This healthy and creamy carrot smoothie is loaded with fresh carrots, banana, lemon, mango, and pineapple. It's as beautiful to look at as it is delicious! This smoothie is also super easy to customize.
Add dried coconut, vegan protein powder, or nuts to make it more filling, or keep it on the lighter side with just carrots and fruit.
Originally published February 2019, this recipe post has been updated with new content and improved instructions.
Why You'll Love This Carrot Smoothie
Well, first of all, look at it! Doesn't that gorgeous color just scream "Drink me!" It's a gray and chilly February day as I type, and this bright orange carrot smoothie has me feeling like a tropical beach paradise can't be far away.
We're also including mango, lemon (or lime), and pineapple for the freshest, most delightfully sweet and tart and tropical smoothie.
Carrots are full of important nutrients like beta carotene and vitamin C and are readily available year-round. We also love that they're affordable, even organic carrots!
Carrots are also high in fiber and low in calories. Sneaking them into smoothies is such an easy way to eat more of this healthy veggie.
What You'll Need
- non-dairy milk - any variety you enjoy is fine here, like oat, soy, almond, or coconut.
- banana - frozen or not, either way is fine; helps sweeten the smoothie and adds amazing creaminess.
- mango - we love adding frozen mango, but fresh works, too.
- pineapple - same here, frozen is great (and convenient), but if you happen to have canned or fresh, feel free to use those instead.
- carrots - large, organic carrots taste best, but you can use baby carrots in a pinch! Be sure to wash and peel the large carrots to get rid of bitterness.
- lemon juice - nutritious and adds a nice tartness to the overall flavor.
- cinnamon and ginger - optional; include these if you want carrot cake vibes.
- vanilla protein powder - also optional; adds sweetness and vanilla flavor making the smoothie taste a bit more like carrot cake.
Variations
- coconut - If you're not into coconut, feel free to omit it. Or if you're REALLY into coconut, use coconut milk and add coconut flakes or coconut butter to the blender!
- no protein powder - omit the protein powder if you prefer a whole-food smoothie. The protein adds vanilla flavor and some sweetness, so you might want to add a tiny splash of powdered vanilla or vanilla extract and increase the fruit to make it sweeter. One or two dates would be a delicious addition.
- purely tropical - try it with lime instead of lemon and omit the spices.
- nuts & seeds - add your favorite Omega-3-rich seeds and nuts, like flax, chia, hemp and walnuts!
- yogurt - for even more creaminess and health benefits, add several dollops of plain dairy-free yogurt to your smoothie. Try my homemade cashew yogurt or almond milk yogurt.
RELATED: If you love sweet carrot treats, give these healthy Carrot Cake Scones a try!
Do I need a high-speed blender to add carrots to a smoothie?
If you want the carrots to be completely smooth and creamy, yes, a high-speed blender like a Vitamix is the way to go.
But don't give up if you're using a standard blender! If you're like me and not bothered by a little texture in your smoothies, just roll with it.
Otherwise, you can blend the carrots and milk first, then strain it through a fine mesh sieve or a nut milk bag. Return the liquid to the blender, and then add the other ingredients.
Storage
Like most smoothies made with fresh ingredients, this one is best consumed right after blending, but it can also be refrigerated for later in the day, if needed. Store in an airtight jar until ready to consume.
I hope you enjoy this creamy and tropical Carrot and Banana Smoothie! May it brighten your day like it does mine.
If you try the recipe, be sure to comment below or snap a photo and share it with us on Instagram. Tag @myquietkitchen and let us know how you customized your carrot smoothie.
Happy sipping!
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📖 Recipe
Tropical Carrot Banana Smoothie
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups non-dairy milk of choice
- 1 large banana, frozen or not
- ⅓ cup frozen pineapple chunks
- ⅓ cup frozen mango chunks
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into thick coins (small pieces blend more easily)
- 1 small lemon, juiced - or use lime for even more tropical flavor.
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour or flakes, optional
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional - include the spices for carrot cake vibes.
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger, optional
- 1 to 2 servings vanilla plant-based protein powder, optional
Garnish:
- coconut flakes and/or flour
- walnuts
Instructions
- Combine smoothie ingredients in a high speed blender and blend until smooth. *See Notes for tips on using a regular blender.
- Pour into serving glasses and sprinkle with coconut and walnuts, if desired.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the exact amounts and specific products and ingredients used. We calculate this information using the online calculator cronometer.com.
Marta
So refreshing. I’d never added carrot to a smoothie before and it was amazing! I used lime juice and vanilla protein powder. Will make regularly.
Lewis Johnson
I'm obsessed with smoothies so I need to give this one a try.
Lori
Hi Lewis,
Great! If you try it let me know what you think.