Green Citrus Smoothie

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This Green Citrus Smoothie is a delicious healthy breakfast or snack. It’s a plant-based, clean smoothie recipe that is packed with grapefruit, oranges, greens and protein.

Front view of a glass of Green Citrus Smoothie with a straw and fruit garnish

Winter eating doesn’t have to be all rich comfort foods. Citrus is in season! This Citrus 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!

Overhead view of a citrus green smoothie with a straw and garnished with orange slice and strawberry

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!

overhead view of the ingredients in this citrus green smoothie (grapefruit slices, orange slices and full strawberries)

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:

 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. 😉

Front view of two glasses of Citrus Green Smoothie

Recipe FAQs

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 I was 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!
Front view of two glasses with Citrus Green Smoothie

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Green Citrus Smoothie

Laura
This Green Citrus Smoothie is a delicious healthy breakfast or snack. It’s a plant-based, clean smoothie recipe that is packed with grapefruit, oranges, greens and protein.
4.75 from 4 votes
Course Breakfast, Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 2 people
Calories 257.8
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes

Ingredients 
 

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!

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions
  • 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!

Nutrition

Serving: 1smoothie | Calories: 257.8kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 4.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1.2g | Sodium: 201mg | Potassium: 839mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 3550IU | Vitamin C: 157.6mg | Calcium: 410mg | Iron: 3.8mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question? Leave a comment below!

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4.75 from 4 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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26 Comments

  1. I 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!

  2. I 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!

    1. Ohhh Laura you need a Vitamix ASAP! I’m convinced I could make a smoothie out of bricks taste velvety smoothie in mine! LOL! 😉

  3. I 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!

  4. This looks like my kind of smoothie! Packed with Vitamin C, it’s perfect for the winter months! Thanks for sharing your tips and tricks!

  5. I 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 🙂

  6. YAY! 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.

  7. I’ve never had a citrus smoothie, but it looks and sounds so delicious. I love grapefruit; it can be AMAZING in the winter time.

  8. Looks 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.

  9. I 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!! 🙂

    1. I 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! 🙂