This zucchini smoothie tastes like a chocolate milkshake, but shhh! It’s made with healthy ingredients like almond butter, dates, and zucchini.
This zucchini smoothie tastes like a chocolate milkshake. It’s creamy, rich and sweet. While it’s healthy enough to drink for breakfast or as a snack, it could certainly pass for dessert. It is so good!
Why Add Zucchini to a Smoothie?
But let’s address the elephant in the room: What is it? zucchini make in a smoothie?
My Opinion: Zucchini is indeed a grossly underrated smoothie ingredient. Much like spinach and kale — veggies we usually put in the blender — it has many health benefits. Zucchini is high in fiber, minerals, and vitamins like vitamin C.
It also gives smoothies an amazingly creamy texture. No frozen banana needed here! Frozen zucchini makes this smoothie thick and frosty on its own.
Zucchini smoothie recipe ingredients
Ready to try this Chocolate Zucchini Smoothie Recipe? You will need the following:
- zucchini, Naturally! You need a medium. Crush and freeze at least a day before you plan to make a smoothie.
- Medjool dates – For cuties.
- almond butter – It adds protein and healthy fats.
- cocoa powder – It gives the smoothie a rich chocolate flavor. Cocoa powder works here too.
- Nutmeg and Vanilla Extract – For a warm, dessert-like depth of flavor.
- ice cubes – To make the smoothie cool and frosty.
- Almond Milk – Or any milk you like! My homemade oat milk would work great here, and coconut milk would make this smoothie even more decadent and creamy. If you don’t want this smoothie to be dairy-free, regular milk will work too.
The full recipe with measurements is below.
How to make a zucchini smoothie
The first step in this zucchini smoothie recipe is Freeze the zucchini.
Wash, chop, and spread in a single layer on a small parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 2 hours. Then place the veggies in an airtight container and store in the freezer until ready to make the smoothie. Tip: Freezing initially on the baking sheet will prevent the zucchini from sticking together, making it easier to puree.
Once you have frozen zucchini on hand, you can blend the smoothie. In a high speed blender, combine zucchini, almond milk, dates, almond butter, cocoa powder, vanilla and nutmeg. Blend until smooth, adding more milk as needed. Add a handful of ice and blend again.
Have fun at last! Pour the smoothie into glasses. If you like, you can dress them up with chocolate chips, coconut flakes and some almond butter. Applause!
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is amazing as written, but if you want to change it up, by all means do it! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Change nut butter. This smoothie tastes DELICIOUS with tahini. Peanut butter would be awesome too!
- Increase protein intake. Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder or a tablespoon of chia seeds.
- Nothing the chocolate. Skip cocoa powder and dates for a fruity zucchini smoothie. Put your favorite fruit in the blender instead! Strawberries, blueberries, and bananas would all be great. If needed, add a dash of maple syrup to sweeten the smoothie to taste.
Let me know what variations you try!
More healthy smoothie recipes
If you love this Chocolate Zucchini Smoothie, try one of these healthy smoothie recipes next:
Zucchini smoothie
serves 2
This zucchini smoothie recipe tastes like a chocolate milkshake! It’s made with healthy, plant-based ingredients, yet it’s sweet, rich, and creamy.
Prevent your screen from going dark
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In a high speed blender, combine zucchini, almond milk, dates, almond butter, cocoa powder, vanilla and nutmeg. Blend until smooth, adding more almond milk as needed. Add a handful of ice and blend again.
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Pour into glasses. Drizzle with almond butter, sprinkle with chocolate chips and coconut flakes, if you like, and serve.
*If your dates aren’t soft, soak them in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes. Pat dry before use.