 cup almond milk isn't much, but the 2 oranges should provide plenty of liquid. Maybe you had small oranges.
Simple Green Smoothies
You did exactly the right thing, Laura! Great instinct! Any time your smoothie seems too thick and bogged down in the blender, just add a bit more liquid and blend.
Alannah
Another great tasting smoothie! None of my ingredients were frozen so I added some ice. So creamy and refreshing. I love all the healthy benefits from this smoothie, especially the vitamin c that helps my body absorb the iron better. Being pregnant and needing that extra iron boost really makes a difference in my energy level and I know my baby is getting great nutrients as well!
Simple Green Smoothies
This one is such a fan fave, Alannah. We're glad you and your growing little one agree. Safe and healthy wishes for your days ahead! 🙂
Vashti Phillips
Another blast of goodness and nourishment. Added a tsp of grounded flax-chia-hemp seeds.
Laura Young
Super tasty and added some chocolate protein smoothie boost cubes!
Simple Green Smoothies
The smoothie boost cubes are such a fun way to mix up your smoothie game, Laura! Love the idea of the chocolate with this recipe! Chocolate Fiber Smoothie Cubes
Churice R
What a sweet treat for brunch, added my blood oranges for a twist and a lil honey for the immune boost.
Simple Green Smoothies
That honey is such a great way to boost immunity or help with seasonal allergies. Rawkstar move, Churice!
Rachelle McCann
The texture of this is velvety smooth! So very good. I can’t believe how amazing all of your recipes are so far. I’m obsessed now.
Simple Green Smoothies
And we're obsessed with helping people fall in love with blending healthy ingredients! So glad you loved it Rachelle!
Charity Quinn
Even my non-foodie sister loves this smoothie. I love this smoothie. My sister was scraping the blender to get more of it. You should definitely try this smoothie. You won't be disappointed.
Simple Green Smoothies
Thanks for the 5 stars and sweet words Charity! We agree!
Toni
So yummy and fresh tasting. Had to blend the oranges for a long time and still have some little pieces but delicious none the less.
Debbie A Meshishnek
Just love the oranges in this one and this 10 day challenge.
Simple Green Smoothies
We're so glad you're lovin this challenge with us Debbie!
Silvia
Very tasty and yummy!!
Judith Walter
I have to say this is one of my favorites. I love the freshness of it and the smoothness and the taste is awesome I added protein powder and Chia seeds
Pat L.
Probably one of my favs so far! I did the prep ahead method (used both jars and bags) and this one was hard to get out of a jar! Also, because EVERYTHING but almond milk was frozen, it was REALLY hard to blend....and I have a heavy duty blender! I ended up adding a little water, too, and it STILL came out really creamy....YUM! Next time I'll either leave out much longer to thaw or use a mix of frozen and fresh ingredients. This one is a winner!! 🙂
Jenn.
Good...but not a wow! Added a splash of vanilla extract to mimic the Julius of youth Wanted more orange flavor. Maybe a splash of on juice next time too!
Simple Green Smoothies
Def try a bit of orange juice or orange juice to increase that yummy orange flavor Jenn. We bet you'll love it!
Ogechi Nwaokelemeh
Very yummy!
Ogechi Nwaokelemeh
Very yummy!
Jeannette Pepin
Loved the Orange Julius Smoothie! Very creamy and smooth from the banana. Used a large Cara Cara orange in season which was nice and sweet. I will definitely be making this again!
Valeria Stewart
Yes,yes yes! This one is a winner! Soooo goood soooo creamy! Only thing I'd do different next time is freeze my oranges so that it may be extra cold, after blending it, it became a bit warm, none the less I think it's my favorite smoothie thus far!
Simple Green Smoothies
This is one of our faves too Valeria! Great thought about the oranges. If you forget, you can always drop an ice cube or two in the glass as well.
Amanda Peters
Not my favorite. For some reason it had a bitter after taste.
ana
As someone who did work at Orange Julius, if you really want it to taste more like the original, it needs a dash of vanilla extract!
SGS Rawkstar Jess
I agree, Ana! I also love adding a pinch of cinnamon. It's one of my husband's favorite green smoothies! 🙂
Dayana
One of my fav it's delicious! And it's kids approved.
Stacia Wilson
I was very skeptical with only using a 1/4 almond milk, but it was the perfect amount. I used two clementines and add 5 leafs of fresh basil. I loved the basil in this smoothie. My only complaint is it only made about 12oz. But I enjoyed it all!
Sherri Lyness
Oranges are something I love to eat but never think to put into my smoothie.
Great idea and supper good. Thanks.
Amy Maxfield
❤️Love!
Praying YOUR rest and healing Today!!!
Sher
Orange Julius Smoothie
This and Peach Banana smoothie are my favorite so far. I think the orange gave this a nice refreshing taste. I could serve this at a brunch in a nice mason jar or glass with fancy straw. Keeper
Shelley
Really like this one. Super yummy. I have never tasted an unhealthy one from a shop or anything, so I cannot compare. Anyway delicious. Will add some vanilla next time. I added some kale to mine too.
Michelle
Very good
Meagan
Who couldn’t love this delicious smoothie with a splash of vanilla
Tim
As a kid, I always loved going to Orange Julius in the mall. This smoothie reminds me of the original and tastes delicious. I could drink this every day.
Jessica
I tweaked this one a bit but it turned out AMAZING. I used canned coconut milk instead of almond milk and two bananas to make it extra creamy. I also added vanilla extract and a dash of cinnamon. This one is definitely going in my arsenal as a dessert option.
Cristina Ribeiro
Orangy, creamy, delicious, refreshing . Thanks for suggestion of mtc oil, will do that tomoruw for my post run smoothie with protein powder
Fiona Gough
Nice orangey flavour, I did half kale, half spinach and think I may have needed to blend abit more(to impatient) but still good
Cynthia
So good! Love the orange and banana combo!
Susan
Really didn't think I would like this one as much as the others since it didn't include frozen fruit. WRONG - I love it!
Grace
I rated this one four instead of five stars today, but that may have been a result of my substitutions. I used kale instead of spinach and added cauliflower. I used all frozen ingredients, except the almond milk, which made this smoothie difficult to blend even after letting it all sit out for an hour, adding hot water and using the tamper. I had to take everything out of the blender and cut into smaller pieces, which helped. Next time I may try taking my smoothie pack out of the freezer the night before. Yeah for half-way through the ten day challenge!
Erin
This was my favorite smoothie of the challenge so far! So refreshing! Amazing that it tastes so similar to the mall Orange Julius but without any dairy!
SGS Rawkstar Jess
Yes, Erin! I love that this one tastes like the mall favorite but without the guilt. It's so good, my husband says he could drink this every day!
Anita
Vitamin C much needed during Spring time. Xtremely good smoothie. This is gonna be one of my go to smoothies.
Jean
Today I made this. Only had one orange so replaced the other orange with pineapple I didn't realize I had. Added mint. Tastes good!
SGS Rawkstar Jess
Those sound like really good substitutions! Mint + orange is a great combo. 🙂