Name: Orange Creamsicle Smoothie
Total time: PLACEHOLDER
Ingredients: 1 cup ice; 1 orange , peeled and quartered; 1 ripe banana , peeled and halved crosswise; 1 large carrot , peeled and shredded; ¾ cup plain dairy or plant-based yogurt; ¼ cup water , plus extra as needed; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Why This Recipe Works

Oranges are the most popular citrus fruit and loaded with vitamin C, while a carrot delivered some sweetness, bulk, nutrients, and that distinctive orange hue. Orange juice can be on the sour side, so while it gave us extra orange flavor and much-needed liquid, we mellowed it with creamy components that also worked to emulate our inspiration. Mixing in yogurt and a banana greatly enhanced the overall velvety texture of our smoothie and provided milky sweetness that melded with the orange. A touch of vanilla extract helped balance out the tang of the yogurt and bring another hint of sweetness, but without the sugar. Thinning the mixture with water created the ideal thickness so the final smoothie had body while still being sweet and sippable.

Instructions

In order listed, add all ingredients to blender and process on low speed until mixture is combined but still coarse in texture, about 10 seconds, scraping down sides of blender jar as needed. Gradually increase speed to high and process until completely smooth, about 2 minutes. Adjust consistency with extra water as needed. Serve.