Drink it like a smoothie, eat it with a spoon or throw it back like a shot. But whatever you do to get in this chocolate mint green smoothie, it’s well worth it. Bottoms up!

Peppermint and chocolate are long-time allies in the world of flavor combinations. They just work, and so damn well at that. Chocolate is rich and earthy and peppermint is smooth and aromatic; together they go down easy, igniting your senses and releasing endorphins that could get your through any breakup. I’ve decided to take this classic pair and bring them to the beloved green smoothie so that you can enjoy a festive St. Patty’s Day without compromise your dietary goals.

Because a green smoothie condenses an otherwise large volume of ingredients into an easy-to-consume drink, it is important that each ingredient is the best of its kind. This means that they should be organic, raw and free of additives.

Instead of using a chocolate bar or chips for this green smoothie recipes, I’ve pared it down big time on sugar calories by sticking to cacao nibs. Use a raw version so as to extract the most nutrition (especially antioxidants) with each sip.

The spinach and mint work together to balance green goodness with flavor. Too much fresh mint can overwhelm the taste buds. Therefore, the spinach is there to provide more blood-cleansing chlorophyll to the body whilst keeping the green smoothie, well, green, and offsetting the perkiness of the mint’s flavors.

You can use any vegan milk of your choice, but be sure that is is unsweetened and (preferably) free of preservatives and other additives. Learn how to make your own almond milk to have the most control over what goes into your green smoothie. Almond butter is also something you can make yourself! Feel free to use other nut or seed butters in place of almond butter, though.

If you want to up the ante on the heftiness of this green smoothie with a protein powder, I’m personally a huge fan of this raw, vegan version called Sunwarrior. Stevia is also my go-to sweetener when the occasion calls. You could also add maple syrup, coconut palm sugar, or honey.

Chocolate Mint Green Smoothie

Makes 1 smoothie

Ingredients

• 2 overflowing cups of spinach (kale works well too)
• 1 cup almond milk
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 handful fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup chopped apple, mango, or pineapple
• 1 tablespoon raw almond butter
• 1 tablespoon cacao nibs
• Dash of cayenne
• 1 scoop protein powder (optional)
• Drops of liquid stevia to taste (optional)
• Ice (optional)

Directions: Add all to a blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy!

Related on EcoSalon

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Foodie Underground: Can I Have a Green Smoothie With That?

Sunday Recipe: Fig and Almond Energy Bites

Photo Credit: SweetOnVeg

The post Chocolate Mint Green Smoothie: A St. Patty’s Day Green Recipe that’s Good for You appeared first on EcoSalon.