Vitamin C-Loaded Tropical Orange Smoothie (dairy-free)

Looking for a refreshing and nutritious drink that’s packed with vitamins and bursting with tropical flavor? Look no further than this Vitamin C-Loaded Tropical Orange Smoothie! This dairy-free and vegan beverage is the perfect way to start your day or refuel after a workout.

With a blend of sweet oranges, ripe bananas, and creamy coconut milk, this smoothie is sure to satisfy your taste buds and give your body a healthy boost without any added sugar.

One of the standout ingredients in this smoothie is the frozen oranges, which are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your cells from damage and supports your immune system. If you find yourself in the middle of flu season or trying to get rid of your family’s non-stop sore throats, this smoothie is perfect for winter or any time of the year.

Oranges are also a good source of fiber, which can help regulate digestion and keep you feeling full and satisfied. And, with their juicy sweetness, oranges are the perfect base for a refreshing smoothie.

To complement the orange’s natural flavor and benefits, this smoothie also includes orange juice and optional liquid vitamin C. The wholesome and simple ingredients are a great way to start your morning off with a healthy breakfast.

How Does This Smoothie Boost Your Immune System?

This Vitamin C Loaded Tropical Orange Smoothie is a powerhouse of immune-boosting nutrients that can help support your body’s natural defenses. The main ingredient, oranges, are known for their high vitamin C content, which plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy immune system.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can weaken the immune system over time. It also helps stimulate the production of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off infections.

In addition to vitamin C, this delicious smoothie also contains other ingredients that can help boost your immune system. With only plant-based ingredients, you are sure to feel your best after drinking this homemade smoothie.

Coconut milk, another key ingredient in this smoothie, is rich in lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid that has antibacterial and antiviral properties. This means that it can help protect against harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause infections. Coconut milk is also a good source of iron and copper, two minerals that are important for a healthy immune system.

Finally, the vanilla protein powder in this smoothie provides a creamy texture as well as a boost of protein.

All of these ingredients come together in this delicious and nutritious smoothie to provide a powerful boost to your immune system. Drinking this smoothie regularly can help keep your body healthy and strong, and can help prevent illnesses like colds and flu.

The Ingredient List

Frozen oranges: If you have some extra fresh oranges laying around, unpeel them and lay them on a plate. Throw them in the freezer for about 24 hours so you can make this tropical smoothie recipe.

Banana: You will want to make sure to use a ripe banana for this recipe. It doesn’t need to be overly ripe, however.

Coconut milk: I highly recommend using coconut milk from a can and storing it in the fridge the night before to harden up. Coconut milk is a great addition to this smoothie recipe and will bring out the tropical flavors perfectly. Alternatively, you can use coconut milk from a carton.

Orange juice: The combination of coconut milk and orange juice makes for the perfect smoothie and helps pack in tons of vitamin C.

Protein powder: I like to use vanilla protein powder for this vegan smoothie recipe. Plant-based protein powder is my go-to but feel free to use whichever variety you have on hand such as whey protein.

Ice: You will definitely want to make sure you add at least a cup of ice to thicken the smoothie and water it down a bit.

Optional: Liquid vitamin C. Adding extra vitamin C to my morning smoothie feels like the healthy, immune-boosting thing to do for my family, especially during the winter time. Skip this step if you do not have any on hand. I like to use the Garden of Life product.

Optional Additional Ingredients

There are several fresh ingredients that you can add to this creamy smoothie to make it even more delicious and healthy. Here are a few great options for you.

Chia seeds

Flax seeds

Hemp seeds

Baby spinach

Coconut yogurt

Tropical fruit of any variety (like pineapple chunks or mango chunks)

Orange zest

Maple syrup or honey

Almond butter

How to Make This Vegan Tropical Smoothie

Grab yourself a high-speed blender and a few ingredients and whip it up in minutes.

Step one: Add all of the ingredients to the base of a blender. Blend until thick and creamy. Add additional ice or liquid as needed until you reach the desired consistency.

Step two: Top with optional coconut shreds, hemp seeds, or vegan whipped cream and enjoy right away.

Can You Store a Smoothie For Later?

I wouldn’t recommend it. If you place it in the freezer, it will become rock hard. If you place it in the fridge, it will melt and become watery.

The only recommendation I have is to pour the leftovers into a popsicle mold for your littles or an ice cube tray to use for future smoothies.

Tips + Modifications

Place the can of coconut milk into the fridge the night before. The milk will thicken up and make the smoothie creamier. This is optional, however.

Looking to turn this into a tropical green smoothie? Add spinach and kale to the blender. You won’t even taste it, I promise!

If you do not have orange juice, go ahead and use additional coconut milk instead.

If you are looking to lower the fat content and richness of this smoothie, either use light canned coconut milk or store-bought coconut milk in a carton, which is lower in fat and less rich.

You can switch out the coconut milk for a can of coconut cream if needed. I recommend coconut milk, though.

If you do not like coconut flavor, use cashew milk and orange juice instead.

Other Delicious Vegan Recipes

If you love tropical recipes and are trying to cut out processed sugar, this Easy Tropical Nice Cream is perfect for you!

If you are a coconut lover like me, you have got to try these Healthy Vegan Copycat Girl Scout Caramel DeLites.

Enjoy!

XOXO

Michelle