Frozen Strawberry Smoothie without Banana or Yogurt

If you’re craving a cool, creamy smoothie without yogurt or banana, this Frozen Strawberry Smoothie is the perfect solution. Made with real fruit, orange juice, and Carnation Breakfast Essentials® Vanilla Powder, it’s a refreshing and nutrient-packed option for busy mornings or healthy snacks.

Originally shared February 2016, updated April 2024

Frozen Strawberry Smoothie

Okay, confession time… I used to be obsessed with smoothies. I went through a phase (years ago!) where I made one every single morning, and this Frozen Strawberry Smoothie recipe with orange juice was my absolute favorite.

It’s cold, fruity, creamy — and just feels like the right way to start the day. Fast forward to now, and I’m bringing it back, keeping in mind that I hate banana and this particular recipe has no yogurt (which I love, but didn’t want to include in this particular recipe).

Strawberry Smoothie without Banana

I am not a fan of bananas in any recipe but smoothies with bananas are so popular, I had to come up with my own smoothie recipes without banana.

And after seeing several smoothies with orange juice, I was convinced that a Strawberry Smoothie recipe without banana but with orange juice was the way to go. I was right!!

If you’re like me and your days are a little chaotic (hi, homeschool mom life 🙋‍♀️), this is the perfect strawberry smoothie without banana or yogurt to save the day.

You toss a few things in the blender, and in about two minutes, you’ve got a delicious breakfast or snack that’s packed with real fruit, vitamin C, and that nostalgic creamy orange flavor we all secretly love. 

Bonus: it’s also a great excuse to use up those frozen strawberries in the back of your freezer!

It’s also a great way to squeeze in some healthy fats or protein if you add a spoonful of almond butter, chia seeds, or a scoop of protein powder. And since this smoothie can be adapted to use no cow’s milk or yogurt, it’s a great option for those with dairy sensitivities or anyone wanting to lighten things up.

Why You’ll Love This Smoothie

• Dairy-free & banana-free option (just swap the milk!)
• Full of vitamin C from orange juice and strawberries
• Naturally sweet and creamy with minimal ingredients
• A great way to enjoy strawberry season all year, using frozen or fresh fruit, and the strawberry-orange juice combo is simply delicious!
• Comes together in minutes — perfect for busy mornings and quick breakfasts
• Totally customizable with your favorite milk or protein powder
• Works great as a healthy breakfast, afternoon snack, or even a lighter dessert smoothie

Tools Needed

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Blender

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy strawberry smoothie

• Carnation Breakfast Essentials® Powder (Classic French Vanilla)
• Orange juice
• Frozen strawberries
• Whole milk (or oat milk, coconut milk, vanilla almond milk, etc.)
• Vanilla extract (optional)

Want extra creamy texture? Add a spoonful of vanilla yogurt, chia seeds, or almond butter.

Prefer a sweeter smoothie? Maple syrup or honey also work great if you like things a bit sweeter .

Note: I have the Carnation Breakfast Essentials® Ready-to-Drink Bottles in my pic (because we absolutely love them), but you don’t need them for this recipe!

Find the complete recipe with ingredient measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Make a Frozen Strawberry Smoothie

This is a simple strawberry smoothie recipe that only takes a couple of minutes to put together.

1. Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender or food processor.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or fruit juice.
3. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately!

Tip: For a thicker smoothie, toss in a few ice cubes or a frozen banana (if you don’t hate banana like I do).

This smoothie blends up beautifully and is also a great fit for ice cube trays if you want to make ahead and store in single-serving portions. It’s a great snack idea for kids, or a smart way to cool off on hot summer days.

How to Use Fresh Strawberries Instead of Frozen

Prefer fresh strawberries? Here’s how to swap them in:

• Rinse, trim, and slice your fresh strawberries.
• Add a handful of ice to the blender to mimic the chill and thickness of frozen fruit.
• Or freeze the sliced berries on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for later.

Using fresh strawberries is a delicious way to make the most of strawberry season and enjoy the fruity flavor of this smoothie all year long.

Variations or Add-ins

This smoothie an easy breakfast and is delicious as is, but it also makes a great base for mixing in other fruits and add-ins! Here are a few of my favorite ways to switch things up:

• Frozen blueberries: Add a handful for a berry twist and extra antioxidants. Any kind of berry smoothie without banana is a hit if you ask me!
• Frozen mango or pineapple: For a tropical flair and natural sweetness.
• Spinach or kale: A small handful of spinach or kale blends in easily without altering the flavor much—perfect for a quick green smoothie with extra nutrients.
• Peanut butter or almond butter: Adds healthy fats and makes it more filling.
• Oats or oat milk: For extra fiber and a boost of creaminess.
• Lemon juice or zest: This is already a smoothie with orange juice but you can add another bright punch of citrus with a little lemon juice.

This is one of those easy recipes that’s super flexible. Just toss in what you have on hand, blend, and enjoy a new variation every time!

Make-Ahead Tips

Prep your smoothie in advance by portioning everything into freezer bags. In the morning, dump the contents into the blender, add your liquid, and blend!

You can also freeze leftover smoothie in ice cube trays to add to future blends or enjoy as mini frozen treats.

More Breakfast Recipes

• Sour Cream Banana Muffins
• Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
• Bundt Cake Banana Bread
• Easy Cream Cheese Danish
• Best Lemon Ricotta Pancakes Recipe (Light & Fluffy)