It's no secret, I am a huge smoothie fan. I usually wean off my everyday smoothie routine in the winter, but if I feel like a need a quick power-up for my system as cold and flu season hits, I most definitely turn to this immune-boosting smoothie recipe!

If you are like me, you want to get healthy, or stay healthy, with the least amount of time spent in the kitchen possible. I mean, wouldn't you rather be getting outdoors or meeting a friend for coffee? I am all about saving time in the kitchen, which is why, if you like this recipe, you should definitely check out how to make frozen smoothie packs. This kitchen hack is a total game-changer for your smoothie consumption.

What makes this an immune-boosting smoothie?

Spinach: I always encourage using spinach in smoothies to get your greens in, because you can’t taste it at all! Spinach is also a great source of omega-3s, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and vitamin B, C, and E.

Manuka or raw honey: Make sure the honey you use is raw or manuka honey to get additional benefits and higher antioxidant levels. I always have a jar of raw/manuka honey in my cupboard and we use it in herbal teas to quell sore throats as well. Fun side note: raw honey is also great for DIY beauty care!!

Coconut milk or almond milk: Either of these will work well in this recipe. I love coconut milk because then the smoothie tastes a little like a piña colada. Hello summer vibes (even in the dead of January!)

Turmeric: Turmeric contains medicinal properties called curcuminoids, the most important of which is curcumin. Curcumin is the ultimate “anti.” It’s been shown to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer activities.

Black Pepper: Just a pinch of black pepper is really important to help the turmeric work its anti-inflammatory magic. And no, you can’t taste it thanks to everything else going on in this smoothie.

Carrots – rich in Vitamin A, and did you know Vitamin A is also essential for supporting the lining of the digestive tract? Your gut lining is a barrier for blocking any pathogen that is our guts so you want to keep that gut lining strong and functioning optimally!

Fresh Orange – Hello Vitamin C!!

Ginger - Great for relieving symptoms of the cold and flu, digestion, and nausea.

Pineapple: Pineapples contain a juicy serving of vitamin C, a great infection fighter and a collagen synthesizer. Pineapple includes a natural enzyme called bromelain, which is wonderful for preventing inflammation and helping poor digestive issues. It also sweetens the recipe nicely.

MCT Oil: MCTs (or medium-chain triglycerides) are a healthy fat that can reduce inflammation by killing off bad bacteria, such as candida or yeast, that can overgrow in our intestines.

They’re also known for increasing energy, decreasing weight, and supporting appetite control. MCT oil most often come from coconuts. They’re a clear, tasteless oil that’s easy to add to smoothies. Healthy fats also help us digest our fat-soluble vitamins, like A, D, E, and K.

Invest in a good blender!

You’re going to want to invest in a super-high quality blender at some point if you haven’t already. It seriously changes smoothies forever…in a good way. This is the one we use.  

My husband and I gifted ourselves a Vitamix (this exact model) for our anniversary about 10 years ago and it was the best thing ever! We use it every day and our health has never been better.

The Recipe

Easy 5-Minute Immune-Boosting Smoothie Recipe

Whether it's cold and flu season or hot days by the poolside, this powerful immune boosting smoothie recipe will keep you on top of your game so you can enjoy whatever the day has in store.

Ingredients

• 1 large carrot, roughly chopped

• 1 large orange (or 2 tangerines), peeled and roughly chopped

• 1/2 Tbsp ginger, roughly 1-inch peice, chopped and peeled

• 1-2 tsp turmeric (or 2-inch peice fresh), peeled and chopped

• 1 Tbsp MCT oil (or coconut oil), optional

• 1 cup pineapple (frozen or fresh)

• 1/8 tsp black pepper (you just need a pinch, or a couple grinds)

• 1.5 cup coconut milk (or almond milk) (if using the canned thicker coconut milk (or cream), use 1/2 cup coconut milk + 1 cup water)

• 2 tsp raw honey or manuka honey

• 1 cup fresh spinach (or 1/2 cup frozen)

Directions

1. Peel your orange (or tangerine).

2. Place your carrot, orange (or tangerines), ginger, turmeric, MCT oil, pineapple, black pepper, and coconut milk in the blender. Blend on low gradually increasing speed until everything starts to turn into a puree.

3. Add spinach and honey. Blend again, this time on high until you have a thick "juice" consistency. You may want to adjust the consistency with either adding some water or more coconut milk for a thinner smoothie.

4. Now pour that orange immune boosting goodness into a glass and enjoy!

If you are using turmeric powder, I like this brand.

Feel free to add in a scoop of your favorite protein powder. I often add collagen powder.

I like to make this amount and save half for the next day. Save time and energy in the kitchen!