This creamy orange smoothie is perfect for those days when you need a quick pick-me-up. It’s delicious, nutritious, and super easy to make.

Do you want to eat it with a spoon? You can also make a smoothie bowl by adding more of the solid and semi-solid ingredients. Scoop it into a bowl, add some fruit and something crunchy, and you have a delicious smoothie bowl.

I sometimes get asked about juicing vs. smoothies. I prefer smoothies because you get the whole fruit rather than just the juice. I don’t want to leave any of the goodness out of my drink!

Refreshing and Easy Orange Smoothie with Yogurt

This smoothie is obviously delicious in the warmer months. However, I like smoothies year-round—especially in the afternoon when I need energy.

Sure, a smoothie is refreshing in the hot summer. But remember that winter is when you need extra vitamins to stay healthy. This orange smoothie is a delicious way to get them.

It’s easy to make a healthy smoothie. All you have to do is add nutritious ingredients and blend them together. Then you have a smoothie that gives you energy and the nutrients your body requires for good health.

Creamy Orange Smoothie Ingredients

You don’t need much to make the basic orange smoothie.

In fact, here is all you need:

• Orange juice
• Vanilla yogurt
• Ice

For exact measurements of each ingredient and full directions, go to the recipe card at the bottom of the page. You can even print out the card by using the “print” button.

You can add other ingredients. For example, a banana adds nutrition and makes it even smoother.

Or you can add avocado, which also makes it creamy. However, doing this changes the color and makes it appear less appetizing.

Another thing you can do is add carrots. But it’s difficult to completely blend the carrot, and you’re likely to wind up with chunks or slivers. If you use carrots, blend it a little longer than you would otherwise.

How to Make Creamy Orange Smoothies

Pour all of the ingredients into your blender and turn it on. Since I use a lot of ice, I like to start on a low speed and work my way up to high.

The longer you blend it the smoother it will be. In fact, I typically blend mine for at least 30 seconds. My blender is powerful.

That might not seem like a long time. But when you know what you’re about to drink, it seems like forever. However, if your blender isn’t as powerful, let it run another 15 to 20 seconds.

Best Blender for Frozen Fruit Smoothies

Any blender that crushes all of the frozen ingredients and blends them into a smooth consistency is good. I use 3 different blenders–Hamilton Beach personal blender that is perfect for single servings, a NutriBullet that’s great for 2 medium-sized servings, and a KitchenAid blender for larger amounts. They all work well.

If you want to make smoothies while you’re on vacation, you need a blender that doesn’t take up too much space. I’ve found that my personal blender is the best travel blender for smoothies.

Can You Make a Smoothie in a Food Processor?

Yes, you absolutely can use a food processor to make smoothies. I’ve found that the best way to do this is to add the solid and frozen ingredients first. Process them and then add the liquid.

Based on my experience, a food processor does a good job of making smoothies. As you would in a blender, only partially fill the bowl, or you’ll wind up with a big mess that still has big chunks of solids.

What is the Difference Between a Smoothie and an Orange Julius?

They’re actually similar, but there are a few differences. An Orange Julius has milk, vanilla, concentrated orange juice, sugar, and ice.

The extra sugar makes it much sweeter than a smoothie would be. It’s sort of a cross between a glass of orange juice with added sugar and an orange milkshake.

More Smoothie Recipes

I make quite a few different types of these semi-frozen concoctions. For a filling and nutritious breakfast, you might like this coffee smoothie.

Another one I like is this berry smoothie. The bright color is cheerful, and the flavor is so rich you’ll feel like you’re drinking something from an exclusive juice bar.

When I’m in the mood for lemonade, I make this lemonade smoothie. It gives me the same wonderful tart flavor with extra deliciousness and texture.

This creamy lime smoothie also has just enough of a tart flavor to balance the sweetness. It’s absolutely wonderful and so refreshing!

There are a couple of smoothies that I consider seasonal, although there is absolutely no reason you can’t have them year-round.

During the summer when watermelon is plentiful and cheap, you can make a huge batch of these watermelon smoothies. They are so refreshing!

As the temperature starts to drop in the fall, your taste buds will thank you for these pumpkin pie smoothies. They’ll get you in the mood for the holidays very quickly.

See this recipe shared at Weekend Potluck, Meal Plan Monday, and Full Plate Thursday.

Even More Recipes

Sometimes I make smoothies to enjoy without any distractions. But other times, I like to have them with some of my favorite foods.

They go really well with this delicious broccoli slaw and this down-home oven-fried chicken.

I’m a big seafood lover. That’s why this pecan-crusted fish sends my senses into orbit (in a good way)!

When I want something different, I enjoy this Parmesan pesto tilapia. I was inspired to make it after having the pesto chicken from the Back to My Southern Roots blog.

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