A carrot, apple and ginger smoothie is a refreshing drink made with raw carrot, half an apple, a small piece of ginger and orange juice. You can make it in a blender in just a few minutes, and adding a scoop of protein powder transforms it from a light drink into a nutritious, protein-rich shake. Below you’ll find the full recipe, the proportions and a few variations.
What do you need for a carrot, apple and ginger smoothie?
For one glass, you’ll need four basic ingredients: a carrot, half an apple, a small piece of ginger and orange juice. That’s the core; the rest is a matter of taste.
- 1 carrot (about 80 grams), peeled
- 1/2 apple, cored
- 1 small piece of ginger (about 1 cm), peeled
- 150 ml orange juice (freshly squeezed or unsweetened)
- Optional: 1 scoop (25 to 30 grams) of protein powder
- Optional: a few ice cubes or a splash of water
The carrot adds natural sweetness and a warm colour, the apple gives it a fresh flavour, and the piece of ginger adds a zesty, spicy note. The orange juice brings everything together and makes the smoothie nice and drinkable. Want it a bit creamier? Add half a frozen banana.
Why does the combination of carrot, apple and ginger work so well?
It’s all about the balance of flavour. The carrot brings a mild, earthy sweetness and a warm orange colour. The apple makes the whole thing fresher and slightly tangier, so the smoothie doesn’t taste bland. The ginger contrasts this with a zesty, spicy note that adds just the right kick. Finally, the orange juice makes the smoothie smooth and easy to drink, whilst enhancing the fresh flavour. Sweet, fresh and zesty all in one: that’s why this classic never goes out of favour.
Would you prefer a milder smoothie? Use a little less ginger and a riper apple. Do you prefer a proper kick? Add an extra slice of ginger. That way, you can tailor the recipe to your own taste.
How do you make the smoothie step by step?
Chop everything into rough pieces, put it in the blender and blend until smooth. In a few steps:
- Peel the carrot and chop it into small pieces – this makes it easier to blend.
- Remove the core from the apple half and cut it into pieces.
- Peel the piece of ginger.
- Put the carrot, apple, ginger and orange juice into the blender.
- Fancy a protein-rich version? Add a scoop of protein powder now.
- Blend for about a minute until smooth. Too thick? A splash of water or extra orange juice will sort that out.
- Pour into a glass and drink straight away.
Raw carrot naturally retains a slightly fibrous texture. A powerful blender will make the smoothie smoother, and if you want a velvety texture, you can strain it through a sieve after blending.
Can you add protein powder to it?
Yes. A scoop of whey protein or vegan protein powder significantly increases the protein content and turns this smoothie into a complete shake, for example after exercise or as a snack. Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass. Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass. Protein contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
For a neutral flavour that doesn’t clash with the ginger and orange, our organic plain whey protein works well. If you prefer a plant-based option, a vegan protein powder is an excellent choice. Want to know how much protein you actually need each day? We explain that in ‘How much protein do you need each day?’.
When is the best time to have this smoothie?
The carrot, apple and ginger smoothie is ideal for breakfast, as a snack or after a workout. It’s traditionally a winter smoothie, but the combination of carrot, apple and orange tastes great all year round. Without protein powder, it’s a light, refreshing drink; add a scoop and it becomes a heartier, more filling shake to round off a meal.
Fancy more smoothies? In our round-up of protein-rich smoothie recipes, you’ll find more combinations with a scoop of protein, ranging from fruity to creamy.
What variations can you try?
The base is great for experimenting with. Here are a few suggestions to customise the smoothie to your liking:
- Creamier: add half a (frozen) banana or a spoonful of yoghurt for a richer texture.
- Fresher: a few ice cubes or a splash of water will make the smoothie lighter and cooler.
- Extra kick: a small slice of fresh turmeric or a pinch of cinnamon gives the smoothie a slightly different character.
- Higher in fibre: leave the carrot a bit chunkier and mix in a spoonful of porridge oats or linseeds.
- High in protein: a scoop of whey protein or vegan protein powder turns it into a complete shake.
Experiment with the proportions until you’ve found your favourite version. A smoothie doesn’t have to be exactly the same every time.
Frequently asked questions
Can you make a carrot, apple and ginger smoothie in advance?
It’s best when fresh, but you can keep it in a sealed bottle in the fridge for a few hours. Give it a good shake before drinking, as a fresh smoothie can separate.
Which protein powder works best in this smoothie?
A neutral or vanilla flavour works best, as it doesn’t overpower the ginger and orange. Plain whey protein has a neutral flavour; a vegan vanilla powder, on the other hand, gives the smoothie a sweeter note. Choose whatever suits your routine.
Can I make the smoothie vegan?
Yes. Replace the whey protein with a vegan protein powder. The base of carrot, apple, ginger and orange juice is already entirely plant-based, so the whole smoothie remains vegan.
How much ginger do you use in a smoothie?
Start with a small piece of about one centimetre. Ginger is spicy, so you can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in. Taste as you go and adjust to your liking.
Would you like to turn this smoothie into a reliable source of protein? Thanks to its neutral flavour, our organic natural whey protein blends easily with the carrot and orange, whilst those who prefer plant-based options can choose a vegan protein powder. You’ll find both in the protein powder collection.
