We pay homage to the shopping mall classic with this Orange Julius Smoothie. We trade loads of sugar and dairy for a fruit-sweetened vegan version that will knock your socks off.
Raise your hand if you remember walking by the shopping mall food court and seeing people all lined up at Orange Julius? And who remembers recreating the creamy orange smoothie in 7th grade home ec?
Why Our Smoothie is WAY Better Than The Original
This Orange Julius Smoothie is free of processed sugar and dairy. It’s 100% plant-based goodness that is even better than the mall original. That sugary mall drink tasted great, but it was completely void of nutrition. I figure if you’re going to eat or drink something, you may as well pack as many vitamins and minerals into as you can.
Our healthy take on an Orange Julius Smoothie combines vitamin C-rich citrus with spinach which helps the body better absorb the iron from the spinach.
This smoothie also contains dietary fiber, which is important for both heart and digestive health, as well as essential B vitamins, vitamin K, potassium, calcium and magnesium, all of which also have heart health benefits.
Orange Julius Smoothie as a Meal Replacement
To make this smoothie into a meal replacement, I recommend adding a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder plus a serving of MCT oil. Not only will it make the smoothie more filling, the MCT oil is great for immediate and sustained energy.
When the perfect time to drink a smoothie?
- For breakfast – even on the go with a Mason jar, cute lid, and straw
- As a nutrition-packed snack – step away from the vending machine!
- Before or after a workout – add that protein after a workout and the MCT oil before to fuel your body during your workout
- Anytime you need a refreshing, fruity drink that is loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals
Which smoothie would win in a Blend-Off: The Mall Original or our Healthy Orange Julius? Let us know in the comments!
PrintOrange Julius Smoothie
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 smoothie 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 2 oranges
- 1/2 banana
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.
- Category: Smoothies
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Healthy
Keywords: orange julius smoothie, orange smoothie, copy cat smoothie
Smoothie Challenge Recipes
This smoothie recipe is from our free Smoothie Challenge. Looking for more recipes? First of all, make sure to sign up for the challenge to get your guidebook which has your shopping list, recipes and prep guide. I’ve also included the recipes below for you to access and leave reviews of all the recipes you try.
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.
★★★★★
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!
★★★★★
Super refreshing. Definitely reminiscent of my orange julius days. I boosted this one with a smoothie cube. One of my favorites…and so simple!
★★★★★
This orange julius is very refreshing. Use of fresh orange in smoothie had a very unique taste.
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.
★★★★★
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
★★★★★
It’s like sunshine in a glass, right Dr. Aja?! Yum!
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.
★★★★★
It was very good. I substituted kale for spinach, as well as added some pineapple and collagen to it 🙂
★★★★
Must be my oranges but wasn’t my favorite – will try again with next purchase of oranges.
★★★★
Def give it another blend and let us know Nancy!
Fruity and creamy! I added collagen.
★★★★★
I love this recipe! Smooth and creamy!!
★★★★★
I really liked the flavor. The oranges were great in it. Will definitely make this one again.
★★★★★
I totally enjoyed the oranges in the smoothie!
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
★★★★★
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. 🙂
The combination is smooth and delicious. The milk reduces the acidity, too. Great for To-Go.
★★★★★