Orange NOcreamsicle. You may be thinking “McKel, what?”. If you’re from the US, we’re all very familiar with the orange cream popsicle as a favorite frozen treat. If you’re not familiar with it, an orange cream popsicle is a frozen dessert with a thick ice cream-like center surrounded by a super sweet orange icy popsicle. I absolutely love this combination of the bright and refreshing orange with the thick creamy vanilla flavored center. What I don’t love about it, are the ingredients used to make this popular cold treat. Today I share with you one of my favorite variations on a Stripped Green Smoothie, Orange NOcreamsicle (no-cream, non-dairy, no unnatural sugars).
All the flavors of a classic orange cream popsicle in one healthy glass! Compared to an orange cream popsicle, which contains over 30 ingredients (including the worst offenders high fructose corn syrup, food dyes and more sugar), check here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here to name a few reasons why I’m not a fan of high fructose corn syrup, and why you shouldn’t be either. This Orange NOcreamsicle contains under 7 quality ingredients. You know I enjoy my smoothies post-workout and this is another smoothie perfect for that.
Orange NOcreamsicle is high in easy digesting proteins, simple sugars from the fruit, electrolytes, fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and minimal fat- all of which are great for post-workout fuel. What if you’re not drinking/making this recipe after a workout? No problem! Simply cut down the fruit servings to about a half portion of each orange and banana, and add in a serving of healthy fat such as a little coconut oil, flax seed oil, avocado, hemp seeds, almond butter etc. This will be a nice meal in a glass with a greater balance of healthy fat, protein, and carbohydrates. Obviously when adding in the latter ingredients it will change the overall taste of the original recipe, but I like giving you options!
- 1-2 medium oranges (about 1 cup total)
- 1 frozen banana (you may use 1/2 to cut down on the sugar content)
- 1 cup organic cucumber
- 1 cup organic romaine lettuce (optional)
- 1 scoop vanilla protein (of your choice)
- 1/2-1 cup unsweetened almond milk (more for a thinner consistency)
- dash of cinnamon to taste
- 1/2 cup ice (more if you’d like a thicker consistency)
- Simply blend in your Vitamix or high speed blender until thick and smooth. If you’re not using a high speed blender you may have a lumpy consistency with the greens used. In this situation I would first blend all the greens you’re using with the almond milk/liquid until smooth, then continue adding in the remaining ingredients!
- Serve with a straw.
- ENJOY!
TIP // You can always cut this serving in half to lower the calories if you’re also eating a full breakfast along with it or simply watching your carbohydrate intake. I typically have this post-workout so I’m perfectly okay with all these glorious calories coming from healthy sources to refuel my muscles.
As with all my recipes, cater it to your needs and taste preferences and have fun with it! This is also a great smoothie to serve to kids because the greens are “hidden” since they’re such a light color and the strong flavors of orange, banana, and vanilla will overpower the greens. Similarly to the All Bluebs Smoothie!
Any memories of having your first creamsicle? Have you ever tried one? Share below, I’d love to hear your comments!
Happy blending,
xo McKel
