Coconut Chocolate Zucchini Smoothie | Ambitious kitchen

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I mean I already know what you’re thinking. “Is this chick really gonna try to get me to put zucchini in a smoothie? OH WAIT… and cauliflower too?! She must be crazy!”

But here’s the truth: I promise you, you can’t even taste the zucchini OR the cauliflower. In fact, frozen cauliflower helps keep the smoothie thick and creamy, and zucchini adds fiber, vitamins, and lots of potassium. The chocolate and nut butter (you can make nut butter whatever you like) help mask veggies! trust me that Chocolate Zucchini Smoothie tastes like a creamy coconut and chocolate milkshake.

I call this dairy-free chocolate zucchini smoothie my Almond Joy Zucchini Smoothie because it seriously tastes like the real candy bar, but with super nutritious ingredients.

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Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Smoothie in a Jar with Coconut Flakes

Ingredients for Coconut Chocolate Zucchini Smoothie

This Chocolate Zucchini Smoothie is made without a banana and sweetened only with dates! Here’s what you need to make it:

  • Medjool dates: Feel free to buy your Medjool dates pitted or just take the pit out yourself. Make sure you soften the dates before using them – see below for instructions on how to do this.
  • coconut milk: I recommend using light coconut milk to thin the smoothie and give it a creamy coconut flavor.
  • Cauliflower: We add a full cup of frozen cauliflower to this Chocolate Zucchini Smoothie, which keeps it cold and thick without using ice (which can get watery).
  • Zucchini: more vegetables! You won’t even be able to taste the zucchini, but it adds a wonderful nutrient boost.
  • nut butter: I like to use almond butter or peanut butter, but you can use any nut or seed butter you like. Tahini would also be great for a nut-free version.
  • cocoa powder: We get this decadent chocolate flavor from antioxidant-rich cocoa powder. Feel free to use unsweetened cocoa powder if you like.
  • Vanilla extract & pinch of salt: for a little taste boost. Learn how to make your own vanilla extract here!
  • For garnish: Feel free to add fun toppings to this zucchini smoothie with toasted coconut flakes (or regular), toasted sliced ​​almonds, mini chocolate chips, or a drizzle of almond butter or chocolate almond butter.

Ingredients for a vegan chocolate zucchini smoothie recipe on a board

Optional zucchini smoothie add-ins

Get really creative with this Chocolate Zucchini Smoothie Recipe. Here are some delicious add-ins I love trying out:

  • Flaxseed Meal: This is one of my favorite ingredients that I add to smoothies for a little boost of fiber and minerals. It’s especially good for breastfeeding moms, as flaxseed can help increase milk production. One tablespoon is usually enough! Here’s a brand I love.
  • protein powder or Collagen peptides: a great way to add some protein. I recommend a plain, vanilla, or chocolate flavored protein powder in this recipe. Here’s a great plant-based option.
  • Organic Spinach: If you want to get even more greens into your smoothie, try adding a few cups of spinach. You won’t be able to taste the spinach at all!

Dairy-free coconut chocolate zucchini smoothie in a blender

Tips for making this Coconut Chocolate Zucchini Smoothie Recipe

Here are a few of my favorite tips for making this Paleo Chocolate Zucchini Smoothie creamy and delicious:

  1. Use frozen cauliflower as it helps keep the smoothie cold and thick. Sometimes ice cream doesn’t blend all that well, so it’s best to skip it unless absolutely necessary.
  2. Don’t be afraid to add more coconut milk if your smoothie is too thick or doesn’t blend completely. High power blenders tend to blend frozen ingredients much better. So if you have a regular or personal sized blender, you may need to add more milk.
  3. Start the blender on low speed and then gradually increase the speed to high to mix all the ingredients. Finish with the mixer on low speed.

Pour a vegan coconut chocolate zucchini smoothie into a glass

How do you soften dates for smoothies?

You will simply soak your pitted dates in 1 cup of warm water for at least 5 minutes. This will help them soften and ensure you can blend them easily.

Prepare this healthy Chocolate Zucchini Smoothie

Yes, you can make this Easy Coconut Chocolate Zucchini Smoothie ahead of time to enjoy later! I have three amazing ways to make and store smoothies right in your freezer. You will learn the ice cube mold method, the Mason jar method and the freezer bag method. Get all my tips and tricks here!

Two coconut chocolate zucchini smoothies in glasses

More Zucchini Recipes You’ll Love

Get all of my zucchini recipes here and my smoothie recipes here!

I hope you love this easy, healthy Chocolate Zucchini Smoothie recipe! If you make it, be sure to leave a comment and rating so I know how you liked it. I really appreciate that – xo!

Coconut Chocolate Zucchini Smoothie (with Refined Vegetables)

creamy vegan coconut chocolate zucchini smoothie in a coconut topped glass

Creamy coconut-chocolate-zucchini smoothie without banana and with refined vegetables from zucchini and cauliflower! This delicious vegan chocolate zucchini smoothie recipe features protein and healthy fats from almond butter and coconut milk and tastes seriously like almond joy.

Ingredients

  • For the smoothie:
  • 2
    pitted large Medjool dates
  • 1
    Cup
    light coconut milk, more to dilute if necessary
  • 1
    Cup
    frozen cauliflower
  • ¾
    Cup
    sliced ​​zucchini (about ½ medium zucchini, sliced)
  • 1
    tablespoon
    Almond butter or peanut butter (any nut or seed butter will do)
  • 1 1/2
    tablespoon
    Cocoa powder (or unsweetened cocoa powder – use 1 tablespoon if you want a less intense flavor)
  • ½
    teaspoon
    vanilla extract
  • prize
    from salt
  • For garnish:
  • Toasted coconut flakes or regular coconut flakes
  • Mini chocolate chips or a squirt of almond butter or chocolate almond butter

instructions

  1. First, soak your pitted dates in 1 cup of very warm water for at least 5 minutes. This will soften them and make them perfect for blending. While the dates are soaking, you can get all the other ingredients out, measure them out, and you’re done.

  2. Next, in a high speed blender, add all the ingredients: pitted dates, coconut milk, cauliflower, zucchini, nut butters, cocoa, vanilla extract, and salt. Feel free to add optional add-ins to your smoothie if you like. Blend until smooth, adding more coconut milk to thin it out if needed. Pour into a glass and enjoy! Top with almond butter, granola and coconut flakes if you like. For 1 serving. Feel free to double the recipe for 2 servings.

recipe notes

Read the full post for tips, tricks, and easy nutrient boosters to add to this smoothie!

Nourishment

Servings: 1 serving

Serving size: 1 smoothie

Calories: 440 calories

Fat: 24.3g

Saturated Fatty Acids: 13.3g

Carbohydrates: 52.1g

Fiber: 12.4g

Sugar: 30g

Protein: 12.8g

Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious kitchen | Photography by: Eat Love Eats

This post was originally published on August 6, 2020 and republished on April 13, 2023.

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