This chocolate smoothie recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy a satisfying breakfast while sneaking some greens in. It contains a delicious blend of nutrient-packed ingredients like leafy greens, cocoa powder, and Medjool dates. There are plenty of options for customizing this smoothie to your liking too.
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Table of Contents
Why you'll love this chocolate smoothie
This chocolate smoothie is a dream come true for all the chocolate lovers out there. It combines the rich and indulgent flavor of cocoa powder and dark chocolate chips with a hint of sweetness from ripe bananas and dates. The creamy texture, courtesy of yogurt and milk, makes it a velvety delight to sip on. Plus, it's packed with nutritious additions like kale or spinach-but you'd never know!
Is this chocolate smoothie healthy?
Yes, this chocolate smoothie is filled with simple, whole food ingredients.
- Cocoa Powder - give our smoothie the chocolatey goodness while also providing antioxidants. Research suggests that cocoa powder may help lower blood pressure and improve heart health.
- Kale or Spinach - packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium.
- Blueberries and Medjool dates- deliciously sweet and a good source of fiber and vitamin C.
All of these ingredients provide flavor and sweetness so you can satisfy your chocolate cravings while nourishing your body.
Tips and tricks
- Serving Tips: This chocolate smoothie pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as a slice of whole grain toast, a handful of nuts, or a small serving of Greek yogurt. For an extra treat, try serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of coconut flakes.
- Troubleshooting Tips: If your smoothie turns out too thick, simply add a splash of milk and blend again. On the other hand, if it's too thin, add a few ice cubes and blend until desired consistency is reached.
- Scaling Tips: Need to make more servings than one? No problem! Simply double or triple the ingredients while keeping the ratios the same. Adjust the blending time accordingly to ensure a smooth texture.
Customize it your way
Like all of my other recipes, this chocolate smoothie is completely customizable. You get to choose what greens, yogurt, and milk you want to use. Here are some options to suit different dietary preferences:
- Leafy Greens: Feel free to use either kale or spinach. I love grabbing these at my local farmers market! If you end up with extra that are about to go bad, simply throw in a zip top reusable bag and freeze.
- Yogurt: You can use a plain yogurt or a fun flavored one. If you're vegan, you can simply use a dairy-free yogurt instead.
- Milk: Use regular dairy or opt for plant-based milk alternatives.
- Other Add-Ins to Consider: Feel free to blend in other smoothie nutrient-boosters like nut butters, protein powder, or seeds.
Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?
While this chocolate smoothie is best enjoyed pretty soon after blending, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Simply slice and freeze the banana, wash and store the kale, wash the blueberries, and pre-pit the dates. When you're ready to indulge, just toss the prepped ingredients into the blender, add the remaining components, and blend until smooth.
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Chocolate Smoothie
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Ingredients
- ½ cup roughly chopped kale leaves or spinach leaves
- ½ cup sliced and frozen ripe banana
- ¼ cup frozen blueberries
- ¼ cup yogurt of your choice (plain Greek, flavored, or vegan option)
- 2 pitted Medjool dates
- 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder, plus more for garnish
- 2 teaspoons mini dark chocolate chips, plus more for garnish
- 1 cup milk of your choice, (dairy milk, almond, oat, coconut, etc.)
- ½ cup ice, optional for a thicker smoothie
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend on high until combined.
- Feel free to garnish your smoothie with additional dark chocolate chips and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for added visual appeal.
Notes
Nutrition
save this chocolate smoothie recipe on pinterest:
Craving a smoothie bowl instead?
Check out my chocolate smoothie bowl with hidden cauliflower rice and loads of nut butter!
Barbara Delarwelle says
Hello Mackinzie,
I have a couple questions. Are the bowls just a thicker smoothie? Do your smoothies work with a Mediterranean diet for health and weight loss?
Mackenzie Burgess says
Hi Barbara! Yes – The chocolate smoothie bowl recipe is essentially just a thicker version of the smoothie, so you can eat it with a spoon rather than drinking it. These smoothies can be a part of the Mediterranean diet as they are made from a base of whole food ingredients like fruits, veggies, and a modest amount of dark chocolate which are foundational to a Mediterranean style way of eating. Hope this helps! ~Mackenzie