Healthier Copycat Orange Julius Recipe

Today I am sharing one of our favorite drinks – the Healthier Copycat Orange Julius.  While I’ve had the Copycat Orange Julius recipe in my recipe box for years, I’ve made quite a few changes over time to make a healthier drink, and also to suit our tastes.  Even though I’ve “healthied up” my recipe, this version still tastes like an Orange Julius –  a creamy, dreamy orange vanilla dreamsicle.

My current version includes a surprise ingredient:  yellow squash.  You can’t taste the squash at all, pinkie promise.  You’re just going to have to trust me on this! Confession time:  I’m not a big fan of yellow squash.  I’ve tried to like it (really, I have).  I’ll eat it but it’s certainly not high on my list of produce favorites.  The Hubby and The Teens like it even less than I do. I’m also not a proponent of hiding veggies in food but I make an exception for this recipe.  If The Teens knew I put squash in this drink they would never, ever drink it again – game over.  Mums the word, okay?

I no longer cringe when I receive yellow squash in my Bountiful Basket because I know exactly how I will use them.  I got the idea of adding yellow squash to my Copycat Orange Julius from the Fresh Blends cookbook by Blendtec.

In addition to posting the recipe as I currently make it, I am including some of the ingredients from my original version for additional options.  I think this drink is sweet enough without adding any sugars or honey, though.

5 from 1 vote

PRINT

Healthier Copycat Orange Julius Recipe with Secret Ingredient

HEALTHIER COPYCAT ORANGE JULIUS

Course Beverage

Cuisine American

Keyword copycat orange julius, orange julius recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 3 minutes

Total Time 8 minutes

Servings 2

Calories 128 kcal

Author Lori @ www.AReinventedMom.com

INGREDIENTS

• 3 oz. frozen orange juice concentrate
• 1/2 cup Vanilla almond milk
• 1-2 oranges, peeled and cut in half
• 1/4 cup yellow squash chopped, raw
• 1/2 - 3/4 cup ice cubes
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp powdered sugar

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place all ingredients in blender jar and attach lid.

2. Blend until smooth and serve.

RECIPE NOTES

NOTES:

• Add 1 tbsp. of honey or 2 tbsp. of sugar if you like a sweeter drink.
• Other milks can be substituted for the almond milk.

Nutrition Facts

Healthier Copycat Orange Julius Recipe with Secret Ingredient

Amount Per Serving

Calories 128

% Daily Value*

Sodium 82mg4%

Potassium 442mg13%

Carbohydrates 28g9%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 26g29%

Protein 2g4%

Vitamin A 335IU7%

Vitamin C 95.9mg116%

Calcium 115mg12%

Iron 0.1mg1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

This post may contain an affiliate link(s).  If you choose to click on the link and/or make a purchase, I may be paid a small amount.  All opinions are my own.