Ingredients
Liquid Ingredients
- 1/2 cup coconut milk, full fat, canned
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2-1 teaspoon peppermint extract (adjust to taste)
Fruits and Greens
- 2 bananas, chopped and frozen
- 4 cups spinach, fresh or frozen
Other Ingredients
- 6 ice cubes
- 20 grams whey protein, unsweetened/unflavored (or your favorite protein powder)
- 2 tablespoons 85% dark chocolate, chopped (or dark chocolate chips)
Instructions
- Add Liquids and Base Ingredients: Begin by pouring the coconut milk and Greek yogurt into your blender. Add the vanilla extract and peppermint extract next.
- Add Fruits and Greens: Add the frozen chopped bananas and the spinach leaves to the blender. Then add the ice cubes and whey protein powder. This order helps the blender to smoothly process the ingredients.
- Blend Until Smooth: Blend all these ingredients at high speed until the mixture is very smooth and creamy, ensuring the spinach is fully incorporated with no visible chunks or leaves.
- Add Chocolate Chunks: Add the chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips to the smoothie. Pulse the blender 5 to 6 times just until the chocolate is broken up but still remains in small chunks for texture.
- Serve Thick and Chill: Pour the smoothie into glasses and optionally top with extra dark chocolate chips. Enjoy immediately while the smoothie is thick and creamy.
Notes
- Peppermint extracts vary widely in potency; start with a small amount and adjust to taste to avoid overpowering mintiness.
- If you prefer a sweeter smoothie, add 1-2 teaspoons of honey, though it’s not necessary.
- For meal prep, peel and chop ripe bananas and freeze them. Freeze half of your spinach if buying in bulk to prevent spoilage.
- Use unflavored or vanilla protein powders that you digest well for the best texture and flavor.
- To make this smoothie vegan/dairy-free, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut or soy yogurt and use vegan protein powder or collagen instead of whey.
- Fresh peppermint leaves can be used but will add a grassy flavor rather than the classic mint ice cream flavor.
- Enhance the smoothie by making it a bowl or adding toppings such as toasted coconut granola, more dark chocolate chips, banana slices, nuts, or cashew butter.
- This smoothie is especially kid-friendly and a great way to add greens to their diet.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat