Chocolate Zucchini Smoothie

This 6-ingredient Chocolate Zucchini Smoothie is jam-packed with vegetables, but tastes like dessert! It’s ultra-indulgent and creamy with rich, chocolatey flavors. You won’t even notice that it’s good for you!

Finding zucchini in smoothies shouldn’t be too surprising, considering it’s an unconventional, yet popular ingredient in homemade bread, muffins, and even chocolate cake. The surprise twist, though, is that both zucchini AND cauliflower are used in this Chocolate Zucchini Smoothie! You’ll never know it, though, because all it tastes like is a rich chocolate smoothie. 

Zucchini and cauliflower rice are blended with cacao, nut butter, milk, and dates to make this healthy chocolate smoothie. This way, you’re left with a decadent, smooth, and creamy smoothie that’s loaded with chocolate flavors, plus nutrients from the veggies. 

Whether you’re trying to squeeze more veggies into your day or sneaking more of them into family meals, this healthy zucchini and chocolate smoothie is a real winner!

Recipe features

• It’s an easy snack or breakfast disguised as a veggie-packed meal.
• The flavors from the vegetables are hidden behind the rich cacao powder and creamy nut butter.
• Cauliflower rice and zucchini pack each serving with vitamin A, fiber, calcium, vitamin K, vitamin C, and a long list of other vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients

Zucchini - There’s no need to shred, peel, or dice the zucchini here. Just chop it up and throw it in the blender! Both fresh and frozen zucchini can be used.

Cauliflower rice - Cauliflower AND zucchini in this zucchini smoothie recipe? Yes, that’s right! Cauliflower rice is the secret to making this smoothie thick and creamy without needing frozen bananas or much dairy. Keep in mind that cauliflower rice is milder in flavor compared to fresh or frozen cauliflower florets. It’s easy to hide in the smoothie, whereas florets would add a vegetal flavor.

Dates - Remember to remove the pits first! Medjool dates give the smoothie just enough sweetness, but you can use maple syrup instead.

Cacao powder - Cacao is a pure form of chocolate and a wonderful source of antioxidants compared to cocoa powder, which is more refined. You can use natural cocoa powder if that’s all you have at home but you’ll likely need to add an extra ½ to 1 tablespoon because it isn’t as strongly flavored as cacao.

Nut butter - Peanut butter or almond butter adds a nutty flavor that not only complements the chocolate but also hides the flavors from the vegetables. For a nut free alternative, use tahini or sunflower seed butter instead.

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Add everything to the blender. Add all of the ingredients into a high-powered blender.

Step 2: Blend. Blend until smooth. Pour the smoothie into a glass, then enjoy!

Tips and FAQs

• Use frozen cauliflower rice for an extra-creamy and thick smoothie.
• If it isn’t thick enough for your liking, add a handful of ice, then blend again. This should thicken it up and give it a slushy consistency.
• Add toppings, like cacao nibs, a dash of cacao powder, shredded coconut, homemade granola, chocolate chips, or fresh berries, to make it a meal.
• For a whole30 zucchini smoothie, make this recipe with almond or cashew butter and unsweetened dairy free milk.

Can I add protein powder to this smoothie?

Yes, you can make this a protein smoothie by adding 1 scoop of your favorite chocolate-flavored or unflavored protein powder.

What else can I add to the smoothie?

You can customize the flavors and nutritional value of this smoothie with a handful of extra add-ins, such as:

• Make it extra creamy with a dollop of Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt.
• Give it a warm and comforting flavor with a dash of cinnamon.
• Bananas (fresh or frozen) are always delicious in smoothies.
• For extra nutrition, add a handful of spinach (you won’t taste it).
• Blend in a scoop of hemp seeds for extra protein and omega-3s.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Sure. Blend the smoothie as normal and pour it into ice cube trays. Freeze the smoothie cubes until they’re solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or resealable bag. Whenever you’re craving a zucchini smoothie, pop a few cubes in a blender, add a splash of milk, and blend until smooth.

More smoothie recipes

• Coffee Tahini Smoothie
• Butternut Squash Smoothie
• Beet Smoothie

If you made this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and star rating below. Thanks!