A simple and easy vegan mint chocolate chip smoothie made with protein powder, greens & cacao nibs. A healthy and fun twist on one of the best ice cream flavors, ever.
I love this mint chocolate chip smoothie for how customizable it is. You can keep it as simple & nourishing protein shake or add fun twists like whipped cream, sprinkles and/or ice cream. A vegan shamrock shake, anyone? 👀
Does it taste like mint chocolate chip ice cream? No, it's a vegan protein shake. But it's pretty close! The smoothie has the same refreshing and bold flavors that you expect from anything mint, cooled off with creamy vanilla notes from plant-based milk and vanilla protein powder. It's a delightful way to end the day or refuel after a workout.
If you're a fan of mint and chocolate, pair this smoothie with these vegan gluten-free thin mints!
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Vegan mint chocolate chip smoothie ingredients
- Spinach or kale
- Frozen cauliflower
- Vanilla protein powder; Orgain Simple is my favorite
- Almond butter
- Peppermint extract
- Coconut yogurt (optional)
- Flax milk or plant milk of choice
- Cacao nibs (or chocolate chips)
How to make a vegan mint chocolate chip smoothie
- First add all ingredients (except the cacao nibs) to a blender and blend until smooth
- Add cacao nibs and pulse for 5-10 seconds. Pour and enjoy!
Tips for recipe success and customization
- Protein powder: use a protein powder that you enjoy/love the taste of. This will only enhance the overall flavor of the smoothie and add subtle sweetness.
- Don't skip the almond butter: it adds a bit of healthy fats while also tying the flavors together. It also helps to decrease the bold punch of the peppermint flavor.
- Peppermint: only use peppermint extract, do not substitute with peppermint essential oil.
Substitutions
Greens: spinach or baby kale work best, I haven't tried any other greens but a green powder may work instead!
Cauliflower: substitute with a handful of ice if you don't have any on hand or prefer not to use cauliflower.
Vanilla protein powder: chocolate protein powder may also work for an extra chocolaty variation.
Almond butter: granola butter is my top choice for replacing the almond butter, however cashew butter will also work in a pinch.
Coconut yogurt: adds flavor and fats to the smoothie, while making it smoother and creamier. Feel free to omit or substitute with half of an avocado.
Plant-based milk: I love flax milk in my protein smoothies as it adds the most amount of protein (along with soy milk), but coconut milk also tastes wonderful in the smoothie. Use your favorite plant-based milk and enjoy!
Cacao nibs: substitute with vegan chocolate of choice.
Variations
- Extra minty & extra chocolaty: enjoy with vegan thin mints or add them to the smoothie instead of cacao nibs!
- Mint chocolate chip milkshake: add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream!
- Whipped cream: add a dollop of coconut whip to the top of the smoothie and top with shaved chocolate or additional cacao nibs
- Layered smoothie: alternate layers of smoothie and ice cream or whipped cream for a drink almost too cute to drink.
- Sprinkles: top with vegan rainbow sprinkles or add directly to the mint chocolate chip smoothie.
Storage
The smoothie will store for a few hours after making, but taste variation will occur. It's best to enjoy the minty goodness immediately after blending!
📋 Recipe
Vegan Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie
Equipment
- blender
- measuring cups & spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup spinach or baby kale, packed
- ½ cup frozen cauliflower (sub with a handful of ice)
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (I used Orgain Simple Vanilla)
- 1 tablespoon almond butter or granola butter for nut-free
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract (or sub with a small handful of fresh mint leaves)
- ¼ cup coconut yogurt (optional)
- 1 cup flax milk or coconut milk/ other plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon cacao nibs or chocolate chips
- optional; maca or spirulina powder
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except the cacao nibs to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Add the cacao nibs and pulse for a few seconds. Pour and enjoy!
Notes
- Protein powder: use a protein powder that you enjoy/love the taste of. This will only enhance the overall flavor of the smoothie and add subtle sweetness. I highly recommend Orgain Simple Vanilla or Sunwarrior Vanilla
- Don't skip the almond butter: it adds a bit of healthy fats while also tying the flavors together. It also helps to decrease the bold punch of the peppermint flavor.
- Peppermint: only use peppermint extract, do not substitute with peppermint essential oil.
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