Start each day a delicious dose of happiness! This Almond Milk Smoothie is dairy free, full of fresh fruit flavor and packs a Vitamin C punch!
The new year often brings new resolutions. Did you make any this year? I stopped making resolutions a while back, but I do like to use the new year as a chance to re-evaluate current habits, goals, and decisions, and then look forward with more clarified direction.
One of the habits that I forged a couple of years ago was making smoothies several times a week. The kids have always loved the Watermelon Strawberry Smoothies we've made, and my son and I used to make our "Alien Goo Green Smoothies" (a name fun & fitting when he was younger...now it's just a little gross. We're going back to simply calling them Green Smoothies!).
But I realize looking back over the last few months, we really haven't made many smoothies lately, especially dairy-free, almond milk smoothies. So what better time to bring them back than the start of a fresh new year, right?
Dairy-Free Vitamin C Smoothie with Almond Milk
I made these Vitamin C Almond Milk Smoothies during the coldest week we've seen in a long time in Portland, and they honestly helped perk me right back up. My kids love almost anything with strawberries in them, and lately we've been on an orange kick, so I decided to pump up the Vitamin C even more with a little grated carrot.
I know that Vitamin C isn't the all magic vitamin that fully deflects colds and keeps you healthy on its own, but anything that can help even a little bit in giving us a healthy boost during cold season is a good thing in my book.
I thought about all of this as I volunteered in my daughter's school and listened to all the coughing and sniffling in the various classrooms and then watched the nose wiping in the hallway... yep, anything that can help give us a little vitamin boost is definitely welcome during this time! 
The result of this trio of Vitamin C-rich ingredients is an almond milk smoothie that is deliciously sweet, but not too sweet, since it's tempered by the earthiness of the carrots.
The almond milk gives it a nice creamy texture. I love Almond Breeze Unsweetened Almond Milk, but you can certainly substitute full-dairy milk here as well if you prefer and don't need to worry about casein (milk protein) as I do.
I have to admit: it feels good to be back in the habit of making smoothies again. We don't drink them for weight loss or as part of any diet – my kids and I love smoothies just because they taste good. It's an absolute bonus that these come packed with fruits and veggies!
Dairy-Free Vitamin C Almond Milk Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup Almond Breeze Almondmilk
- 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries
- 1 orange peeled and cut into small pieces
- ⅓ cup grated carrots
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into a high powered blender. Start with the Almondmilk, then add the strawberries, orange pieces, and grated carrots. Process until well blended.
- Pour into a tall glass and enjoy!
Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.
What sort of foods do you try to stock up on during cold season? Any food/drink habits that dropped off for you last year that you hope to bring back this year?
I loved partnering with Almond Breeze to create this dairy-free smoothie recipe. As always, all opinions, recipes, and photos are my own. Thank you, dear readers, for supporting the brands that support making this blog possible!
Melissa Kaylene says
We love using Almond milk! I've never added carrots to my smoothies before though...think I'm going to have to try. :)
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
It's a fun sneaky little veggie addition! :)
Mary says
Love the carrots!! Never thought of raw carrots before (though I often use store bought carrot juice). I make smoothies nearly every single day for myself and the kids. I'm always trying to add more veggies to them (beyond greens). They eat PLENTY of fruit throughout the day, so my challenge is the veggies!
Gorgeous photos too :)
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
I need to get back into making smoothies each day for me and the kids. Thanks, Mary!
Ali says
Unfortunately - or maybe fortunately - we definitely need this in our house.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Oh I hope everyone is feeling well now, Ali!
Raz says
I love smoothie, every night I made smoothies for my husband. My favorite is avocado smoothie with milk and cream its good I put too much dairy (guilty) LOL Dairy Free Vitamin C looks yummy, I might try that tonight and I'm I have all the ingredients inside my fridge. Thanks for sharing :)
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
I've actually never tried an avocado smoothie, Raz, but that's a great idea! I'd need to use some non-dairy almondmilk in mine but I bet it's delicious! Thanks!
Brettni Brumfield says
I've never tried dairy free, but I think this is something I should incorporate into my daughter's diet. She loves dairy, but dairy doesn't necessarily love her back. Thanks for the recipe!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Almondmilk is my favorite. I hope she likes it if you try it, Brettni! Thanks for stopping by!
Pech says
The carrot is a smart touch to add a little extra, but no one can go wrong with strawberries and oranges and adding creamy texture with almond milk!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Is it weird that I don't normally put strawberries and oranges together and have just started to since making these smoothies? The flavors are SO good together! Thanks, Pech!
Lindsay (@RunWithTongs) says
So simple but I never would have thought to add grated carrots!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Nobody even notices the carrots are there, that's the fun part ;) Thanks, Lindsay!
Kathy Hester says
I love the addition of carrots in your smoothie! I love nondairy milks, so I'm a fan of them in every thing!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thanks, Kathy! We're so lucky to live in a time when not only is there an abundance of nondairy milk, but GREAT TASTING nondairy milk too! :)
Manila Spoon (Abigail) says
It's the cold, flu and cough season so we could all use some immune boosting drink and this fits the bill perfectly. Love to start the day with this, too! Looks yum and refreshing!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thanks, Abigail!
Christie says
This is exactly what I need today. I feel so run down. A,big dose of Vit C is exactly what I need today.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Ah bummer :( I hope you are feeling better now, Christie!
Ali @ Home & Plate says
I could really use one of these smoothies right about now. I think I am starting a cold and could use all this immune fighting goodness of a smoothie. These look wonderful.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
I hope you're not getting a cold, Ali! Anything that helps give the ol' immune system a little boost is a good thing in my book this time of year ;) Thank you!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I'm all about putting the veg in smoothies!! Love the carrot!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thanks so much, Rebecca!