This creamy Cranberry Smoothie is a simple way to use up fresh cranberries or frozen ones still hanging out in your freezer. It blends into a cold, creamy beverage with bright flavor and a good dose of fiber and antioxidants. If you like Smoothie Recipes that taste clean and simple, rather than sugary or syrupy, this one fits the bill.
It makes a quick breakfast, mid-afternoon snack, or a grab-and-go drink any time of year. Everything goes straight into the blender, and it's ready in under 5 minutes.
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Looking for more ways to use cranberries? Check out my Turkey Meatballs with Stuffing and Cranberry Glaze, Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad, 3 Ingredient Cranberry Sauce, and Whole30 Cranberry Sauce.
If you're a fan of easy smoothies, I have plenty more you can bookmark next: Try my How To Make a Super Thick Smoothie Bowl, my Mango Banana Smoothie, or Easy Strawberry Peach Smoothie.
For more classic ones, check out my Spinach Banana Smoothie, Mixed Berry Cottage Cheese Smoothie, or summertime favorite Banana Watermelon Smoothie.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 5 minutes.
- Banana adds creaminess without using any additional thickeners.
- Easy to adjust the sweetness.
- Perfect for a quick breakfast, light snack, or meal prep.
- Made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Cranberry Smoothie Ingredients
Make this cranberry smoothie using simple ingredients from any grocery store:
- Fresh cranberries. Use fresh or frozen. Frozen cranberries will make the smoothie colder and thicker. It's a great way to use up any leftover cranberries you might still have in your freezer.
- Banana. Adds natural sweetness and creaminess. A frozen banana will make it thicker.
- Greek yogurt. Adds protein and calcium, and also helps make the smoothie more filling. You can use plain or vanilla.
- Orange juice. Balances the tart flavor of the cranberries. If you prefer a lighter drink, you can also use almond milk in its place.
- Sweetener. Cranberries are naturally tart, so use maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar. Start small and add more to taste.
- Optional add-ins: Add protein powder, mixed berries, a dash of cinnamon, or even a spoonful of chia seeds for extra fiber.
How to Make a Cranberry Smoothie
Step-by-Step Instructions
Add the orange juice (or almond milk) and the Greek yogurt to the bottom of the blender. It's easier for the blades to grab the ingredients if you start with the liquid.
Add the cranberries, banana, and maple syrup.
Blend on high until smooth and creamy. If it's too thick, add a splash of extra orange juice.
Taste the smoothie and add more sweetener if the cranberries are too tart. Pour into a glass and serve immediately while cold. Enjoy!
Variations
Mixed Berry: Substitute ½ cup of cranberries with ½ cup mixed berries to make the smoothie sweeter.
Dairy-Free: Use almond milk and leave out the Greek yogurt.
Cranberry Chocolate: Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder or chocolate protein powder.
Cranberry Ginger: Add ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger.
High-Protein: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder and more splash of orange juice as needed to thin it out.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cranberry smoothie with:
- A handful of granola
- A slice of Sourdough toast
- Hard-boiled eggs
- A small bowl of yogurt and fruit
Jeri's Top Tips
- Add liquid to the blender first to help it blend easily.
- Frozen cranberries and frozen banana will result in the thickest smoothie.
- Start with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup and add more if needed.
- Keep leftovers refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Shake well before drinking.
FAQs
You could, but whole cranberries provide better texture, more fiber, and more nutrients.
Sure! Swap with ½ cup frozen mango, ½ ripe pear, or ½ an avocado for creaminess.
Yep! Use almond milk and leave out the Greek yogurt, or swap the yogurt for a spoonful of coconut yogurt.
More Easy Smoothie Recipes You'll Love
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Printable Recipe
Easy Cranberry Smoothie
Ingredients
- ¾ cup orange juice (or almond milk)
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 banana, diced (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey or agave nectar)
Optional:
- ½ cup ice cubes (if using fresh cranberries)
- ½ cup mixed berries
- 1 scoop protein powder
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
Instructions
- Add ¾ cup orange juice (or almond milk) to the bottom of a blender. Add ½ cup Greek yogurt, 1 diced banana, 1 cup cranberries, and 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup.
- Start on low and blend until the berries break down. Increase to high and blend 30-45 seconds until smooth. (You can also use the Smoothie setting.)
- Taste and add more sweetener if you like, or add ice cubes to thicken. Blend again if needed.
- Pour into glasses and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Video
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Notes
- Using frozen fruit will make your smoothie thicker.
- Use some mixed berries if you'd like it sweeter.
- Swap almond milk and omit yogurt for a dairy-free smoothie.
- Store leftover smoothie in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Nutrition
The provided nutrition information is automatically calculated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
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