Refreshing Orange Smoothie (Orange Julius)
Note: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Start your morning with a creamy and refreshing Orange Smoothie! Learn how to make this healthy copycat Orange Julius recipe at home with just a few simple ingredients.
There is nothing better than starting your day with a bright and cooling smoothie.
Fruit smoothies like Papaya Mango, Strawberry Banana, and this Orange Banana Smoothie are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants that help keep you energized and ready for the day!
This delicious recipe is a healthy take on Orange Julius because it uses fresh oranges instead of concentrate, which means it is not loaded with sugar.
What is an Orange Julius?
In the 1920s a creamy drink called the Orange Julius was created at an orange juice stand in Los Angeles, CA. This lush beverage made with ice, orange juice, milk, egg white powder, sweeteners, and vanilla later became the official drink of the 1964 New York World’s Fair.
The Orange Julius company eventually merged with Dairy Queen, where you can still find the creamy dessert drink at some select locations.
What we love about this recipe:
- It tastes like orange creamsicles – enjoy your favorite dessert flavor in a smoothie!
- It takes less than 10 minutes to make.
- This healthy version of an Orange Julius gives you all the delicious flavor without any of the loaded sugar.
- No added sugar and sweetened with honey.
- Perfect for an energizing breakfast or after-school snack.
How to make a fresh orange smoothie
Ingredients
- Banana makes the smoothie creamy while also balancing the tartness of the oranges.
- Oranges are zested, peeled, and sliced, adding the signature orange flavor.
- Honey for a little sweetness.
- Yogurt makes the orange smoothie creamy.
- Vanilla essence gives the smoothie that delicious creamsicle flavor.
- Ice makes this a truly frozen beverage.
Directions
- Add all the ingredients to the blender, making sure to add the ice last.
- Blend the mixture until smooth.
Recipe notes
- While adding vanilla essence is optional while making an orange smoothie, it is essential if you want that creamsicle flavor.
- Adding zest to this smoothie intensifies the citrus flavor in this recipe.
- If using frozen banana, feel free to skip the ice.
Questions about Orange Smoothies
Why is this smoothie good for you?
While you might think snacking on this orange smoothie feels like an indulgence, there are a number of reasons why this healthy Orange Julius recipe is actually good for you.
- No added sugar
- High in immunity-boosting Vitamin C thanks to the oranges
- Great source of potassium with the bananas
- Yogurt provides protein to keep you full
Can you mix orange juice and milk?
Can you blend an orange?
Yes. Using a high-performance blender helps ensure the orange blends thoroughly without leaving too much pulp in the mixture.
What’s the difference between an Orange Julius and a smoothie?
The main difference between the two exists in the ingredients. Loaded with sugar and milk, an Orange Julius is more like a dessert than a smoothie. This orange smoothie, sweetened with honey and blended with yogurt, gives you a healthier alternative with the same great flavor!
Does the Orange Julius still exist?
Yes. The Orange Julius beverage can still be purchased at some Dairy Queen locations or the few free-standing Orange Julius juice shops that still exist but they are few and far between. The memory of this delicious drink lives on in delicious at home recipes like this one.
Other delicious smoothies to try
If you enjoy a cool and refreshing smoothie to start your day here are a few of my favorite smoothies you should try.
- Apple Banana Smoothie– This delicious glass of apple banana smoothie will satiate your sweet cravings in the mornings and also fulfill your need for eating healthy!
- Green Smoothie Recipe– Here’s an invitation to try a green smoothie that actually tastes REALLY good. It is so delicious that you’ll savor every sip rather than gulping it down.
- Banana Spinach Strawberry Smoothie– A delicious twist on the popular strawberry banana smoothie that tastes just as great and is loaded with the goodness of spinach and dates.
- Mango Banana Smoothie– This creamy and delicious Mango banana smoothie takes less than 10 minutes to make!
- Banana Nutella Smoothie– Your kids will love this delicious Banana Nutella Smoothie Recipe – a healthy-ish drink made from bananas and milk with a hint of Nutella and hot cocoa.
Orange Smoothie Recipe (Orange Julius)
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to the blender, making sure to add the ice last.
- Blend until smooth.
Notes
- Like it thicker? Add 2 bananas instead of one.
- For extra creaminess, use frozen bananas.
- While adding vanilla essence is optional while making an orange smoothie, it is essential if you want that creamsicle flavor.
- Adding zest to this smoothie intensifies the citrus flavor in this recipe.
- If using frozen banana, feel free to skip the ice.
Disclaimer: Approximate nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and can vary depending on the exact ingredients/brands used. If you have health issues, please work with a registered dietician or nutritionist.
