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 (just like my filling chocolate pb banana smoothie!). 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!
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.
Dietary swaps and substitutions
No banana: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. Nut free, use tahini or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter and oat milk to blend. Sweeter smoothie: Add 1-2 pitted dates or a scoop of flavored protein powder.
Let’s make it!
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!
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.
