Green Citrus Smoothie

Name: Green Citrus Smoothie
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk; 2 TBS plant-based vanilla protein powder; ½ large grapefruit (peeled); 1 medium orange (peeled); 1 banana (frozen); 1 cup strawberries (frozen); 2 cups spinach (frozen); 1 TBS honey (optional)

By Laura

Posted Jan 16, 2017, Updated Oct 20, 2021

4.75 from 4 votes

26 Comments

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This Green Citrus Smoothie is a delicious healthy breakfast or snack. It’s a plant-based, clean smoothie recipe that is packed with grapefruit, oranges, greens and protein.

Front view of a glass of Green Citrus Smoothie with a straw and fruit garnish

Winter eating doesn’t have to be all rich comfort foods. Citrus is in season! This Citrus Smoothie recipe is jam-packed full of vibrant winter produce, greens and protein! It’s an amazing, fresh, healthy breakfast that will energize you all day long!

It’s no secret that I love smoothies. I drink one every single day for breakfast (and eat one of these), and sometimes again for lunch! I’m all about nutrient-dense foods that take less than 5 minutes to prepare…and smoothies totally deliver in both of those categories! So today, I am bringing you this delicious Citrus Green Smoothie recipe!

Overhead view of a citrus green smoothie with a straw and garnished with orange slice and strawberry

Fresh Grapefruit Smoothie

Now about this Citrus Protein Green Smoothie. I created this recipe out of an insane urge to eat my weight in grapefruit. I love it plain, but I started dreaming about smoothies and then this just happened. And boy am I glad that it did…because it’s crazy delicious!

When I served this smoothie to my kids, Bethany {who usually doesn’t love smoothies} said, “Ok, mom. From now on whenever you make me a smoothie I only ever want this one.” #fromthemouthsofbabes.

Citrus smoothie: fruits

The fruits in this Citrus Protein Green Smoothie complement each other so nicely…grapefruit, oranges, bananas and strawberries! It could be called a winter sunrise smoothie or something catchy like that…however the greens, while adding a nutrient boost, definitely effect the color of this healthy drink!

overhead view of the ingredients in this citrus green smoothie (grapefruit slices, orange slices and full strawberries)

How to make the best smoothies!

Like I said, I make smoothies every day {no I’m not exaggerating}. So I have learned a few tips and tricks to make them turn out excellent every time!

Freeze your ingredients:

I always keep an ample supply of frozen greens, bananas and berries in my freezer. By using frozen fruit you do not have to dilute your smoothies with ice, which makes them extra flavorful! Note: in this recipe the grapefruit and oranges are not frozen when added to the smoothie.

Using non-dairy milk:

I know lots of people who use water to make smoothies, but {in my opinion} using non-dairy milk is so much better. Almond, coconut, cashew…they all ensure your smoothie will be creamy instead of gritty or watery.

Use a good blender:

There was a time I made a green smoothie in my food processor. There will never be such a time again. My love affair for Vitamix knows no bounds. You will never find any chunks of banana or spinach leaves in my smoothies thanks to my trusty Vitamix blender. And if you are serving this Citrus Protein Green Smoothie to kids, that’s a very important thing. 😉

Front view of two glasses of Citrus Green Smoothie

Recipe FAQs

Why should I use protein powder in my smoothies

I am a firm believer that everyone needs a great protein powder in their healthy-eating tool belt! I have two varieties – chocolate and vanilla – on hand at all times in my house.
After I had Naomi I was lacking in energy. It wasn’t until I started adding protein powder to my daily smoothies that I could function throughout the day!
Orgain Vanilla Bean protein powder is my all-time favorite vanilla variety. It’s made with clean ingredients, completely dairy-free and totally affordable.

Citrus Green Smoothie: Substitutions

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few suggestions!

Almond milk. Any non-dairy, or dairy-full milk works excellently in this recipe!
Protein powder. I believe this imparts the best flavor and texture in this citrus smoothie. However, if you don’t love protein powders feel free to use vanilla extract, some extra honey and any other protein source (chia seeds, nut butter, etc).
Fruit: Choose your favorite citrus!
Spinach. Kale is also a great green to add to this citrus smoothie recipe!

Front view of two glasses with Citrus Green Smoothie

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