Why You’ll Love Apple Carrot Smoothie Recipe

It’s a quick grab‑and‑go option for busy mornings — about 5 minutes of prep.
You’ll sneak in both fruit and vegetable servings seamlessly — carrots and apples combine beautifully.
The flavor is fresh, sweet and subtly spiced with cinnamon—no overwhelming veggie taste.
It’s naturally vegan, gluten‑free, dairy‑free and adaptable to your preferences.
It’s budget‑friendly and uses simple ingredients you may already have on hand.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup grated carrots
1 medium banana, frozen
1 medium apple, cored and roughly chopped
1 small clementine, peeled
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (or to taste)
1 cup non‑dairy milk or water

Directions

Combine the non‑dairy milk (or water), apple, banana, cinnamon, clementine and grated carrots in a blender.
Place the lid on the blender and blend until very smooth—about 30 to 60 seconds depending on your blender’s power.
Pour into glasses and enjoy immediately.

Servings and timing

Yield: 2 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time from start to finish: ~5 minutes

Variations

Swap the frozen banana with ~1 to 1½ cups of frozen mango chunks for a tropical twist.
Replace the clementine with a small peeled orange, or use ~½ cup of orange juice.
Want it thicker and more protein‑rich? Add a scoop of Greek yogurt.
Boost healthy fats by adding a tablespoon of peanut butter or almond butter.
Toss in a tablespoon of ground flax or chia seeds for extra omega‑3s and fiber.
Use applesauce in place of the chopped apple (about ½ cup unsweetened) if you prefer smoother texture.

Storage/Reheating

This smoothie is best enjoyed immediately for optimal texture and flavor.
If you must store: pour into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; stir well before drinking. Note: texture may thicken and color may dull slightly.
Freezing: you could freeze portions in freezer‑safe bottles, then thaw slightly and shake or re‑blend before drinking.
Do not heat this smoothie—warm liquids will alter texture and likely mute the fresh flavors.

FAQs

1. Can you put carrots in a smoothie?

Yes — carrots are delicious raw and easy to digest, making them a great addition to smoothies. For best results, grate them before blending so they break down smoothly.

2. Can I use frozen carrots?

You can try using frozen, plain diced carrots (no seasoning). If you do, blend the carrots with the liquid first to help them break down before adding other ingredients.

3. Can I use dairy milk instead of non‑dairy?

While you can, dairy milk may split when combined with citrus juice (from the clementine/orange) and might affect texture/appearance. Non‑dairy milk or water is recommended for best results.

4. What can I use to replace the banana?

Frozen mango chunks (about 1 to 1½ cups) make a great substitute for the banana, offering sweetness and smooth texture without banana flavor.

5. Do I have to grate the carrots?

Yes, it is highly recommended. Even high‑speed blenders can struggle with large raw carrot chunks — grating ensures smoother blending and avoids unpleasant pieces.

6. Do I need to peel the carrot for this smoothie?

No, peeling is optional. You should rinse well and trim the ends; some choose to peel for taste or aesthetic preference, but it’s not required.

7. Do you need to cook carrots before putting them in a smoothie?

No cook‑time is necessary — raw carrots work fine. If you prefer, you could lightly steam them without seasoning, let them cool, then use, but raw is entirely acceptable.

8. Can you taste the carrot in this smoothie?

You may detect a hint of carrot, but the fruit, non‑dairy milk and cinnamon balance it nicely so it isn’t overpowering.

9. Will carrots blend in a regular blender?

Yes, but to make it easier and smoother, grate the carrots or cut them into small pieces. Blending with the liquid first helps if you have a less powerful blender.

10. Can I add other ingredients like protein powder or greens?

Yes — you can enhance the smoothie by adding protein powder, a handful of spinach or kale, or other add‑ins like chia seeds or flax. Just be aware it may change texture and flavor slightly.

Conclusion

This Apple Carrot Smoothie is an easy, nutrient‑packed way to start your day — combining fruit and vegetables in one vibrant, delicious drink. With minimal prep, no cooking required, and plenty of room to adapt based on what you have on hand, it’s a great go‑to for breakfast or a healthy snack. Whether you’re trying to boost your veggie intake, streamline your mornings, or just enjoy a refreshing treat, this recipe has you covered.

Apple Carrot Smoothie

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This Apple Carrot Smoothie is a naturally sweet, refreshing drink made with whole fruits and vegetables. It’s a perfect way to sneak in some extra produce into your day, especially for picky eaters.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1–2 servings
Category: Smoothie
Method: Blended
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 cup chopped apple (about 1 medium apple)
1 cup chopped carrot (about 2 medium carrots)
1 frozen banana
1/2 cup orange juice (or water)
1/2 cup plain yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
4–6 ice cubes (optional, for a colder smoothie)

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Instructions

Add the chopped apple, chopped carrot, frozen banana, orange juice, yogurt, and cinnamon (if using) to a blender.
Blend on high until completely smooth, adding ice if desired for a colder texture.
Pour into a glass and serve immediately.

Notes

Use a high-speed blender to ensure a smooth texture, especially for raw carrots.
Adjust the amount of liquid depending on your desired smoothie thickness.
You can use cooked and cooled carrots for easier blending if preferred.
Substitute water or milk for orange juice for a less sweet version.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 smoothie (approx. 12 oz)
Calories: 160
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 5mg