Ah, tropical mornings—the sun kissing your skin and a warm breeze that feels like a gentle embrace. Sometimes, I think of those sun-drenched islands when I whip up a green smoothie that’s as vibrant as a summer dream.
This smoothie is a burst of refreshment, with each sip like a mini-vacation. .
. if vacations came in a glass.
Steps
- Begin by zesting the oranges to add more flavor, then peel and discard the peels, placing the whole oranges into the blender first.
- Freeze almond milk into ice cubes beforehand. Add these frozen almond milk cubes to the blender along with the oranges.
- Add a large handful of fresh baby spinach to the blender for added nutrients without altering the smoothie’s flavor.
- Include Greek yogurt to the mix for a creamy texture and extra protein. If you prefer a vegan option, simply omit the yogurt or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
- Add vanilla extract for that classic flavor profile, followed by your choice of sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup.
- Blend all ingredients until the mixture is completely smooth. If the consistency is too thick, add a little more almond milk to achieve your desired texture.
- Taste the smoothie and adjust the sweetness by adding more sweetener if necessary.
- Serve immediately in a glass and enjoy it while it’s still cold.
Ingredients
- 2 large navel oranges, zested and peeled
- 1 cup almond milk, frozen into ice cubes
- 1 large handful fresh baby spinach
- 1/3 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (or your preferred sweetener)
FAQ
- Can I make the Green “Julius” Smoothie vegan?
- Yes, you can turn this smoothie vegan by omitting the Greek yogurt or substituting it with a vegan alternative like coconut or soy yogurt.
- What can I use if I don’t have time to freeze almond milk into ice cubes?
- If you’re short on time, you can use regular ice cubes made from water and add a splash of almond milk to the mix. It might taste slightly more diluted, but it will still be delicious.
- Can I use greens other than spinach in this smoothie?
- Absolutely! You can use any of your preferred smoothie greens. Spinach is recommended due to its mild flavor and nutritional benefits, but feel free to experiment with other greens.
- How can I enhance the flavor of this smoothie?
- Adding ginger can give your smoothie an extra kick of flavor. Many people enjoy the zest that ginger brings to this recipe.
- Is it necessary to use orange zest in the smoothie?
- Using orange zest is recommended for added flavor. Simply zest your oranges before peeling them and add the zest to the blender along with the whole peeled oranges.
Tips
- Freeze Almond Milk: Prepare almond milk ice cubes ahead of time to thicken the smoothie. If you’re short on time, use water ice cubes and add a splash of almond milk for a similar effect.
- Add Extra Spinach: Include as much fresh baby spinach as you can since it blends seamlessly into the smoothie without altering the flavor, boosting the nutritional value.
- Zest the Oranges: Don’t forget to zest the oranges before peeling them for a burst of extra flavor in your smoothie.
- Vegan Option: For a vegan version, omit the Greek yogurt or substitute it with a plant-based yogurt like coconut or soy.
Equipment
- High-speed blender: Essential for achieving a smooth consistency with the smoothie.
- Ice cube tray: Needed to freeze almond milk into ice cubes.
