When it comes to starting the day off on the right foot, it’s all about packing in a healthy helping of fruit to perk up my taste buds.
There’s something about getting that extra vitamin C boost in your diet when you first start the day that makes you feel good. It gives you a little extra dose of energy, and if you are fighting a cold, drinking this tasty breakfast beverage couldn’t hurt.
I like to pull out this recipe whenever I wake up feeling a touch under the weather, because it really perks me back up. And it’s so delicious when fresh blueberries are in season.
Rather than eating a carb-heavy breakfast, smoothies are where it’s at if you want to pack in the vitamins, with all of the flavor that you’re craving. And you can’t go wrong with this epic fruity flavor combination.
During the dog days of summer, I start to become obsessed with smoothies again. On a hot day, a cold, nutrient-packed smoothie tastes that much more refreshing and delicious.
My new go-to breakfast, it also makes a healthy (and hydrating) afternoon snack. The combination of blueberries, orange, and banana is nice and bright, not heavy like one of those intense protein shakes that tends to weigh you down.
By combining your frozen fruit in a high-speed blender, there’s no need to water it down with added ice, for an extra-concentrated and delicious flavor.
It’s such a simple recipe, much like our mixed berry smoothie recipe, and it’s simple to make in larger batches as well.
I love to quadruple the ingredients and keep it in the refrigerator to drink throughout the day. It’s really helpful for those mornings when you are running late and need to grab something quickly on your way out the door.
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The Best Blueberry Orange Banana Smoothie
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Description
Looking for a fresh and fruity way to start your day? Try a blueberry orange banana smoothie for a vitamin-rich, refreshing drink that’s easy to wake up to.
Ingredients
- 1 orange
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 frozen banana
- 1–2 Tbsp skim milk (or dairy-free milk of choice)
- 1/2 tsp agave syrup
Instructions
- In a blender, combine orange segments, blueberries, sliced banana, 1 Tbsp milk, and agave syrup. Process until combined.
- If the mixture is too thick, add another tablespoon of milk. Process until smooth. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Smoothie
- Method: Blender
- Cuisine: Breakfast
Keywords: blueberry, orange, banana, smoothie, breakfast, snack
Cooking by the Numbers…
Step 1 – Prep and Measure
Peel the orange, remove any seeds, and divide it into segments. Set aside.
Next, peel the frozen banana. This will blend more easily if it’s already broken into several pieces.
I like to do my smoothie prep ahead of time, so I’ll chop a few ripe bananas at the beginning of the week and freeze them in zip-top bags so they’re ready to go.
If you’re using fresh blueberries, rinse them well in a colander, and remove any stems.
Measure the remaining ingredients. Skim milk is a nice light option if you consume dairy, but coconut, cashew, or almond milk would also work well for the vegan and lactose-free crowd.
I chose agave syrup for a bit of sweetness since there are also some fiber in there, as opposed to an empty calorie sweetener like granulated sugar. Keep in mind that this stuff is pure fructose, so it isn’t the best choice for those on Low FODMAP diets.
Pure maple syrup is another tasty option that complements the fruit well. Or, honey also makes a nice addition, though it can be a little difficult to blend with frozen ingredients.
The quantity of agave or the sweetener of choice that you add is up to you – sweeten to taste, according to your liking.
Step 2 – Blend
Add the orange, blueberries, banana, agave, and 1 Tbsp milk to a blender. Process until smooth.
If the mixture is too thick, add another tablespoon of milk. Process until smooth.
Serve immediately, with a straw. If you’re a frequent smoothie drinker, consider investing in some stainless steel reusable straws, to do the environment a favor!
What’s So Great About Vitamin C?
We all grew up hearing from our parents and teachers that vitamin C is good for us, important for our health. etc, etc. I don’t know about you, but I never really paid attention to why it’s so good for our bodies.
Honestly, I think I was either spacing out in health class or too busy thinking about what I was going to do after school that day.
As an adult, and as I get older, I have been taking more time to get to know exactly what I am putting in my body, and staying a bit healthier than I used to when pasta and cheese were my main two food groups.
Vitamin C is the thing that you need in your body to keep yourself going strong. It boosts your immune system, which is why it’s so good to load up on it when you feel like you are getting sick.
It also helps maintain your bones, teeth, and cartilage. So really, it is just as important as we were taught way back in the day!
Plus, blending the whole orange segments rather than adding orange juice on its own adds some healthy dietary fiber.
All in all, this smoothie is the vitamin C-boosted drink of your dreams, and it’s a delicious way to start your day.
Did you give this smoothie a try? Leave it a star rating below and let us know what you thought in the comments! And for another fruit-flavored breakfast that’s perfect for cooling down on steamy mornings in the summer, try our recipe for Frozen Yogurt Oat and Blueberry Popsicles.
And for more fruity smoothies, your blender will have some fun with these recipes:
Photos by Meghan Yager, © Ask the Experts, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. See our TOS for more details. Originally published by Shanna Mallon on December 21st, 2009. Last updated: January 16, 2023 at 18:19 pm. With additional writing and editing by Allison Sidhu.
Nutritional information derived from a database of known generic and branded foods and ingredients and was not compiled by a registered dietitian or submitted for lab testing. It should be viewed as an approximation.
The staff at Foodal are not medical professionals and this article should not be construed as medical advice. Foodal and Ask the Experts, LLC assume no liability for the use or misuse of the material presented above. Always consult with a medical professional before changing your diet, or using supplements or manufactured or natural medications.
About Meghan Yager
Meghan Yager is a food addict turned food and travel writer with a love for creating uncomplicated, gourmet recipes and devouring anything the world serves up. As the author of the food and travel blog Cake 'n Knife, Meghan focuses on unique foodie experiences from around the world to right at home in your own kitchen.
I love smoothies. I hate being sick and admitting that I can’t push through it. I hate having to stay in bed, but I’ve gotten a lot better in recent times at admitting when I need the rest and not pushing myself too hard. It takes me much less time to recover that way.
love such a healthy, tasty treat. rest up your sweet head. hope you feel better soon!
I think the holiday season demands smoothies. I am healthy (at the moment) but have been far to lax with the vitamins. One of these could be in my future…
and you still found time and energy to write a lovely post. hope you’re feeling better! what show did you watch?
Joanna, I can’t tell you how much better it made me feel to read that you understand. The learning comes slow for me sometimes (most of the time) but you are so right: it pays off to stop and rest.
Giao, Thank you, sweet girl!
Anne, Yes, it does. This time of year, when germs are EVERYWHERE and the weather is changing and so on, we should be pumping ourselves up with vitamins! I totally believe that now.
Jacqui, You’re kind. I have to say, it was a lot easier to lay in bed, typing on my laptop for an hour Sunday afternoon, than it was to take a shower, which I never did end up doing. Priorities, ha! Oh and it was Brothers & Sisters. Guilty pleasure.
I’ve had such weird desires for smoothies, something this winter dweller isn’t used to really craving. I love keeping frozen blueberries on hand for just that use though. Adding a pinch of ground cardamom to the mix before whirring it is so delicious, as is ground flaxseed. The more nutrients, the better! I hope you feel better and can enjoy a wonderful Christmas!
Sorry you’ve been sick — feel better! I also share your love for smoothies. Good stuff!
Mmm yummy! I’m going to the grocery tonight and everything on this recipe is on my list;-) Get well soon!
Merry Christmas!
Sweet baby jesus this looks amazing. I want one SO BAD. Ugh your photos are so gorgeous, I just love them.
well well well… looks good… the smoothie that is. I mean, the fruit looks good by itself too. I mean the blender looks cool too… I mean of course it does. I mean.
Let’s see… it has been so long… but when I get sick, I go for tea. Tulsi tea is excellent. White and green tea. And kombucha! I am guessing you can’t hack kombucha though.
RM-10 is great too.
omg the neti pot! I’ve heard it’s both amazing and disgusting.
Try adding spinach to your smoothies — you won’t be able to taste it and it will pack in even more vitamins.
Awww I’m sorry to read that you’re ill! Hope you’re feeling better as I write this and that the vitamin-packed smoothies have taken effect, just in time for Christmas!
We are in the same boat! An avid juicer, I thought I’d be spared the cold season too, but alas not. I’ve had my emergen-c also, and my smoothies (frozen banana, coconut water and nutmeg is pretty sublime too, though this morning I too had blueberries in mine!). I hope you feel better soon!
i’m so very sorry you were so ill – UGH i loathe that. the smoothie idea is brilliant – and anything with blueberries is a REALLY GOOD THING. glad you’re feeling better!
Vitamin C party! Wow…so sorry you’re not feeling well. I just got over what sounds to be the same thing and I have to say, Mucinex was my savior. It’s a little pricey and you actually have to wait in the pharmacy line to get it which is always a bummer, but it’ll clear you up! And smoothies certainly help, too 🙂 Feel better!
I was in the exact same boat as you all last week and most of this week. For what seemed like the first time this year, I got sick. I wish I had a blender…
I hope you recover soon. With this remedy on hand, I think it’s in the cards…When sick with a cold, I rely on the Traditional Medicinals cold tea sampler. It works wonders. Even flushes cheeks with their familiar rosy hue. 😉
Kate, Oh, ground cardamom is a great idea! I am going to try that next.
Jennifer, Thank you!
Thanks, Sarah. You’re so sweet!
Jessica, MAKE ONE! So easy, so delicious. We’re talking 15 minutes, tops. Really.
Tim, Of course it has been so long since you’ve been sick. Of course. I love tea – never heard of kombucha or RM-10 but what, I can’t hack it?? I think this is a challenge.
Postcollegecook, Spinach! Brilliant! And yes, the neti pot is a must. Hilarious and crazy but so helpful, I swear.
Danielle, Well, there was an unforunate half hour last night where I had an ice pack shoved against my FIRST BLOODY NOSE EVER, right after a great smoothie, not that they’re connected, but today I’m feeling much better. I’m not 100% there yet, but I’m closer than I was. And I’m able to breathe most of the time, so you know, that’s good.
Emily, Nutmeg! I love all the cool spice options people are suggesting. Love this idea!
JessieV, Bought this giant frozen bag of blueberries and boy, it’s been coming in handy, ha!
Megan, The one thing I hate about Mucinex is all the coughing up of stuff. I know that’s probably what I need but, gosh, it’s unforunate when you’re sitting at your work desk, you know? I may have to bite the bullet over Christmas.
Susan, Wow, you too, huh? But you’re better now? OK. That gives me hope. Wish you had a blender, too! But the little immersion ones are cheap. And so easy to clean!
Jennifer, I hope so too! And I need to go get myself some medicinal tea tonight. Sounds lovely.
I got a Magic Bullet blender in college, which is THE perfect single-serving smoothie tool. I love that thing. And the best part about being sick is having the perfect excuse to stay inside huddled up watching bad TV all day!
Kim, I quite agree. Hibernating is the redeeming factor, no question.
I really appreciate smoothies made with fresh fruit and no added sugar. Looks fantastic. This blog has divine photography also! I’m in awe.
Smoothies are great, especially if you have a good blender.