Grab A Plate

Make each meal memorable

subscribe SUBSCRIBE BY EMAIL
info
You can unsubscribe anytime by clicking the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of emails you receive.
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Dessert
    • Dinner
    • Drinks
    • Gluten Free
    • Lunch
    • Snacks
    • Vegan
    • Vegetarian
  • Out & About
  • About
  • Contact
  • Free eCookbook

Fresh Orange Juice & Ginger Smoothies

January 13, 2014 By Patricia 55 Comments

Fresh orange juice & ginger smoothies

Summers in Phoenix are brutal, but I’m pretty sure Mother Nature tries to make up for it by giving us mild winters with trees teeming with citrus fruit. So what do you do when life gives you oranges in the middle of winter? You make Fresh Orange Juice & Ginger Smoothies, of course!

Enjoy fresh Orange Juice & Ginger Smoothies

Out with friends recently, the topic of working in the mall as high schoolers came up. Our friend revealed that he was a toy soldier at a toy store. I was the Easter bunny for a season. Both entailed wearing hot, heavy, stinky costumes. The kind that made you lose 5 pounds wearing it for a shift. The kind that had one eye hole in the spot where, say, the Easter bunny’s mouth would be. The kind that were top heavy and made it hard for you to do anything without another human (sans costume) escorting you around by the elbow (or rabbit leg, as the case may be).

Fresh squeezed for Fresh Orange Juice & Ginger Smoothies

Talking about these crazy jobs also brought up memories of Orange Julius and their famous sweet, orange shakes. From time to time I crave those frosty drinks made with who-knows-what. During our flashback conversation we talked about what you could put in a smoothie to make it taste like Orange Julius. My “toy soldier” friend suggested powdered sugar.

Since my husband and I had just picked a bunch of oranges from our tree, I thought it would be a good time to start juicing them for Fresh Orange Juice & Ginger Smoothies. I wasn’t going to go the copycat-mall-smoothie route, but I did decide to add the powdered sugar to the mix. It didn’t make my version taste Orange Julius-y, so if you prefer, use honey instead.

Orange peels from making Fresh Orange Juice & Ginger Smoothies

This recipe is super-simple and serves 4 – unless of course you trip and drop a full glass on the kitchen floor, spraying the cupboards and surrounding surfaces with sticky smoothie (luckily the glass fell on the little rug by my sink and didn’t break!). You can use oranges or orange juice from the store to whip up a batch of Fresh Orange Juice & Ginger Smoothies, but if you’re enjoying the bounty of winter oranges like I am, you’ll want to use the ones straight from the backyard!

Recipe for Fresh Orange Juice & Ginger Smoothies
Serves 4


INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cups fresh squeezed orange juice (or orange juice from the store)
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (more or less to taste)
  • 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (or 3 tablespoons honey, more or less to taste)
  • 2 cups ice cubes

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Add all the ingredients to a blender and mix until blended and frothy.
 

Serves 4

Filed Under: Breakfast, Dessert, Drinks, Gluten Free, Phoenix, Recipes, Snacks, Vegetarian Tagged With: oranges, Smoothies

« Roasted Tomato Bisque with Blue Cheese Croutons
Chocolate Beet Donuts with Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting »
Subscribe
subscribe
Share your email & I will send you new recipes!

You can unsubscribe anytime by clicking the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of emails you receive.

Comments

  1. Jen @ Savory Simple says

    January 26, 2014 at 8:54 pm

    What a lovely, healthy breakfast idea!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 27, 2014 at 1:55 am

      Thanks for stopping by! Yes, and even tastier with fruit from the yard ;)
      Reply
  2. Cookin Canuck says

    January 14, 2015 at 7:29 pm

    Too funny about the toy soldier and Easter Bunny! High school jobs always make for good stories later. This smoothie looks fantastic, and I love the orange-ginger combo.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 16, 2015 at 11:26 pm

      Haha! I know - I've got a lot of those stories! Thanks so much for the kind words and for stopping by!
      Reply
  3. amanda @ fake ginger says

    January 14, 2015 at 7:43 pm

    Oh my gosh, you were the Easter bunny? That's so funny! I always wanted a job like that! This looks delicious. Totally jealous that you have an orange tree!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 16, 2015 at 11:27 pm

      You can be jealous of the orange tree (I love having it), but you definitely should NOT be jealous of being the Easter bunny - the costume was awful! Thanks for stopping by!
      Reply
  4. pam (Sidewalk Shoes) says

    January 14, 2015 at 8:43 pm

    I haven't jumped on the smoothie bandwagon. Most of them seem to have a bunch of ingredients that I never seem to have. But this one sounds like one I would like! Pinned!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 16, 2015 at 11:27 pm

      Hi Pam - Thanks for the kind words! I hope you give this a try and enjoy it. It's really easy!
      Reply
  5. Lauren Kelly Nutrition says

    January 14, 2015 at 8:44 pm

    i love this so much! So healthy!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 16, 2015 at 11:27 pm

      Hi Lauren! Nothing beats fresh-squeezed orange juice! Thanks!
      Reply
  6. Gina says

    January 14, 2015 at 9:45 pm

    I can't tell you how jealous I am of your "mild" winters where you pick citrus off your trees as I sit under a blanket next to our wood stove staring at snow in the backyard. BUT...this bright and fresh smoothie would definitely make things feel a lot less wintry!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 16, 2015 at 11:29 pm

      I grew up in the Land of Awful Winters, and you can't make me go back! Even after living in AZ for so long, the orange tree is still like a novelty to me. Love it! Thanks!
      Reply
  7. Linda (Meal Planning Maven) says

    January 14, 2015 at 11:01 pm

    Love the addition of fresh ginger to this smoothie which will give it a nice "kick!" Looking forward to trying your recipe soon!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 16, 2015 at 11:30 pm

      Hi Linda! Thanks for stopping by -- hope you give this a try and enjoy it!
      Reply
  8. Yvonne [Tried and Tasty] says

    January 15, 2015 at 4:24 am

    This looks so refreshing, nothing better than fresh oranges! The ginger is a nice touch!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 16, 2015 at 11:30 pm

      Hi Yvonne - thanks for stopping by! This is definitely a fresh, pick-me-up kind of smoothie!
      Reply
  9. Del's cooking twist says

    January 15, 2015 at 9:50 am

    Beautiful colorful smoothie. It looks full of vitamines! And I love your pictures too!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 16, 2015 at 11:31 pm

      Hi Del - thanks for your kind words! I'll have to try to drink a few more to keep the sniffles away!
      Reply
  10. Florian @ContentednessCooking says

    February 8, 2016 at 3:34 pm

    This sounds and looks like the perfect breakfast to me! Love that you add ginger to the smoothie. I bet this brings a nice flavor boost to the smoothie.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      February 9, 2016 at 4:58 pm

      Yes, for sure! Thanks, Florian!
      Reply
  11. Kacey @ The Cookie Writer says

    February 8, 2016 at 3:41 pm

    I just hopped onto the smoothie train and thees sound delicious! Fresh ginger is such a nice touch!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      February 9, 2016 at 4:57 pm

      Oh! I'm sort of new on the train, but have been having them regularly for the last month or two (including right now)! Thanks, Kacey!
      Reply
  12. Katalina @ Peas & Peonies says

    February 8, 2016 at 4:08 pm

    Love the sweet orange flavors, must be so refreshing! Perfect to start my day!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      February 9, 2016 at 4:56 pm

      It is, indeed! Thanks, Katalina!
      Reply
  13. Ashley - Forking Up says

    February 8, 2016 at 4:11 pm

    I had a lovely glass juicer like that and I miss it dearly. These look perfect for a wakeup breakfast!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      February 9, 2016 at 4:56 pm

      I love this juicer. It was my grandma's and even though it's not fancy, it brings me great memories! Thanks! :)
      Reply
  14. Jenn says

    February 8, 2016 at 4:21 pm

    Such a healthy drink! Perfect for breakfast or a snack!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      February 9, 2016 at 4:56 pm

      Yes! Thanks, Jenn!
      Reply
  15. Tracy | Baking Mischief says

    February 8, 2016 at 5:11 pm

    This looks so good! I have somehow gone my entire life without trying Orange Julius. Might as well start with home made. ;) I laughed in horror at your Easter bunny mall story. I can't even imagine working like that and putting on the costume knowing other people have been in there too!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      February 9, 2016 at 4:55 pm

      Haa! It was literally the worst thing EVER, Tracy! That could be what turned me into the germophobe I am today!!
      Reply
  16. Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says

    February 8, 2016 at 5:18 pm

    I love citrus smoothies, especially this time of year. The addition of ginger sounds crazy good!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      February 9, 2016 at 4:54 pm

      I love the ginger in this! Thanks, Anna!
      Reply
  17. Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts says

    February 8, 2016 at 8:59 pm

    I have a fridge full of oranges right now, this is perfect! Love the flavor idea!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      February 9, 2016 at 4:53 pm

      Ah! Hope you give this a try, then, Erin! Thanks!
      Reply
  18. Ramona W says

    February 8, 2016 at 9:15 pm

    What a refreshing and tasty smoothie. I love fresh ginger so this smoothie is definitely calling my name. :)
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      February 9, 2016 at 4:53 pm

      Hi Ramona! Hope you try it and enjoy! :)
      Reply
  19. Melissa @ Treats With a Twist says

    February 8, 2016 at 9:37 pm

    I've actually never had one of those mall O. J. smoothies but they always looked so good! Love that you made a homemade version but with ginger
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      February 9, 2016 at 4:53 pm

      Thanks, Melissa! They were a fun treat back in the day, but now I like my smoothies with fresh & simple ingredients :)
      Reply
  20. Michelle @ The Complete Savorist says

    February 8, 2016 at 10:26 pm

    Fresh squeezed orange juice is just so good. This smoothie really spoke to me, I think I will try it with the honey, great suggestion!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      February 9, 2016 at 4:52 pm

      Thanks, Michelle! Hope you try it and enjoy (you might not even need the honey, depending on the sweetness of the oranges)!
      Reply
  21. Matt @ Plating Pixels says

    February 8, 2016 at 11:31 pm

    Sounds so refreshing! Totally reminds me of an orange Julius
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      February 9, 2016 at 4:51 pm

      Ha! Such fun memories! Thanks, Matt!
      Reply
  22. Chandra@The Plaid & Paisley Kitchen says

    February 8, 2016 at 11:44 pm

    I will take those fresh oranges anytime of year! I love the combination of ginger
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      February 9, 2016 at 4:51 pm

      Thank you, Chandra! So tasty!
      Reply
  23. Erin says

    February 9, 2016 at 12:10 am

    Orange Julius at the mall!!! Yes! Such memories. :-) Love this recipe - I love ginger so I don't know why I have never thought to put it in my smoothies. Such a great idea.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      February 9, 2016 at 4:51 pm

      Haha! I know, right, Erin?! Hope you give this one a try :)
      Reply
  24. Justine | Cooking and Beer says

    February 9, 2016 at 4:37 pm

    Orange smoothies are my absolute favorite. LOVE the ginger in this one!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      February 9, 2016 at 4:48 pm

      Thanks, Justine! I'm taking advantage of having oranges in the backyard right now!
      Reply
  25. swayam says

    February 10, 2016 at 10:11 am

    Mother nature has her ways of making sure we remain healthy , ergo the orange :P I live in similar parts of the world too. orange in winter and horrid horrid heat in the summer. Love the smoothie Patricia! Gorgeous pics :)
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      February 11, 2016 at 8:25 pm

      Yes! How lucky we are! Thanks for stopping by and for the kind words, Swayam!
      Reply
  26. Cookin Canuck says

    February 10, 2016 at 4:21 pm

    Love the story about the high school jobs...too funny! I have to say that I think you have Orange Julius beat with this smoothie.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      February 11, 2016 at 8:21 pm

      Thanks so much! Ha - fun times!! :)
      Reply
  27. Kristyn says

    February 13, 2016 at 2:29 am

    I would LOVE this for breakfast! Great idea!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      February 13, 2016 at 3:56 pm

      Thanks, Kristyn! I might have to have one this morning! ;)
      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 14 Tropical Smoothie Recipes – oklahoma sugar artists says:
    February 16, 2025 at 1:15 pm
    […] perfectly, while ice cubes give it a chill. This smoothie not only tastes great but also utilizes seasonal availability of oranges, ensuring the best quality and […]
    Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


I'm Patricia

Welcome to Grab a Plate!

Growing up surrounded by my Italian family it was always, "grab a plate" whenever anyone came to visit. Food was always a celebration, even everyday meals, and I like it that way. I try to make each meal memorable with my recipes for mainly meatless, mostly healthy, and easy-to-make dishes (with sweet treats in between).

Learn More...

Search

Subscribe
subscribe
Share your email & I will
send you new recipes!

You can unsubscribe anytime by clicking the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of emails you receive.

Featured On

See More >>

featured posts

Lemony Fall Quinoa Salad

Zucchini Boats Stuffed with Black Lentils & Mushrooms

Watermelon Berry Salad with Creamy Feta Dressing

Copyright © 2013 - 2020 Grab A Plate · Logo by Response Creative · Disclosure and Privacy Policies
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Email