Healthier Orange Dreamsicle Smoothie (Protein Option)
You all know I love fresh oranges—especially during this time of year when they’re in season, extra fresh, full of flavor, and perfectly sweet. This recipe captures all of those standout citrus highlights in a dreamy smoothie form.
It has creamy notes from the frozen yogurt, natural sweetness from the frozen orange concentrate, fresh oranges, and ripe bananas, plus a refreshing iciness from the light milk and ice added to the entire blend. Every sip is bright, smooth, and incredibly satisfying.
This smoothie is also super easy to make. All you need is a blender and the right ingredients—blend, and you’ve got a creamy, dreamy, and seriously delicious go-to smoothie. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, protein (even more if you add the powder), and water for always-welcome hydration. Your body will thank you for every sip of this smart and delicious smoothie.
It’s perfect as a quick breakfast, a fun lunch addition, an easy dinner drink mix-in, or an extra-special snack anytime you need a natural pick-me-up (done the right way).
My mom has always loved a good orange frozen dessert—from orange creamsicle popsicles at the grocery store, to any form of orange sherbet or sorbet, and of course a good OMG smoothie (which my sister and I pretty much grew up on). So it’s no surprise that this orange creamsicle smoothie is one I’ve made for years for me and my family.
I’ve changed it and tweaked it over time to make it the best it can be, using just a few whole, natural ingredients that bring the flavor, sweetness, and that satisfyingly creamy mouthfeel. I love this smoothie in the winter as a healthy pick-me-up breakfast (no sickness wanted here), as a delicious lunch side during the warmer summer months, and as a fun snack after a quick swim in the spring, summer, and fall. It’s refreshing, healthy, and so delicious. I hope you enjoy it 🤍
Health Notes for This Smoothie
Vitamin C: Oranges are packed with vitamin C, which supports immune health and the extra boost for glowing skin. Paired with the vitamin C found in bananas, this smoothie is a naturally delicious immune-boosting option.
Potassium: Both oranges and bananas contain potassium, which supports nerve function, muscle recovery, and overall balance in the body. This makes it an excellent recipe to pair with protein for recovery, energy, and healthy digestion.
Protein-Forward: This recipe already includes protein from the dairy elements (milk and frozen yogurt). Adding protein powder boosts that even more, and the combination of vitamin C and healthy fats from dairy helps maximize protein absorption so your body gets the most out of every sip.
Fiber-Forward: Using whole fresh oranges and bananas means you’re getting the full fiber benefits of the fruit. Fiber supports digestion, helps with vitamin and mineral absorption, and benefits nearly every system in the body.
Heart-Healthy: Citrus fruits contain antioxidants and flavonoids that support heart health, while potassium helps regulate blood pressure—making this smoothie a heart-friendly choice you can feel great about enjoying.
The Recipe Variations
Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free, plant-based frozen ice cream instead of frozen yogurt, a plant-based milk like almond or oat, and a plant-based protein powder if using one. You’ll still end up with a wonderfully creamy and delicious smoothie.
Banana-Free Option: If you don’t love bananas or prefer a different flavor profile, simply leave the banana out and add a teaspoon of agave syrup for a touch of natural sweetness.
Notes on Ingredients
Milk: You can really use whatever you have on hand. I like to keep this smoothie light and refreshing by using 1% milk, unsweetened vanilla almond milk, unsweetened oat milk, or even skim milk.
Orange: I love using a Cara Cara orange, but a fresh navel orange works great too.
Banana: A banana that’s yellow but not browning is the perfect ripeness for this smoothie—naturally sweet, not too sweet, and not under-ripened.
Protein Powder: I don’t always use protein powder in this recipe, but when I do, I love Clean Simple Eats Vanilla protein powder. It’s naturally sweet and full of the wonderful benefits you expect from a quality protein powder.
Ingredients
Milk (1% milk, skim milk, or unsweetened almond milk)
Ice
Vanilla extract
Fresh orange, peeled and sliced
Ripe banana, peeled and sliced
Protein powder (optional)
How to Make This Orange Creamsicle Smoothie
Step 1: Add Ingredients to the Blender
Place the frozen yogurt, milk, ice, frozen orange concentrate, vanilla extract, peeled and sliced fresh orange, and ripe banana into a blender.
Step 2: Blend Until Smooth
Blend everything together until completely smooth and silky, about 1–2 minutes. The texture should be creamy, bright, and refreshing.
Step 3: Add Protein (Optional)
If using protein powder, add it after the smoothie is fully blended. Blend briefly, just until incorporated, so it doesn’t whip or become too frothy.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Pour the smoothie into four cups, add some straws, and enjoy this bright, refreshing, creamy smoothie right away.
