Carrot Smoothie
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My carrot smoothie recipe is packed with protein and fiber AND tastes like dessert in a glass! It’s super thick and creamy.
I know what you’re thinking, but hear me out. Vegetables in smoothies CAN actually taste good. Case in point: my carrot smoothie.
The trick to masking any vegetable flavor is to use the right combination of ingredients. Inspired by my oatmeal smoothie, I like to start with a base of oats and cinnamon, then add some Greek yogurt for creaminess. For sweetness, a touch of maple syrup does the trick, but if your protein powder is sweetened (yes, this smoothie is ticking ALL the boxes), you can skip it altogether.
The result? A high-protein, high-fiber, and filling smoothie that tastes like carrot cake in liquid form. It’s my partner’s favorite breakfast because it keeps him full until lunchtime!
Table of Contents
Key Ingredients
This isn’t a complete list, but some important notes on the main ones. Find the full list with measurements below:
- Carrots. The bulk of the smoothie. If you’re not sure if your blender can handle roughly chopped carrots, grate them first.
- Rolled oats. Adds fiber, wholegrains, and staying power. It also thickens the smoothie beautifully. Don’t use steel-cut oats since they’re much harder to blend.
- Maple syrup. My original recipe called for a granulated sweetener (I used allulose), but many of you said you’d prefer a liquid one, so I tested this with maple syrup and honey, and it worked just as well.
- Ground flaxseed. For added fiber and to add thickness. Feel free to use chia seeds or LSA mix instead (linseed, sunflower seed, and almond flour).
- Protein powder. A scoop of vanilla protein powder adds protein and, depending on which kind you use (casein or brown rice), keeps things creamy. I like Optimum Nutrition, but
- Yogurt. I find a few tablespoons of Greek yogurt make the smoothie creamier–and it adds more protein. Opt for plain or vanilla-flavored yogurt.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg. To complement the carrot flavor.
Add-in ideas and dietary swaps
I’ve made this smoothie a plethora of times, and tweaked it to fit different diets and to change up the macros. Here is how:
- Gluten-free. Any recipe of mine that calls for oats work identically with gluten-free rolled oats. I recommend Bob’s Red Mill.
- Vegan. Use coconut yogurt and dairy-free milk. I like the flavor of Coyo yogurt.
- Swap the yogurt. Try cottage cheese or dairy free cottage cheese instead.
- Frozen fruit. For a more traditional smoothie flavor, add frozen bananas, pineapple, and mango, or use orange juice as the liquid.
- Elevate the flavor. Try fresh ginger, turmeric, or apple pie spice.
- Healthy fats. Add frozen avocado, hemp seeds, or nut butter.
How to make a carrot smoothie
Step 1- Blend. Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 2- Serve. Pour into a tall glass, top with shredded coconut, and enjoy!
Arman’s recipe tips
- Thicken it up. You shouldn’t have a problem with a thick smoothie, but if it’s not thick enough for you, I suggest adding about 1/4 cup of ice cubes post-blending.
- To combat a thick liquid. If your smoothie is too thick, you can add more milk and blend again. Start with 1/4 cup, then add more if needed.
- Start at a low speed. If you’re blending large chunks of carrot, it can be easy to overheat the blender. I suggest sticking with a low speed, then gradually working your way up before reducing the speed again.
- Make it ahead of time. Get the ingredients ready to go in your blender the night before. Then in the morning, all you have to do is blend and serve (a neat trick I used during my college days!).
Storage and meal prep
To store: This smoothie can be stored in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days. Be sure to stir it well before serving.
Meal prep hack: Store the smoothie in ice cube trays in the freezer for up to 6 months. When ready to enjoy, place the frozen portions into a blender and blend until thick and smooth.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this smoothie can be made without the protein powder. However, I do recommend you taste it before serving. Vanilla protein powder adds sweetness, and if you’re relying on the single tablespoon of maple syrup for sweetness, it might not be sweet enough. If it isn’t, add another tablespoon and blend again.
Yes! I actually love using frozen carrots, but don’t include it in my ingredient list because bags of frozen carrots are SO hard to find (most come with peas, corn, or a combination of all of them).
✅ Nutrition reviewed
Nutrition information has been reviewed by registered dietitian Felicia Newell, MScAHN, RD, CPT.
Carrot Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats gluten free, if needed
- 1 small carrot grated or chopped
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed can sub for LSA or chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder optional
- 2 tablespoons yogurt optional
- 1/2 cup milk * see notes
Instructions
- Add the rolled oats, carrot, maple syrup, ground flaxseed, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, protein powder, yogurt, and milk in a high-speed blender and blend until the desired consistency is achieved. For a thicker smoothie, add 1/4 cup of ice cubes and blend again.
- Pour into a tall glass and top with shredded coconut and enjoy!
Notes
- Smoothie thickness: For a thinner smoothie, use 3/4 cup milk of choice.
Nutrition
More healthy smoothie recipes
- Coconut milk smoothie
- Breakfast smoothie
- Avocado smoothie
- Almond butter smoothie
- Chocolate peanut butter smoothie
Originally updated March 2023
Tastes really good.
This looks so lovely and healthy. I didnt know you can make smoothie from carrots.
I actually made this this morning. And it was amazing start of the day. Such a nice recipe.
Aaa so much want to try this.
All amazing ingredients. Just need to buy carrot. Cinnamon always I have.
Okay this recipe I make tomorrow and will let you know. But carrots, cinnamon and whey should mix so well together!
this actually sounds delicious…..I love carrot cake. I don’t buy milk but will make it with plain yogurt…
I learned the hard way that my blender is not at all powerful enough for raw carrots. When you have to chew your carrot smoothie it’s not a pretty picture. Love the idea of putting cream cheese in there, though.
Favorite birthday cake? Well, considering I fell asleep on my birthday AND on Valentine’s Day before dessert, I’d say I pretty much fail at holiday desserts.
Bring on all things carrot cake, maybe it will get spring here quicker! I love cottage cheese in my smoothies! this looks so pretty as well.
Carrot cake and a casual insult? And it isn’t even my birthday yet. Stop spoiling me!
So random but I was looking for a carrot mug cake recipe for this afternoon to kick off birthday week but now I’ll have a smoothie 😀 And I’ll make sure I hold up my glass for myself ;-P
Wait. I can have my cake and drink it, too? Yes, please! I love a good smoothie…although I must admit that I don’t often make them for breakfast. Not sure why? Maybe it’s because I’m in auto-pilot mode in the morning. But when I do make smoothies, I want ’em to be thick…like eat with a spoon thick…like ice cream thick. This one sounds like it’s right up my alley…and I’m kinda craving it right now!