This super-creamy cranberry smoothie recipe is so delicious and so simple to make. Use either fresh or frozen cranberries — it’s the perfect breakfast smoothie to kick off your morning or to sip on as an afternoon snack! Plus, this smoothie recipe can easily be made nut-free with simple swaps.

clear glass with cranberry smoothie and fresh cranberries on top on a white background

about this healthy cranberry smoothie recipe

We are huge fans of quick and easy breakfast smoothie recipes around here – whether it’s a refreshing lemon smoothie, easy pink smoothie or apple smoothie – the flavor combinations are truly endless.

I have one most mornings and love that I can start the day off with a filling combination of fruits and veggies, plus good fat and protein.

This easy, healthy cranberry smoothie recipe is inspired by the beautiful colors of winter produce.

So it blends immunity-boosting cranberries with pomegranates and mandarin oranges for a perfect morning pick-me-up.

It’s also a great way to use up any leftover cranberries you have after the holidays.

Simply pop them in the freezer and use them to make this smoothie anytime you’re craving something sweet!

top down view of a clear blender cup with fresh cranberries and pomegranate seeds and orange slices

process & tips for making this vegan cranberry smoothie

All you need to do is add all your ingredients to a blender and let it work it’s magic.

Before you know it you’ll be sipping on a delicious, nutrient dense smoothie!

Note, this vegan smoothie is only slightly sweet from the natural sweetness of the mandarin orange, pomegranate and the vanilla protein powder. 

I decided to make this smoothie without banana to keep the sugar content lower and to allow the natural flavors to shine through.

For a sweeter smoothie option you can add 2 teaspoons of pure maple syrup or 1 pitted date before blending.

top down view of a cranberry smoothie with fresh cranberries and glass straw on a white background

ingredients & modifications

Fresh cranberries: Some people are surprised to learn you can put cranberries in a smoothie! You can use fresh or frozen cranberries for this recipe (and yes, fresh cranberries can be frozen if you can only find fresh but want a thicker texture in your smoothie). If using frozen cranberries in place of fresh cranberries, skip the ice.

Pomegranate arils: Pomegranate arils (also called pomegranate seeds) add a delicious flavor to this smoothie. You can either get them from a fresh, whole pomegranate or (for a quicker option) look for pomegranate seeds in the prepared produce section of your store.

Mandarin orange: The mandarin orange in this adds subtle sweetness and brightness to this smoothie. I like to use it whole instead of just using juice for the added fiber & texture.

Raw cashews: Together with the canned coconut milk, the raw cashews add creaminess to this smoothie. You can also use almonds in place of cashews. For a nut-free version use any seed or seed butter in place of cashews.

Coconut milk: I love how silky and creamy coconut milk makes my smoothie recipes. Be sure to use full-fat coconut milk from a can for the best taste and texture.

Vanilla protein powder: You can use any protein powder you like the taste of. To keep this recipe vegan friendly, be sure to use a plant-based. To keep this recipe paleo friendly, be sure to use a grain-free and dairy-free protein powder.

Medjool date: This ingredient is optional but balances the tart flavor of the cranberries very nicely. I love using pitted dates in smoothies as a natural sweetener option. You can also use pure maple syrup in it’s place.

You can use this same healthy fruit smoothie to make creamy cranberry popsicles! Simply freeze the smoothie in popsicle molds for a refreshing, healthy treat.

side view of a pink smoothie surrounded by fresh fruit on a white background

more easy smoothie recipes

Strawberry Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie

Cacao Smoothie

Lettuce Smoothie

Sour Apple Smoothie

Sweet Potato Smoothie

Berry Protein Smoothie

Pineapple Cucumber Smoothie 

Pink Smoothie

Matcha Protein Shake

Pear Smoothie

Banana Walnut Smoothie

Green Glowing Smoothie

this recipe is…

5 stars (1 rating)

Cranberry Smoothie

Yield: 1
Prep: 5 mins
Total: 5 mins
This super-creamy cranberry and pomegranate smoothie recipe is so delicious and so simple to make. Use either fresh or frozen cranberries — it’s the perfect breakfast smoothie to kick off your morning or to sip on as an afternoon snack! Plus, this smoothie recipe can easily be made nut-free with simple swaps.
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Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen
  • 1/3 cup pomegranate arils, pomegranate seeds
  • ¼ cup raw cashews
  • 1 mandarin orange
  • 2 tablespoons full-fat coconut milk, from a can
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 pitted Medjool date or 2 teaspoons maple syrup, optional
  • 2 scoops vanilla protein powder, optional
  • 1-2 cups ice

Equipment

Instructions 

  • Place all the ingredients in a blender. Blend until very smooth. Enjoy.

Notes

Add a little extra maple syrup or dates if you prefer a sweeter smoothie.
If using frozen cranberries in place of fresh you can skip the ice.
For a thinner consistency, add more coconut milk.
For nut-free be sure to use seeds in place of raw cashews.
For vegan, be sure to use a plant-based protein powder.
Nutrition information will depend on the type of protein powder you use.
For more ingredients & substitutions, see blog post above.
Author: Robyn Downs
Course: Breakfast, Snack

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 587kcal, Carbohydrates: 49g, Protein: 47g, Fat: 25g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 8g, Cholesterol: 123mg, Sodium: 178mg, Potassium: 834mg, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 24g, Vitamin A: 619IU, Vitamin C: 34mg, Calcium: 373mg, Iron: 4mg
Nutrition disclaimer
Did you make this recipe?If you do, be sure to share it on Instagram and tag me at @realfoodwholelife so I can see!

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