Chocolate Peppermint Green Smoothie

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At what point does a smoothie become a milkshake? This chocolate peppermint green smoothie is so rich and chocolatey that it’s definitely inching over into shake territory. It’s low in sugar but high in fiber and healthy fats, so it’s totally appropriate for breakfast. With a little whipped cream on top it can pass for dessert, too!

Chocolate Peppermint Green Smoothies are healthy enough for breakfast and tasty enough for dessert!

Ever since I did the 21 Days to Lean and Green program last June (read my review here), I’ve loved starting my mornings with a green smoothie or fresh green juice. At least, I did until winter got here. Something drinking an icy cold smoothie when it’s below freezing just seems wrong. Unless, of course, it’s this chocolate peppermint green smoothie. The combination of chocolate and peppermint always reminds me of Christmas and winter, so it seems much more appropriate for the season.

This is a great smoothie for people who are just starting to venture into the territory of green drinks – the cocoa powder makes the smoothie chocolatey brown and covers any trace of spinach that might otherwise be detected. A hefty helping of peppermint extract masks any other vegetal flavor that might be left and leaves them perfectly minty! (After photographing these, I handed one to Shawn to try and he drank almost half of it before he even thought to ask me what was in it!)

You have a choice with this smoothie: You can make it with avocado or with banana. I’ve been making them both ways and I can’t decide which I like better, although I think I lean slightly toward using avocado. Avocado makes the smoothie thicker and creamier, but if your avocado is too ripe it can have a little bit of a strong after taste. Less ripe avocados aren’t as strongly flavored as ripe ones, so I prefer to use those. You might also want to add a little extra syrup since the avocado base isn’t as banana. If you use banana, the smoothie will be sweeter and there won’t be an aftertaste at all, but the banana flavor is stronger – you can definitely taste it. Both versions are delicious, so it depends on what you’re in the mood for.

Chocolate Peppermint Green Smoothies are healthy enough for breakfast and tasty enough for dessert!

Chocolate Peppermint Green Smoothie

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Prep Time 5 min Total Time 0:05
Serves 2

 

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk
  • 1/2 avocado (barely ripe) or banana
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 1 tablespoon flax seeds
  • 2 cups ice
  • 2 tablespoons whipped cream and fresh mint (optional)

Directions

  1. Add the first 7 ingredients (everything except the ice) to a blender container in the order listed. Cover and blend on high for 45 seconds, or until smooth.
  2. Add the ice. Cover and blend on high 15-20 seconds, using the tamper to press the ice down into the blades.
  3. Pour into two glasses. Top with whipped cream and garnish with mint, if desired. Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

Link to Nutrition Information

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I am not a certified nutritionist.  Nutrition information calculated using myfitnesspal is provided as a courtesy, but will vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use. Information provided on this site is not a substitute for professional advice by certified health professionals; please consult with your doctor regarding specific health needs.

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Comments

  1. Mmmmm, GREAT idea! I wonder what it would be to try both the banana AND the avocado simultaneously…? Perhaps 1/2 a banana and 1/4 avocado?

    Reply

  6. Simply stunning! I always make my smoothies thick like a shake and never quite know if I should call them a smoothie or shake 🙂

    Reply

  8. Huh, you are a clever lady. Avocado in the smoothie instead of banana? I could potentially get on board with this.

    Reply

  12. I like to start my mornings with a little green as well. I find the taste of spinach so easy to hide. Some people can still taste it but I never can, which makes it my go to smoothie green. I’m going to try this! Never tried avocado in smoothies and now I’m intrigued!

    Reply

  13. I don’t think it’s a milkshake until you add ice cream! 😉 This sounds so delicious, a healthy boost that fools you into thinking it’s indulgent. Oh yeah.

    Reply

  14. I really really really want to get on the green smoothie bandwagon, but no matter what I put in them, I can always taste the green stuff. I’m intrigued by the idea of trying this one, though, seeing as chocolate and mint is one of my favouritest flavour combos… must run out and grab some spinach to give it a whirl.

    Reply

  22. My kids would be so happy if I made these for them (chocolate and peppermint is their favorite), and I would feel so good serving it to them, knowing how healthy it really is.

    Reply

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