Creamy Zucchini Smoothie that tastes like a chocolate peanut butter cup milkshake! A nutrient powerhouse with 9g of protein and 8g of fiber.

I simply cannot stop with the zucchini! I've been including this wonder veg in my afternoon smoothie snacks as of late. It adds this luscious creaminess with no bitter veggie flavor. Cauliflower is so last Thursday.
Step aside, zucchini baked oatmeal. There's a new zucchini vehicle in town and she's here to stay! When chocolate and peanut butter are involved, you know it's gonna be sublime. Did I mention this recipe is toddler-approved?
If you're anything like me and your produce drawer is absolutely overflowing with local zucchini buddies, you've gotta upping your smoothie game with it. It's like the easiest way to add s serving of veggies EVER!
- How to make a zucchini smoothie
- Key ingredients
- Expert tips for to make the best smoothies
- Dietary swaps and substitutions
- Frequently asked questions
- More smoothie recipes
How to make a zucchini smoothie
We're not turning on the oven today and I'm pumped about it. And you don't even have to think ahead to freeze the zucchini!
- Gather your ingredients. Slice and measure the zucchini.
- Add everything to a blender. I used my Nutribullet.
- Pour into a glass, top with a sprinkle of cacao to be fancy, and devour with your favorite straw.
Key ingredients
- Frozen banana: Love this addition for a thick and creamy smoothie. This is the only sweetness in the smoothie, so be sure to use an extra ripe one.
- Zucchini: Fresh raw zucchini with the peel on adds body, creaminess, and oodles of nutrition without any bitterness.
- Peanut butter: This makes it taste like a peanut butter cup milkshake! I like natural salted peanut butter with just two ingredients: peanuts and salt. Recent research suggests that regular consumption of peanut butter may even help to regulate blood triglyercide levels!
- Cacao: For mega chocolatey flavor and health benefits! Did you know studies suggest cocoa consumption may have a beneficial effect on cognitive function and neuroplasticity? Use one tablespoon for less and two tablespoons for extra chocolate. Regular unsweetened cocoa powder for baking works great, too.
- Milk: I like unsweetened vanilla almond milk but use your favorite. We're using just half a cup since the zucchini has lots of water.
- Vanilla extract: To really bring out the chocolate flavor.
- Salt: Just a pinch to bring out the sweetness! It makes SUCH a big difference, I swear.
Expert tips to make the best smoothies
Who else is team extra-thick-smoothie? There's no other way! To get that creamy, milkshake-like texture, follow these tips for success:
- Go for frozen: Frozen fruit is key for thickness! If you don't have frozen, try adding several ice cubes.
- Use less liquid: Fruits and vegges have lots of water so err on the side of less liquid. You can always add more!
- Don't over-blend: Heat from blending can thin out the smoothie, so blend just until no chunks remain and it sounds smooth.
Dietary swaps and substitutions
Craving a smoothie with no banana? Easy! Swap ¾ cup frozen riced cauliflower. You'll still get the creaminess with no banana flavor. To make up for the sweetness, add 3 pitted medjool dates or 1 tbsp maple syrup.
For a nut free smoothie, use tahini or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter and oat milk to blend.
Prefer a sweeter smoothie? Add 1-2 pitted dates or a scoop of flavored protein powder.
Frequently asked questions
Yes! You can use ¾ cup frozen riced cauliflower or ice instead. (It will be creamier with cauliflower.) Add 3 medjool dates or 1-2 tbsp maple syrup to make up for the sweetness.
For sure. Any milk you like, dairy or non-dairy, works--oat, coconut, cow's, cashew, soy, etc. You can also use water, but I like the luscious creaminess milk adds!
Yes. Just add more milk as needed to blend. You could also use a fresh versus frozen banana and keep the milk as written.
More smoothie recipes
- Strawberry Pineapple Smoothie
- Creamy Tart Cherry Chocolate Smoothie
- Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
- Gingerbread Smoothie
Zucchini Smoothie Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 smoothie 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Blender
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Creamy Zucchini Smoothie that tastes like a chocolate peanut butter cup milkshake! A nutrient powerhouse with 9g of protein and 8g of fiber.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup sliced zucchini (raw, peel on)
- 1 large ripe frozen banana, sliced (about ¾ cup)
- 1 ½ tbsp cacao powder (can sub cocoa powder)
- 1 ½ tbsp natural salted peanut butter
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender (I used my Nutribullet) and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed, or add a couple ice cubes if you want it even thicker. Pour into a glass and enjoy!
Keywords: zucchini smoothie
Amy says
Simple and delicious!
STACY says
Can you use frozen slices of raw zucchini in this?
Alexis Joseph says
I wouldn't because I formulated the recipe to rely on the liquid from fresh zucchini! I'd use fresh banana if zucchini is frozen and see how that works.
Carlie says
Making this one on repeat lately! Love it!
★★★★★
Alexis Joseph says
Yayyy thank you so much, Carlie!
Lynn says
I want to like this BUT have found raw zucchini gives me gut-ache from hell. It's apparently a thing that happens for a lot of people and raw zucchini (cooked is fine).
Alexis Joseph says
If raw zucchini bothers you, you can totally steam it and use it in the smoothie once cooled. Enjoy!
Erin says
This was a delight!! Such a great way to utilize zucchini. I never feel like I sacrifice flavor in any of your recipes that “sneak in” veggies. Fabulous!
★★★★★
Alexis Joseph says
That's the best compliment, thanks so much Erin!
Kori Daniel says
This is a stellar recipe! I love the flavor, texture, and that it includes zucchini. I’ll be making it on repeat.
★★★★★
Alexis Joseph says
Awesome, so glad you loved it Kori! And thanks a ton for the review 🙂
Jen says
I just made a pistachio vegan ice cream using raw zucchini in my new Ninja Creami machine. It was delicious.
Alexis Joseph says
Yummm!
Dylan says
This is so good and refreshing! Love the zucchini 🙂
★★★★★
Alexis Joseph says
Yayyyy thanks Dylan!!
Lisa says
I made the zucchini banana smoothie today and it was amazing! It was perfectly sweet and creamy! I will be making these often as I have an abundance of zucchini in the garden.
★★★★★
Alexis Joseph says
I'm so glad you loved it, thanks a ton Lisa!!
Alexis Joseph says
How awesome! Making this with garden zucchini is the best 🙂