Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie Recipe

Lisa

Updated on:

Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie Recipe

Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie Recipe

Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Servings: 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)
  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1/2 avocado
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
  • 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds (soaked in 4 tablespoons water for 10 minutes)
  • 2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips (70% cacao or higher)
  • 1 tablespoon cacao nibs
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
  • 1 cup ice cubes

Instructions:

  1. Prep Work:
    • Soak the chia seeds in water for at least 10 minutes before blending. This will create a gel-like consistency that adds thickness to the smoothie.
    • Peel and slice the banana, then freeze it for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  2. Blending:
    • In a high-speed blender, combine the fresh spinach leaves and almond milk. Blend until smooth and no spinach chunks remain.
    • Add the Greek yogurt, frozen banana, avocado, fresh mint leaves, peppermint extract, and the soaked chia seeds (along with the gel they have formed). Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
    • Add the honey or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter smoothie. Blend to combine.
  3. Adding Chocolate:
    • Add the dark chocolate chips and cacao nibs to the blender. Pulse the blender a few times to break the chocolate into smaller pieces without fully blending it. This will create a delightful texture with bits of chocolate in every sip.
    • Finally, add the ice cubes and blend until the smoothie is thick and frosty.
  4. Serving:
    • Pour the smoothie into chilled glasses.
    • Garnish with a sprig of mint, a sprinkle of cacao nibs, and a few dark chocolate shavings for an extra touch of elegance.

Tips for Perfect Texture and Consistency:

  • Frozen Banana: Freezing the banana beforehand gives the smoothie a creamy, ice-cream-like texture.
  • Chia Seeds: Soaking chia seeds beforehand ensures they blend smoothly into the drink, adding thickness without grittiness.
  • Blending Order: Start with the liquids and greens first to ensure a smooth base before adding other ingredients.
  • Ice Cubes: Adding ice cubes at the end helps achieve a frosty texture. Adjust the amount based on your desired thickness.

Creative Serving Ideas:

  • Mint-Chocolate Rim: Dip the rim of your serving glasses in melted dark chocolate and then into finely chopped fresh mint or cacao nibs. Allow the chocolate to set before pouring in the smoothie.
  • Layered Smoothie: Create a layered effect by blending a plain banana and almond milk smoothie and alternating layers with the mint chocolate chip smoothie.
  • Smoothie Bowl: Serve the smoothie in a bowl and top with granola, more fresh mint leaves, dark chocolate shavings, and fresh berries for a hearty breakfast option.

Variations and Substitutions:

  • Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free yogurt and milk (such as coconut or almond milk) for a completely dairy-free version.
  • Low-Sugar: Skip the honey or maple syrup and use a ripe banana to naturally sweeten the smoothie.
  • Nut-Free: Substitute almond milk with oat milk or any other nut-free milk alternative.