Tart cranberries, sweet dates, and a whole cast of nutritious characters make this Creamy Vegan Cranberry Smoothie a holiday delight! Make it for breakfast on Thanksgiving day or anytime you want a perfectly creamy treat that does so much good for your body.
This Creamy Cranberry Vegan Smoothie is made in the blender in just a couple minutes and it's absolutely delicious! It tastes like a dessert and I always have to blend extras because everyone in my family comes running when I make it. I love that it is absolutely filled with incredible nutrition, free of refined sugar, and totally vegan. It's become a seasonal favorite smoothie!
How to Make a Creamy Vegan Smoothie
There are two ingredients in this smoothie that add to the creaminess: almonds and cauliflower! I often hear people say "Cauliflower in smoothies?! For real?" But I promise you can't taste it at ALL and it just adds this incredibly smooth, creamy texture. Almonds add plant-based protein and even more thick and creamy texture. It's borderline milkshake territory here!
All About Cranberries
Cranberries are SO GOOD for you! I love using them in holiday dishes because of all the nutrition they offer. Their bright red color tells us right away that cranberries are packed with good stuff. They promote a healthy urinary tract and digestive health due to naturally occurring compounds called PACS (proanthocyanins). They’re great for your cardiovascular health and their deep red pigment contains important nutrients that play a role in preventing heart disease, cancer, and age-related mental decline. When included as part of a low-sodium diet, cranberries may even reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
For the best results, look for cranberries that are shiny, firm, plump and range in color from bright light red to dark red. You want to avoid cranberries that are shriveled or look decayed. Fresh, ripe cranberries will always bounce so you can actually do a bounce test to see if they're just right!
Health Benefits of Cauliflower
What CAN'T cauliflower do?! It has got to be the most versatile veggie around. Cauliflower is nutrient-rich and low in calories while offering dietary fiber, vitamin C and folic acid. This smoothie is the perfect way to get more cauliflower into your diet without it feeling like a chore. When it comes to cauliflower in smoothies I always buy frozen riced cauliflower. Make sure that is the only ingredients - no seasonings!
The Best Blender for Smoothies
I think one of the reasons I make smoothies so often is because I have an INCREDIBLE blender! It makes such a difference. It's hands down my most-used appliance.
If you're as much of a smoothie fan as I am (or you want to up your smoothie game!), you just might love my Rock Your Blender Cookbook! It's filled with tasty, nutritious smoothie recipes. It's also a perfect holiday gift that can be sent electronically!
More Vegan Smoothies
Strawberries & Cream Veggie-Filled Smoothie
Vegan Healthy Birthday Cake Smoothie
Almond Pulp Strawberry Vanilla Smoothie
Sweet Potato Pie Smoothie Bowl
Download my Smoothie E-Book: Rock Your Blender for my favorite smoothie recipes of all time. The smoothies in my e-book are exclusive content not offered on the blog!
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Creamy Vegan Cranberry Smoothie
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 24 ounces (2-3 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Tart cranberries, sweet dates, and a whole cast of nutritious characters make this Creamy Vegan Cranberry Smoothie a holiday delight! Make it for breakfast on Thanksgiving day or anytime you want a perfectly creamy treat that does so much good for your body.
Ingredients
- 5 soft Medjool dates, pitted
- ¼ cup blanched slivered almonds (not sliced)
- 1 cup frozen riced cauliflower
- 1 cup fresh raw cranberries
- 1 cup unsweetened, plain almond milk (or any non-dairy milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- 1.5 cups crushed ice cubes
- Optional smoothie boosters: 1 tablespoon chia seeds and/or 1 tablespoon hemp seeds
- Optional Garnish Ideas: homemade maple pecan granola, homemade cranberry sauce, raw fresh cranberries, fresh berries, unsweetened shredded coconut, homemade whipped coconut cream
Instructions
- Add dates, almonds, cauliflower, cranberries, almond milk, vanilla and almond extract to a high-speed blender. Blend on the smoothie setting until smooth and creamy.
- Add ice and blend again until smooth and creamy. Add more ice if a frostier smoothie is desired.
- Divide smoothie into two glasses. Serve the smoothie overtop non-dairy yogurt if desired. Garnish with pecan granola, fresh cranberries or berries, cranberry sauce, coconut and/or coconut cream if desired. Enjoy immediately with a spoon.
Equipment
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- Prep Time: 5
- Category: Smoothie
- Method: Blender
Keywords: cranberry smoothie
Julia says
Love this smoothie! It’s hard to find recipes using cranberries that aren’t just cranberry sauce recipes but they’re so good in a smoothie. So tart and refreshing. Great pick-me-up in the morning!