5-Minute Cranberry Smoothie

This super-creamy cranberry smoothie recipe is so delicious and so simple to make in just five minutes. Use either fresh or frozen cranberries — it’s the perfect protein-packed breakfast smoothie to kick off your morning or to sip on as an afternoon snack!

about this 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, cranberry protein shake is inspired by the beautiful colors of winter produce.

It blends immunity-boosting cranberries (source) with pomegranates and mandarin oranges for a perfect morning pick-me-up.

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

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

process & tips

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, nourishing 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.

You can make this a cranberry apple smoothie by swapping one small apple, chopped, in place of the mandarin orange.

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

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. You can also use a quarter cup of fresh pomegranate juice if you don’t have pomegranate seeds, or leave them out altogether if you prefer.

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. You can substitute a small, peeled navel orange, or one quarter cup fresh orange juice if you prefer.

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. If you want 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.

Tip for Using Leftovers! 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.

this recipe is…

Dairy FreeGluten FreePaleoVeganVegetarian

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