Fresh Blended Orange Smoothies: Perfect After Workout Drink (Green Smoothies with Oranges, Celery, Cucumber, Spinach)

I rediscovered citrus during our Christmas vacation to Texas this year. The Citrus was in season, and for the first time I tasted oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, lemons and more freshly picked. I was hooked. Of course after all of the citrus I brought back with me was gone, I was no longer able to get tree fresh citrus, but I  have continued to consume large quantities of citrus this winter.

Of course citrus is great when you just peel it and sink your teeth into it, but it’s also great in a green smoothie. Some of my favorite citrus green smoothies are the simple two ingredient kind, such as Oranges and spinach, and grapefruit and cilantro. Because citrus is so juicy, there is no need to add water.

I also discovered that citrus, and especially oranges, make a great smoothie for after a fitness workout. when you need to replenish your electrolytes, then green smoothies are great, and the following recipe will give you a great pick me up! If you’re afraid to try some of the ingredients in this smoothie, simply leave out the ones you do not have or do not want to use. It’s a really flexible recipe.  It’s also a great way to feed your body and replenish fluids and minerals.

After Workout Orange Smoothie

• 2 oranges or tangerines
• 1-2 stalks of celery
• 1 small or 1/2 large cucumber peeled

• 

  Handful spinach, chard or other greens

• Couple of broccoli florets
• 2 cups water, or to desired consistency
• Ice (optional)

I usually add more water to this smoothie than I add to most green smoothies because I want to have extra fluid, and I know I’m going to want to drink it really fast so it should be less filling for the volume. You could add more oranges or less water to change the consistency and make it more filling if you want to.

Another great indulgent and very nourishing Orange smoothie is to blend a couple of oranges with the water from a young coconut. If you want a more filling smoothie use the meat as well as the water. And to complete the “orangecicle” taste, add some vanilla before you blend. You can make it a green smoothie by adding romaine, spinach or another mild leafy green.

Enjoy your citrus, and let us know your favorite ways to create freshly blended citrus smoothies!

~Tami

P.S. A couple of the photos are from my Texas citrus stash this winter, and the one is of my daughter Nessa picking an orange off of a friend’s tree. AND tomorrow my in-laws arrive with fresh citrus directly from Texas (likely no oranges, but I’m pretty addicted to grapefruit and lemons as well).