Tropical Carrot Banana Smoothie

This carrot banana smoothie is bright and sunny with tropical vibes! It’s only 5 ingredients and boasts 9 grams of plant-based protein. Start your day with a boost of feel-good nutrients!

Why You’ll Love it:

Guys, I’m obsessed with this carrot and banana smoothie! It’s vibrant orange hue and sweet tropical vibes are delightful.

• Healthy – Carrots are a rich source of beta-carotene, fiber, vitamin K1, and antioxidants! They promote a healthy immune system and are full of disease-fighting carotenoids.
• Tropical – It’s naturally sweet with no added sugar or dairy. Very refreshing with tropical flavor from the mango and orange.
• Quick – It takes less than 5 minutes to make. Yes, please!

Key Ingredients:

• Banana – For a sweet, creamy texture! Use a ripe banana for the best results. I always keep bananas on hand for smoothies. They’re a good source of potassium and fiber.
• Carrots – Carrots are naturally sweet and blend surprisingly well. Plus they’re low in calories and nutrient dense. I used 5 baby carrots, but one large carrot works too. Just be sure to peel it and chop it first.
• Mango – Mango is packed with immune boosting vitamin C, plus it tastes great with banana and orange. I buy a huge bag at Costco so I never run out.
• Hemp hearts – One of my favorite ingredients lately. They have a mild flavor that blends right in plus they’re full of heart healthy fats and plant-based protein. I bought a big bag at Costco and it lasts for months.
• Orange juice – For the liquid base! Adds a sweet zip and more vitamin C. I highly recommend not from concentrate or fresh squeezed navel orange.

How to Make a Carrot Banana Smoothie:

It’s super simple! That being said, your blender does matter for this one. A high-speed blender with a powerful motor pulverizes the carrots easily.

A regular blender may struggle and result in a gritty texture. I highly recommend a Vitamix or a Ninja.

• Combine ingredients: In your blender, combine the banana, hemp hearts, carrots, frozen mango, and orange juice. Always add the soft ingredients first.
• Blend: Start your blender on low, then increase the speed. The gradual increase reduces stalling. Blend until smooth. It may take a little bit longer since this smoothie contains carrots.

• Adjust: Check for taste and thickness. I prefer my smoothies thick yet pourable!
• Serve: Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately. Smoothies are best when they’re fresh.

Variations & Substitutions:

This carrot banana smoothie is easy to customize! Try one of these simple variations:

• Protein – Add more protein with 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt or 3 tablespoons of vanilla protein powder.
• Ginger – Add a teaspoon of ginger paste for a spicy kick. Ginger root can help reduce inflammation and aid with digestion.
• Greens – Greens alter the color and turn it brown. But besides the ugly color, they taste just fine! Add a handful of baby spinach for a boost of iron and micronutrients.
• Sweetener – For a sweeter smoothie, add a teaspoon of honey, maple syrup, or light agave.

Expert Tips:

• Invest in a high-speed blender. If you plan to add veggies to your smoothies (and you should!), it’s best to use a high-speed blender with a powerful motor. Even budget-friendly brands carry high-speed models.
• Add the soft ingredients first. It gives the blades something to catch and reduces stalling. The frozen ingredients go in last, then the liquid base.
• Use baby carrots to reduce prep. No need to peel or cut!

Storage:

Smoothies are best enjoyed fresh! You can store a smoothie in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but I recommend up to 4 hours. After that the texture suffers and the flavor changes slightly.

Healthy Smoothie Recipes:

• Cold Fighting Smoothie
• Clear Skin Smoothie
• Liver Detox Smoothie
• Orange Banana Smoothie
• Strawberry Dragon Fruit Smoothie