Healthy Mint Chocolate Smoothie

This healthy mint chocolate smoothie feels rich and decadent but is totally refreshing and good for you too. Whip up one or two and kick your new year off with something delicious.

Are you a New Year resolutions person? I’m not (although this very blog grew out of a resolution to flex my creative muscles more frequently, so I guess I’m just a giant hypocrite). But I do like to view the new year as fresh start all the same. And while I probably won’t reinvent myself, take up a new hobby, or Marie Kondo my whole existance just because it’s January, I probably will cave to the peer/social media pressure of embracing the healthier side of life (ie: moving my body, eating less junk, and taking time for self care more than say once every three months).

Obviously, this isn’t a bad thing. I will probably feel better, maybe look better, and possibly even BE better. But life is long folks, and one cannot subsist on leafy greens and good intentions all year long. So in my attempts to be a good, but also realistic version of myself – let’s have some chocolate.

Healthy Mint Chocolate Smoothie

This smoothie is rich, chocolatey, and refreshingly minty – basically it’s the perfect way to ease into a new year of best intentions, while still remaining true to your chocolate loving core. Healthy and delicious, quick and easy, mint and chocolate – I mean I’m in if you are.

What You’ll Need to Make Mint Chocolate Smoothies

Most of the usual suspects appear here, but there aren’t that many, so make sure they’re good ones.

• Chocolate – In this case in the form of cocoa powder. You can use dutch processed or natural cocoa powder. But the former will produce a darker, slightly richer  tasting smoothie.
• Mint – Fresh is best. And don’t be alarmed – it actually takes a decent amount to get the full effect.
• Protein – I like to use a plant based, chocolate protein powder for this, but you use whatever you prefer.
• More protein and some good fats – In the form of a handful of cashews.
• Greenery – This is optional, but why not take the opportunity to fortify your diet with some extra veggies. A handful or two of baby spinach disappears right into the chocolatey mix – ie: you’ll never know it’s there.
• Milk or Malk or Melk – Basically just some liquid to bring everything together. I have really been digging the almond, cashew, macadamia nut blend from Trader Joe’s recently. You could also use coconut water if you’d rather – but the smoothie won’t be as rich and dreamy.
• Ice – Not a ton, just a couple of good sized cubes really. It’s more to chill things down than to add any real substance.

How to Make a Mint Chocolate Smoothie

This couldn’t be simpler, unless of course you don’t have a blender…in which case, perhaps try these to get your fix (still pretty good for you, also still chocolate).

1. Maybe soak your cashews for 15 minutes – or don’t. I almost always skip this step, because my blender is high powered enough to make everything sufficiently smooth (humble brag much?), but if you know yours is from the Reagan era you might have to pop your cashews into some cold water for a bit to help them along. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before you continue onto step two. You can soak a bunch the night before, and then freeze any leftovers to use whenever.
2. Put everything in the blender and press the button. Seriously yes, I did just instruct you on how to blend things in a blender. Not every blog post is going to be a thousand word diatribe on painstaking technique. But do make sure to blend everything until it is nice and smooth. I have a Ninja personal blender and this takes me a solid 90 seconds.
3. Pour, garnish (if you’d like), and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Best Mint Chocolate Smoothie

• Use fresh mint – trust me, it’s worth it, and dried mint is so beyond gross.
• Chocolate flavored nut milk makes for a slightly more chocolatey smoothie – whodathunk?
• Garnish with something pretty. I like crunchy cacao nibs and a fresh mint sprig myself.
• Blend for a sufficient amount of time. This usually takes my Ninja Pro a solid 90 seconds.
• Feel free to add additional sweetener in the form of maple syrup or honey. I found I didn’t need any, but you do you.
• Don’t go rogue – just yet. It’s best to follow a smoothie recipe at least once before you diverge. I only mention this because sometimes the consistency can be hard to nail, and no one like a sludgy smoothie.
• Don’t forget the ice! You don’t need a ton, but nothing else (minus the milk) is particularly cold.
• If you find you need to soak your cashews, do it ahead of time. Cover a bunch of cashews with enough cool water to cover. Let soak for 20 minutes to 2 hours. Rinse with fresh water and drain thoroughly. Use what you need and freeze the rest in smoothie ready portions. Then you’re good to go!

Happy New Year friends, and if you’re looking for some other healthy recipes to kick start the month, try one of these out!

• Healthy Whole Grain Pancakes
• Sesame Tofu Bowls
• Easy Lemon Hummus
• Tropical Kale Smoothie

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