The detail that caught my eye in this recipe: a quarter of an orange goes in with the peel on. Another quarter goes in peeled. The peel adds a bitter, intensely citrusy punch that peeled orange alone cannot deliver. You get brightness AND depth from the same fruit, just prepared two different ways. It is a small, clever detail that changes the whole drink.
Three frozen bananas make it thick. Cranberries make it tart and a vivid reddish-pink. Medjool dates with the pits removed add a caramel sweetness that blends into the background. A tablespoon of nutrition oil for richness. Water to bring it together. No dairy, no ice needed. The frozen bananas handle both jobs. Easy peasy.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Smoothie
Do Not Skip the Peel
Cut the orange into quarters. One quarter goes into the blender with the peel intact. Another quarter, peeled. The peel contains oils and bitter compounds that make the orange flavour more complex. 
Use an organic or well-washed orange since you are eating the skin. Remove any seeds from both pieces.
Blend the Dates First
If your blender is not very powerful, blend the Medjool dates with the water first until smooth. Then add the frozen bananas, cranberries, and orange pieces.
Dates can leave chewy bits if they do not break down fully. Pre-blending them prevents this. Two pitted Medjool dates is enough sweetness for the whole batch.
Cranberry Orange Smoothie
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant, healthy smoothie bursting with cranberry and orange flavors. Perfect for a quick and nutritious breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 3 frozen bananas
- 1/4 orange with peel on
- 1/4 orange with peel off
- 2 Medjool dates (pits removed)
- 1/2-1 cups (118-237 ml) water
- 1 tablespoon nutrition oil
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons brewers yeast
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a thicker smoothie, use less water or add a few ice cubes.
- If you don’t have Medjool dates, you can substitute another type of date or a few tablespoons of maple syrup.
- Store leftover smoothie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 10
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 4
Frequently Asked Questions
Why dates instead of honey?
Medjool dates blend into a caramel-like sweetness that dissolves into the smoothie. Honey works as a substitute but sits on top of the flavour rather than blending in. Dates also add fibre and body.
What is nutrition oil?
A blend of omega-3 and omega-6 oils, often flax or hemp-based. If you do not have it, a teaspoon of flax oil or a tablespoon of nut butter serves a similar purpose.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes. Fresh or frozen work equally well. Frozen cranberries make the smoothie colder and slightly thicker. No thawing needed.
