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Sunshine Smoothie

This creamy, dreamy Sunshine Smoothie is loaded with citrus and tropical fruit, providing just the boost of vitamin C you need to battle winter bugs and winter blues!

Sunshine Smoothie with text overlay.

Across much of the country, chilly temps and even snow are very much a part of the weather forecast right about now. And so I have finally decided that if sunny weather's not in any hurry to come to me...why, I'll just summon it up on my own accord. So say hello to my bright and cheerful Sunshine Smoothie!

Ingredients

It's brimming with fresh orange segments and orange juice.

It's loaded with tropical pineapple and mango.

It brags a bit of banana to make it sweet and velvety.

And it's got a touch of milk and yogurt to give it that creamy Orange Julius quality.

Close-up of Sunshine Smoothie with mini umbrella garnish.

How to Make It

I always keep bags of frozen fruit stocked in my freezer for anytime smoothie-making, and pineapple and mango are two varieties that I like to have on hand. I also make it a habit to freeze over-ripe bananas for fabulous future smoothie additions.

So to make this Sunshine Smoothie:

  1. I just tossed the aforementioned frozen ingredients into the blender along with a peeled orange, some OJ, a dollop of Greek yogurt, and a splash of coconut milk (to play up the whole tropical theme...although you could certainly sub regular milk, almond milk, or whatever your favorite happens to be).
  2. Whiz it all up in the blender until smooth and creamy.
  3. Taste, and then -- if a bit more sweetness is required -- add a squeeze of honey and blend again.

Sunshine Smoothie in a tall glass garnished with a palm tree pick and mini umbrella.

The result is a thick, luxurious smoothie flavored with bright bursts of citrus and tropical fruit. Additionally, since oranges, pineapple, and mangoes are all high in vitamin C, this is a great breakfast or snack to keep colds and flu at bay...or to boost your immune system if you're already fighting off some sort of yuck.

My 2-year-old daughter has been on a straight strawberry smoothie kick for a good while now, and the rest of us have been alternating our favorite Peach Cobbler or Blueberry Muffin Smoothies with classic Green Smoothies. But I have to say that these Sunshine Smoothies have quickly become a new family favorite! The toddler guzzled hers down and my boys were not only excited to try something new, but they raved about it when they did. Yup...suffice it to say we've got a brand new, vitamin-packed smoothie to enthusiastically add to the rotation!

Close-up of orange on table.

So are you having a hard time adjusting to the time change? Have you been staying well or succumbing to winter crud? And are you as READY as I am for sunshine and warmer weather???!!! Regardless of how you answered that little quiz, rest assured that a nice, tall Sunshine Smoothie will cure whatever happens to ail ya... 😉

More Sunny Recipes

Sunshine Smoothie in glass with garnish.

Sunshine Smoothie

This creamy, dreamy Sunshine Smoothie is loaded with citrus and tropical fruit, providing just the boost of vitamin C you need to battle winter bugs and winter blues!
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 3 (8-ounce) smoothies
Calories: 149kcal
Print Pin Rate

Ingredients

  • 1 orange, peeled and segmented
  • 1 banana, cut into chunks and frozen
  • 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
  • 1 cup frozen mango chunks
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt, or plain regular yogurt
  • ¼ cup almond milk, or your preferred type of milk
  • ½ to 1 cup orange juice
  • Squeeze of honey, to taste

Instructions

  • Place fruit in blender. Add yogurt, coconut milk, and ½ cup orange juice on top. Start blender and, if necessary, add a bit more orange juice to get things going (or for a thinner consistency). Blend for a few minutes, until completely smooth. Taste and, if desired, add a squeeze of honey. Blend for 1 minute more. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 149kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 36mg | Potassium: 483mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 833IU | Vitamin C: 94mg | Calcium: 82mg | Iron: 1mg
Made this recipe? I'd love to see on IG!Mention @FiveHeartHome or tag #FiveHeartHome!

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8 Comments

  1. I make smoothies every morning and am always looking for new variations! This sounds so refreshing and definitely would help getting over a winter cold!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

    1. Hope you enjoy this one, Jill...it happens to be the "smoothie of the moment" at our house. 😉 Have a great weekend!

  2. Since I got my Nutribullet for Xmas, I have become obsessed with smoothies. AND orange Julius are such a favorite. I rarely have them, because they are not available anywhere within an 1 hour or more of my house at a mall. And I am not a mall person, if I can help it. Yum.

    1. I'm not a mall person either, Carol...I'd much prefer to make my own Orange Julius copycat at home. 😉 Hope you enjoy this one if you have a chance to try it...happy Friday!

  3. I have mixed emotions about DST, but none about this smoothie. 😉 I've been taking a break from smoothies, but can feel my obsession creeping back!

    1. I hope you've adjusted to the time change by now, Megan, and I hope you love this smoothie! 😉 Happy Friday!