This carrot smoothie is creamy and healthy goodness in a glass. Packed with protein and fiber, it will keep you energized for hours.
Smoothies can be a healthy breakfast option if they are packed with enough protein and fiber to keep you full until your next meal. I like my morning smoothies to be thick and creamy, with no added sugar yet naturally sweet and delicious.
This carrot smoothie made with rolled oats and yogurt and flavored with cinnamon tastes like a dessert in a glass.
Table of Contents
Why add carrots to smoothies?
Unlike most vegetables, carrots are quite delicious on their own. Luckily, they are healthy too. Carrots are a good source of fiber and are rich in vitamins A, C, K, and B6. They also contain such essential minerals as potassium and iron.
Carrots are mildly sweet which makes them perfect for smoothies and juices whether you use them on their own or in combination with fruits and other vegetables.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Packed with fiber and protein. Having carrots and oats as its main ingredients, this smoothie is rich in fiber. The protein powder and yogurt added to the smoothie enhance its protein content, resulting in a hearty and filling drink.
- A fast and delicious breakfast. Just like our oatmeal or coconut smoothie, All you need to do to make this smoothie is to put all ingredients in a blender and hit a button. You don’t need to cook anything which is exactly what we need in the mornings.
- Sugar-free. This smoothie uses allulose to sweeten it, which has zero sugar and zero calories in it.
I love making carrots shine in sweet and healthy desserts and breakfasts. Try these carrot bars, muffins, and baked oatmeal if you enjoy sweet carrot recipes too.
The ingredient list of healthy smoothies is always a little longer. But the health benefits and the great flavor are certainly worth it. Here’s everything you will need to make a carrot smoothie that tastes like a delicious carrot dessert.
- Carrot. If you are not sure that your blender can handle a roughly chopped carrot, grate it first.
Substitution idea
If you prefer thinner smoothies, you can swap out the fresh carrots for 1/4 cup of carrot juice.
- Rolled oats. Old-fashioned oats work best for this smoothie as they make it thick and hearty.
- Sweetener. White, brown, or coconut sugar. I like to use allulose to keep my smoothie sugar-free.
Substitution idea
If you’d prefer a liquid sweetener, you can use maple syrup or honey.
- LSA mix. This is a combination of ground flaxseed, sunflower seeds, and almond meal. This mix is a great source of dietary fiber. You can make it yourself or buy it pre-mixed. Alternatively, you can use ground flaxseed or chia seeds.
- Protein powder (optional). I prefer using vanilla-flavored protein powder for this smoothie.
- Yogurt (optional). A few tablespoons of yogurt make the smoothie creamier. Greek yogurt is also a good source of protein.
- Milk. Use any milk of your choice.
- Vanilla extract. To make the smoothie taste more like a carrot dessert.
- Cinnamon and mixed spice. To make the smoothie more aromatic.
- Shredded coconut. To sprinkle over the smoothie before serving it.
How to make a carrot smoothie
Making this smoothie is as easy as making any other smoothie or shake. The key is having a powerful blender.
To make this carrot smoothie, simply add all ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Give the smoothie a try and adjust the sweetness if needed.
Pour into a glass, sprinkle with shredded coconut, and enjoy. If you prefer thicker smoothies, let it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes and only then drink it.
Like any good smoothie recipe, you can bulk them up or add some mix-ins to change up the flavor or nutritional profile. Here are some ideas:
- Use quinoa flakes. If you don’t like oats, replace them with quinoa flakes. These flakes have a mild flavor and help thicken the smoothie just like the oats do. Quinoa flakes are rich in fiber and contain essential vitamins and minerals.
- Add cottage cheese. It will add more protein to the smoothie and will provide a creamier mouthfeel (we often add this to protein oatmeal or overnight oats!). Cream cheese can be used too but note that it has a lower protein content.
- Mix in some fruits. If you have to have fruits in your smoothies, you can certainly add some to this smoothie too. Pineapple and banana will fit in nicely into this carrot cake-inspired smoothie recipe.
- Add turmeric. Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant to add to your smoothies. You won’t feel much of its flavor but you will get plenty of health benefits. Use only ¼ teaspoon of turmeric per serving.
Storage instructions
It is best to enjoy this carrot oatmeal smoothie right away. But if you have leftovers or want to make the smoothie in advance, pour it into a glass bottle or a mason jar, seal it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Thanks to the oats, the smoothie will thicken as it sits in the fridge. If the leftover smoothie is too thick for your liking, re-blend it with a splash of milk.
More smoothie recipes to try
You can easily blend raw carrots in a high-powered blender. If your blender is not powerful enough, shred the carrots or steam them before blending.
You can skip peeling the carrots for smoothies so long as you have scrubbed and washed them thoroughly.
Yes, it is completely safe to use raw oats for smoothies. Raw oats are a good source of fiber and resistant starch. Both are good for digestion.
Carrot Smoothie
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats gluten free, if needed
- 1 small carrot can sub for 1/4 cup mashed carrots
- tablespoon sugar I used allulose but any sweetener works
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed can sub for ground flax or chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder optional
- 1-2 tablespoon yogurt optional
- 1/2-3/4 cup milk *
- 1 teaspoon unsweetened shredded coconut optional
Instructions
- Add all your ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until desired consistency.
- Pour into a tall glass and top with shredded coconut and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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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!