Chocolate Peanut Butter Zucchini Smoothie

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!

1. Gather your ingredients. Slice and measure the zucchini.
2. Add everything to a blender. I used my Nutribullet.
3. 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

More smoothie recipes

• Strawberry Pineapple Smoothie
• Creamy Tart Cherry Chocolate Smoothie
• Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
• Gingerbread Smoothie

Print