This powerhouse creamy Cranberry Smoothie is packed with fresh or frozen cranberries and all the good-for-you ingredients, while still tasting like a decadent treat, perfect smoothie to kick off your morning or to sip on as an afternoon snack!
Includes simple swaps to make this recipe nut-free!
about this healthy cranberry smoothie recipe
We are huge fans of healthy smoothie recipes around here!
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 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!
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.
ingredients & modifications
Fresh cranberries: You can use fresh or frozen cranberries for this recipe. 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 smoothie to make creamy cranberry popsicles! Simply freeze the smoothie in popsicle molds for a refreshing, healthy treat.
more easy smoothie recipes
Strawberry Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie
this recipe is…
dairy free , egg free , gluten free , grain free , mayo free , paleo , refined sugar free , soy free , vegan , vegetarian
I hope you’ll make this easy Cranberry Smoothie recipe soon.
If you do, be sure to share it on Instagram and tag me at @realfoodwholelife so I can see!
Cranberry Smoothie
Equipment
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
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a blender. Blend until very smooth. Enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
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