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Introduction
The Zesty Citrus Blast Smoothie is a modern twist on the classic orange juice breakfast. Originating from the sun-soaked citrus groves of Florida and California, this smoothie brings together the best of American citrus agriculture with contemporary nutrition science. In the early 2000s, as the smoothie craze swept across health-conscious communities, inventive home cooks and nutritionists began experimenting with adding greens to fruit smoothies for an extra health boost. This recipe is a delightful culmination of that trend, offering a perfect balance of flavor and nutrition. It's particularly popular among yoga enthusiasts and busy professionals looking for a quick, nutritious breakfast or post-workout refresher.
Ingredients
• 2 medium oranges, peeled and segmented
• 1 large grapefruit, peeled and segmented
• 1 medium lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons)
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or full-fat recommended)
• 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
• 1 medium banana, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup packed baby spinach leaves, washed
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)
• 1 cup crushed ice
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• Pinch of sea salt
Step 1:
Peel and segment the oranges and grapefruit. Juice the lemon and set aside.
Step 2:
Add the Greek yogurt, frozen pineapple chunks, banana slices, and baby spinach to the blender.
Step 3:
Add the orange and grapefruit segments, lemon juice, honey (if using), crushed ice, vanilla extract, chia seeds, and a pinch of sea salt to the blender.
Step 4:
Blend on high speed for 60-90 seconds, or until smooth and creamy. Stop and scrape down the sides of the blender if necessary.
Step 5:
Taste and adjust sweetness with additional honey if desired. Blend for an additional 15-30 seconds if needed.
Q: Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?
A: While it's best enjoyed immediately, you can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and shake well before drinking.
Q: Is this smoothie suitable for people with dairy allergies?
A: You can easily make this dairy-free by substituting the Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or silken tofu.
Q: Can I use a regular blender instead of a high-powered one?
A: Yes, but you may need to blend for a longer time and possibly add more liquid to achieve a smooth consistency.
• For a vegan option, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or silken tofu.
• Use fresh pineapple instead of frozen for a less thick smoothie, but add extra ice to compensate.
• Adjust the honey amount based on the sweetness of your fruits and personal preference.
• For an extra protein boost, add a scoop of your favorite unflavored or vanilla protein powder.
• If you don't have chia seeds, you can substitute with flax seeds or omit them entirely.
• This recipe contains citrus fruits and may not be suitable for those with citrus allergies.
• Choose organic produce when possible, especially for the spinach and citrus fruits.
Pour the smoothie into two large glasses. Garnish with a slice of orange or a sprinkle of chia seeds if desired. Serve immediately.
Best consumed immediately. If necessary, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir well before drinking.
Prepare all fruits and measure ingredients before starting to blend for a smooth process.
- Use frozen banana instead of fresh for a creamier texture and to reduce the need for ice.
- Add the liquid ingredients first to help the blender process the frozen ingredients more easily.
- If the smoothie is too thick, add a splash of water or unsweetened almond milk to thin it out.
For a tropical twist, replace the grapefruit with mango. For a green power smoothie, double the amount of spinach and add a small piece of ginger for extra zing.
Serve with a slice of whole grain toast spread with almond butter for a complete breakfast. For a light lunch, pair with a small mixed green salad.
Best in winter and early spring when citrus fruits are at their peak, but can be enjoyed year-round.
Contains dairy (Greek yogurt). May contain traces of tree nuts if using almond milk as a substitute. Contains citrus fruits.
