Emerald Isle Mint Chocolate (Printable)
A refreshing blend of mint, banana, spinach, and cocoa in a creamy bowl topped with fruit and chocolate.
# What You'll Need:
→ Base
01 - 2 ripe bananas, frozen and sliced
02 - 1 cup fresh spinach
03 - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or non-dairy alternative
04 - 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
05 - 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
06 - 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
07 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
08 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Toppings
09 - 2 tablespoons mini dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs
10 - 1/2 cup sliced fresh strawberries
11 - 1/4 cup granola, gluten-free if necessary
12 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
13 - Fresh mint leaves for garnish
# Step-by-step:
01 - Add frozen bananas, spinach, Greek yogurt, almond milk, fresh mint leaves, cocoa powder, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract to blender container.
02 - Blend on high speed until completely smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down sides of blender as needed for even consistency.
03 - Divide blended mixture evenly between two serving bowls.
04 - Arrange chocolate chips, strawberries, granola, shredded coconut, and fresh mint leaves atop each bowl.
05 - Serve immediately while cold for best texture and flavor.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The spinach completely disappears behind the mint chocolate flavor, making it perfect for sneaking greens into anyone's diet
- It tastes like dessert but fuels you with protein, fiber, and antioxidants for hours
02 -
- Frozen bananas are non negotiable here because fresh ones will leave you with a thin, watery smoothie instead of that dreamy, spoonable texture
- Blend longer than you think you need to ensure the spinach completely breaks down, otherwise you'll get little green flecks that might turn off picky eaters
03 -
- A high speed blender makes all the difference in getting that restaurant quality smoothness
- Serve immediately because the texture changes as it sits, even in the refrigerator