This Citrus Green Smoothie is the perfect healthy breakfast or snack. It’s a plant-based, clean eating smoothie recipe that is packed with grapefruit, oranges, greens and protein!
Who says winter eating has to be dull and dreary?! Not this lady! This Citrus Green Smoothie recipe is jam-packed full of vibrant winter produce, greens and protein! It’s an amazing, fresh, healthy breakfast that will energize you all day long!
It’s no secret that I love smoothies. I drink one every single day for breakfast {and eat one of these}, and sometimes again for lunch! I’m all about nutrient-dense foods that take less than 5 minutes to prepare…and smoothies totally deliver in both of those categories! So today, I am bringing you this delicious Citrus Green Smoothie recipe!
Fresh Grapefruit Smoothie
Now about this Citrus Protein Green Smoothie. I created this recipe out of an insane urge to eat my weight in grapefruit. I love it plain, but I started dreaming about smoothies and then this just happened. And boy am I glad that it did…because it’s crazy delicious!
When I served this smoothie to my kids, Bethany {who usually doesn’t love smoothies} said, “Ok, mom. From now on whenever you make me a smoothie I only ever want this one.” #fromthemouthsofbabes.
Citrus smoothie: fruits
The fruits in this Citrus Protein Green Smoothie complement each other so nicely…grapefruit, oranges, bananas and strawberries! It could be called a winter sunrise smoothie or something catchy like that…however the greens, while adding a nutrient boost, definitely effect the color of this healthy drink!
How to make the best smoothies!
Like I said, I make smoothies every day {no I’m not exaggerating}. So I have learned a few tips and tricks to make them turn out excellent every time!
Freeze your ingredients:
I always keep an ample supply of frozen greens, bananas and berries in my freezer. By using frozen fruit you do not have to dilute your smoothies with ice, which makes them extra flavorful! Note: in this recipe the grapefruit and oranges are not frozen when added to the smoothie.
Using non-dairy milk:
I know lots of people who use water to make smoothies, but {in my opinion} using non-dairy milk is so much better. Almond, coconut, cashew…they all ensure your smoothie will be creamy instead of gritty or watery.
Use a good blender:
There was a time I made a green smoothie in my food processor. There will never be such a time again. My love affair for Vitamix knows no bounds. You will never find any chunks of banana or spinach leaves in my smoothies thanks to my trusty Vitamix blender. And if you are serving this Citrus Protein Green Smoothie to kids, that’s a very important thing. 😉
Why should I use protein powder in my smoothies?
I am a firm believer that everyone needs a great protein powder in their healthy-eating tool belt! I have two varieties – chocolate and vanilla – on hand at all times in my house.
After I had Naomi {baby #3} I was seriously lacking in energy. It wasn’t until I started adding protein powder to my daily smoothies that I could function throughout the day!
Orgain Vanilla Bean protein powder is my all-time favorite vanilla variety. It’s made with clean ingredients, completely dairy-free and totally affordable.
Citrus Green Smoothie: Substitutions
This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few suggestions!
- Almond milk. Any non-dairy, or dairy-full milk works excellently in this recipe!
- Protein powder. I believe this imparts the best flavor and texture in this citrus smoothie. However, if you don’t love protein powders feel free to use vanilla extract, some extra honey and any other protein source (chia seeds, nut butter, etc).
- Fruit: Choose your favorite citrus!
- Spinach. Kale is also a great green to add to this citrus smoothie recipe!
Citrus Green Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 2 TBS plant-based vanilla protein powder
- ½ large grapefruit peeled
- 1 medium orange peeled
- 1 banana frozen
- 1 cup strawberries frozen
- 2 cups spinach frozen
- 1 TBS honey optional
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in your Vitamix (or other high powered blender} in the order listed.
- Blend for 60-90 seconds, starting on low and increasing to high speed, until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and mixture is homogenous, starting on low speed and gradually increasing to high.
- Serve immediately!
Nutrition
This Citrus Green Smoothie totally hit the spot for all of us after the first two weeks of 2017 met us with non-stop sickness and injuries. I could feel my immune system working better after drinking this creation a few times!
Question: Do you love grapefruit? What’s your favorite smoothie combination?
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Meg @ With Salt and Wit
January 18, 2017 at 4:03 pmI need to get on a smoothie kick! You really make me want to be on one now! I think I will start with this one! Love the flavor combo!
Laura
January 19, 2017 at 11:04 amI drink at least one smoothie a day !LOL! I may have a problem… 😉
Alisa Fleming
January 17, 2017 at 11:06 pmWhat an intriguing smoothie. I’m so curious about the flavor that the grapefruit adds.
Laura
January 19, 2017 at 11:05 amI LOVE using grapefruit in smoothies!!!
Laura
January 19, 2017 at 11:08 amIt’s SO refreshing!
Sonali- The foodie Physician
January 17, 2017 at 5:46 pmI love all types of smoothies! Fortunately, living in South Florida, it’s smoothie season all year round 🙂 The color of that fruit is just stunning!
Laura
January 19, 2017 at 11:05 amWoo hoo! Even living in Utah it’s always smoothie season for me too !LOL!
Emily Kyle
January 17, 2017 at 3:54 pmI feel like I have finally found someone who understands me – I too have an insane urge to eat my weight in grapefruit! Seriously, I’ve been eating one every morning, but never knew if I could add it to my smoothie. I can’t wait to give this a try!
Laura
January 19, 2017 at 11:06 amLOL Foodie soul sisters! 😉
Laura
January 17, 2017 at 9:09 amI make smoothies pretty often too but never tried citrus. Actually I tried orange once but it was pulpy… is that because my blender is not as powerful? I don’t mind the pulp but am assuming Vitamix makes it smooth? Looks delicious!
Laura
January 19, 2017 at 11:07 amOhhh Laura you need a Vitamix ASAP! I’m convinced I could make a smoothie out of bricks taste velvety smoothie in mine! LOL! 😉
Jenn
January 17, 2017 at 7:12 amSounds so delicious! I need to check out this protein powder. Love that it’s non-GMO and vegan!
Laura
January 19, 2017 at 11:07 amYES! Such high quality ingredients!
amanda -runtothefinish
January 17, 2017 at 6:21 amI do love grapefruit but haven’t bought any in awhile and I have no idea why!! I don’t as often use it in a smoothie though it’s delicious, I’m all about my daily greens!
Laura
January 19, 2017 at 11:07 amYES! Perfect way to combine citrus and greens!
Taylor Kiser
January 16, 2017 at 8:37 pmThis looks like my kind of smoothie! Packed with Vitamin C, it’s perfect for the winter months! Thanks for sharing your tips and tricks!
Laura
January 19, 2017 at 11:08 amYes! It totally hit the spot after our household was ravaged by sickness for two weeks! 😉
rachel @ athletic avocado
January 16, 2017 at 2:26 pmI never had citrus in a smoothie so that needs to happen! I also have been loving ALL the grapefruit lately, it’s been my go-to snack! These pictures are gorgeous Laura 🙂
Laura
January 16, 2017 at 3:19 pmIt is SO yummy! And I love the added vitamin C! Thank you so much Rachel! 🙂
Emily
January 16, 2017 at 9:13 amYAY! I love green smoothies, and I love that you added citrus to this one. It sounds really tropical and delicious in the middle of winter.
Laura
January 16, 2017 at 3:20 pmI drink green smoothies every day! SO yummy! 🙂
Emily
January 16, 2017 at 9:13 amI’ve never had a citrus smoothie, but it looks and sounds so delicious. I love grapefruit; it can be AMAZING in the winter time.
Sarah
January 16, 2017 at 8:32 amLooks delicious! I love green smoothies and I love that this is packed with so much citrus as we all need a little extra vitamin C this time of year.
Laura
January 16, 2017 at 3:20 pmYES! After we were sick for what seemed like forever, I am pumping us all full of vitamin c! LOL!
Tara | Treble in the Kitchen
January 16, 2017 at 5:26 amI don’t know that I have a favorite smoothie combination because it really depends on my mood but citrus smoothies are definitely delish!! I just checked out the Sprouted Living Protein and I’m so intrigued by the brown rice, sacha inchi, and the pumpkin seed…one ingredient!? Count me in!! 🙂
Laura
January 16, 2017 at 3:21 pmI know! In the mornings I usually stick with chocolatey…but in the afternoons I like something fruity! You really can’t go wrong with a protein powder with only one ingredient! 🙂