Description
This Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie gets its green colour naturally from spinach and is dairy-free – but tastes sooo decadent! It’s a healthy and refreshing breakfast or snack. Be sure to use dairy-free chocolate chips if you want to make it vegan.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large frozen peeled bananas, broken into chunks
- 1/2 ripe avocado, pitted
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or other milk)
- 1/4 teaspoon pure peppermint extract OR 1/4 cup packed fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh baby spinach (tightly packed)
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 2 tablespoons dairy-free chocolate chips* or cacao nibs (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup coconut whip (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a high-speed blender, add the frozen banana chunks, avocado half, almond milk, peppermint extract (OR fresh mint leaves), tightly packed spinach, and ice cubes.
- Blend Until Smooth: Secure the lid and blend on high speed for approximately 45 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides if needed.
- Add Chocolate Chips/Nibs: Add the 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips or cacao nibs to the blender. Pulse just a few times (1-3 seconds) until the chips/nibs are finely chopped and distributed throughout the smoothie. Avoid over-blending at this stage, or the smoothie color may become muddy.
- Serve: Pour the smoothie into 2 glasses. Top with a dollop of coconut whip (if using) and sprinkle with extra chocolate chips or cacao nibs. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Frozen Banana: Using frozen bananas is key for a thick, creamy, cold smoothie texture.
- Avocado: Adds healthy fats and incredible creaminess without detectable avocado flavor.
- Mint Flavor: Peppermint extract provides a strong, classic mint flavor. Fresh mint leaves offer a lighter, more natural mint taste. Choose based on preference.
- Spinach: Provides the green color naturally! The flavor is easily masked by the mint, chocolate, and banana.
- Chocolate Chips/Nibs: Use dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan smoothie. Cacao nibs offer a less sweet, more intense chocolate flavor and crunch. Pulse them briefly at the end to keep small pieces throughout.
- Milk: Any dairy or non-dairy milk can be used. Unsweetened is recommended to control the overall sweetness.
- Storage: Smoothies are best enjoyed immediately after blending.