Recipe: Peanut Butter & Chocolate Green Smoothie

Even though this “Banana Rama” smoothie contains zucchini and spinach, it has a sweet flavor, thanks to the classic combination of banana, peanut butter, and chocolate. If your kids love Chunky Monkey ice cream or chocolate milkshakes, the chances are high that they’ll love this healthful smoothie.

This smoothie is incredibly creamy from the inclusion of frozen banana and peanut butter. (You can use Sunbutter for a nut-free option if preferred.) Its milkshake-like texture makes it possible to tuck in a veggie without alarming the kids.

I promise, the addition of zucchini is virtually undetectable, yet it adds extra fiber and Vitamin C to the smoothie. It’s a great feeling to send the kids out the door knowing that their little bodies are fueled for the morning. Start with just the zucchini and graduate to spinach, adding a bit more every time you make it.

I prefer to use a chocolate plant-based milk in this recipe, such as Ripple chocolate milk. This newer non-dairy milk is rich in pea protein and low in added sugars, and is super creamy. My 5-year-old has never noticed that it’s non-dairy and she’s a pretty devoted chocolate milk fan!

If you don’t want to use chocolate milk or don’t have it in the house, try 1 cup regular milk plus 2 tablespoons cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey. You can also make this smoothie with a plain or vanilla non-dairy milk base and let the banana and peanut butter shine as the main flavors.

This smoothie makes enough for two younger kids or one hungrier kiddo (or adult). It’s not jammed full of ingredients, which means this is a great recipe older kids can even make themselves.

Try this as a quick breakfast on its own, or paired with toast or a granola bar. It’s also a delicious after-school option when the kids come home asking for a snack.