Chocolate Zucchini Smoothie

This Chocolate Zucchini Smoothie is sweet and creamy with a delicious rich chocolate flavor. It contains 2 servings of vegetables, protein, fiber, and healthy fats for a nutrient-dense balanced smoothie you can enjoy as part of any meal or snack!

Why You'll Love This Smoothie

• Growing an abundant harvest of zucchini? This smoothie is an excellent way to get some variety with your garden zucchini recipes (especially because it works perfectly with previously frozen zucchini).
• Zucchini is a very neutral-tasting vegetable, adding vitamins, minerals, and fiber without sacrificing flavor.
• Frozen zucchini slices helps create a more creamy texture when blended into a smoothie.
• It is VERY kid-friendly!

Featured Ingredients

• Zucchini: One of my favorite vegetables to add to smoothies, due to its neutral taste and creaminess that frozen zucchini slices add.
• Banana: With just half a banana, the banana flavor isn't overpowering, but adds some natural sweetness, nutrients, and fiber.
• Spinach: You can omit or sub a different green if you choose, but my kids and I don't notice a difference in taste when we add spinach and it's a great way to add some more nutrients.
• Chocolate Protein Powder: I use Optimum Nutrition Double Rich Chocolate Whey Protein, but you can use any chocolate protein powder you prefer.
• Cocoa Powder: Adding extra cocoa powder creates a deep, rich chocolate flavor. And nutritionally it boosts iron and fiber, too!
• Almond Butter: Almond butter helps balance the smoothie and making it more satisfying with healthy fats and fiber. But feel free to use whatever nut or seed butter best fits your needs!
• Milk of Choice: I use unsweetened almond milk here, but use whatever type of milk you prefer.

Equipment Needed

The only equipment you really need to make this smoothie is a blender and measuring cups & spoons.

When it comes to the best blender for smoothies, I always recommend using what you've got or what is most accessible to you. That said, if you find yourself using your blender a lot, a high-speed blender can be a great investment and tool in your kitchen.

If you're investing in a high-speed blender, I recommend a Vitamix or Ninja to better blend even the toughest of ingredients into the creamiest, smoothest smoothies, soups, and more!

How to Make a Chocolate Zucchini Smoothie

1. Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend 1-2 minutes, until smooth and creamy. If you're not using frozen zucchini and banana slices or if you prefer a thicker smoothie, add ice cubes until you reach your desired texture. If you prefer a thinner smoothie, add almond milk and blend to thin.
2. Immediately pour into a glass and enjoy!

Zucchini Smoothie Q&A

Can I use fresh zucchini and banana or do I have to use frozen?

You can use fresh zucchini and banana, but it will result in a less creamy, thinner smoothie texture.

I suggest slicing and freezing several zucchinis and bananas at once, so they're ready to go in the freezer whenever you need them.

What can I sub for almond butter?

Any type of nut or seed butter you enjoy or need for your own needs. (We have a peanut allergy in my family and we enjoy SunButter in this smoothie, too!)

Does it matter what type of milk I use?

Use whatever type of milk you prefer to drink! The only thing that will change will be the nutrition facts.

What kind of protein powder do you recommend?

You can use any kind of plant or animal-based protein you prefer. As a dietitian, my recommendation is to always use a protein powder that is third party tested, to ensure product safety.

I personally enjoy Optimum Nutrition Double Rich Chocolate Whey Protein for their taste and because they require a Certificate of Analysis for every ingredient, daily quality assurance inspections, and is third party tested by Informed Choice.

How can I make my smoothie thicker or thinner?

For a thicker smoothie, use frozen ingredients, less milk, and more ice.

On the other hand, for a thinner smoothie use fresh/ juicier ingredients, less ice, and more milk.

Can I make this smoothie dairy-free?

Yes, just use a non-dairy milk and plant-based protein powder.

Is This Zucchini Smoothie Healthy?

Healthy is subjective, but this zucchini smoothie is balanced and nutrient-dense! It has about 350 calories, 33 grams protein (made with Optimum Nutrition Double Rich Chocolate Whey Protein), 30 grams carbs, no added sugar, 9 grams fiber, and 14.5 grams fat.

It's also an excellent source (provides 20% or more of the recommended Daily Value) of vitamin B6, folate, vitamins C, D, E, and K, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and fiber.

This smoothie is a good source (provides 10-19% of the Daily Value) or vitamin B2, phosphorus, and zinc.

More Zucchini Recipes

• BBQ Chicken Skewers with Zucchini
• Zucchini Corn Chowder
• Mushroom Zucchini Pasta
• Zucchini Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
• Roasted Poblano Corn Salad with Chicken

More Delicious Smoothies

• The NTF 5-a-Day Smoothie
• Pineapple Cucumber Smoothie
• Blackberry Strawberry Banana Smoothie
• Orange Strawberry Squash Smoothie
• Banana Peach Smoothie
• Watermelon Banana Smoothie

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