If you want a refreshing, healthy, absolutely delicious drink that isn’t your basic green smoothie, this one is for you! This orange banana smoothie combines fresh orange, frozen banana, creamy oat milk, and natural sweetness from honey and dates. It’s a perfect blend for breakfast, a mid-day energy boost, or even a post-workout snack. Packed with nutrients, this smoothie is both satisfying and easy to make in just a few minutes!
Why I Love This Recipe
Smoothies have been my go-to for busy mornings, and this orange smoothie recipe is my favorite for its vibrant flavor and health benefits. The combination of orange and banana provides a natural sweetness and creaminess, while dates and honey give it a caramel-like richness. The best part? You don’t need any fancy ingredients—just pantry staples and a blender!
This smoothie feels like a healthier spin on the classic Orange Julius but without any artificial ingredients. The pinch of cinnamon garnish? It’s optional but highly recommended for a cozy, citrusy twist!
Summary of the Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this simple and nutritious orange smoothie:
- Frozen Banana: Creates a creamy texture without the need for ice. Using frozen bananas ensures the smoothie stays thick and cold.
- Fresh Orange: Peel a ripe orange for that fresh citrus burst. Choose navel oranges or Valencia for extra juiciness.
- Oat Milk: For a neutral creaminess. You can also use almond milk, coconut milk, or any dairy alternative you prefer.
- Dates (pitted): Naturally sweet and rich in fiber. Medjool dates work best.
- Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness while balancing the tartness of the orange.
- Cinnamon (Optional): A sprinkle of cinnamon elevates the flavors and adds a warm, cozy note.
Ingredient Tip
When buying dates, look for plump and soft ones as they blend better into the smoothie. If your dates are a bit dry, soak them in warm water for a few minutes beforehand.
Substitutions & Variations
- Want More Protein? Add a scoop of plain Greek yogurt or a tablespoon of protein powder.
- Coconut Flavor: Swap oat milk with coconut milk for a tropical twist.
- Chia or Flax Seeds: Add a teaspoon for an extra boost of omega-3s and fiber.
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Make sure your banana is frozen, and your orange is peeled and segmented for easy blending.
- Blend: Add the frozen banana, orange, oat milk, dates, honey, and a pinch of cinnamon to a blender. Blend on high until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the smoothie and adjust sweetness, adding more honey if needed.
- Serve: Pour into a glass, garnish with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon, and enjoy immediately!
Tips for the Perfect Smoothie
Blender Tip: Use a high-speed blender to ensure the dates are fully blended and the smoothie is silky smooth.
Add Ice if Needed: If you like a frosty smoothie, add a few ice cubes to the blender.
Balance the Sweetness: Oranges and bananas vary in sweetness. Taste as you go and adjust with honey or an extra date as needed.
Layer Your Ingredients: Start with the liquid at the bottom of the blender to help the blades move smoothly.
How to Store Leftovers & Make Ahead
- Leftovers: While this smoothie is best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftovers in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good shake before drinking.
- Make Ahead: Prep the ingredients (except the milk) in a freezer-safe bag for a grab-and-blend smoothie kit. When ready to blend, just add milk!
Other Smoothie Recipes You’ll Love
FAQ
Final Thoughts
This orange banana smoothie is proof that simplicity and natural ingredients create the most delicious results. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a post-workout snack, or just a refreshing treat, this smoothie checks all the boxes. The dates and honey provide a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tangy orange and creamy banana, while the oat milk adds a velvety texture.
Next time you’re craving something fresh and satisfying, give this orange smoothie a try. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you—leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram with your creations!
Connect With Me
For more easy and elevated recipes, be sure to explore my other posts where I share everyday inspiration for cooking and entertaining. Follow me on Instagram for more delicious recipes and food tips. And, join me over on Facebook where I share recipes daily!
Bon appétit!
Orange Banana Honey Smoothie with Dates
This orange banana smoothie is proof that simplicity and natural ingredients create the most delicious results. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a post-workout snack, or just a refreshing treat, this smoothie checks all the boxes. The dates and honey provide a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tangy orange and creamy banana, while the oat milk adds a velvety texture.
Ingredients
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 orange, peeled
- ½ cup oat milk (or any dairy or non-dairy milk of your choice)
- 2-3 dates, pitted
- 1 tsp honey
- Optional: Pinch of cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
- Peel the orange and segment it for easy blending. Ensure the banana is frozen and the dates are pitted.
- Add the frozen banana, orange, oat milk, dates, honey, and a pinch of cinnamon to a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Taste the smoothie and adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or dates, if needed.
- Pour the smoothie into a glass, garnish with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon if desired, and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 252Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 7mgCarbohydrates: 63gFiber: 6gSugar: 43gProtein: 3g
Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With over 6 years of creating recipes for your favourite food brands, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts.