Creamy Mint Chip Smoothie

Where are my mint lovers at? Are you out there? Today, I’m releasing my most favorite Creamy Mint Chip Smoothie – it’s plant-based, thick & creamy, totally minty, with a hint of chocolate, and of course, a lot of protein.

It’s so good, I even questioned whether to call it a smoothie or a milkshake. A milkshake just sounds so decadent, but a smoothie sounds healthier. This drink has the best of both worlds (decadent + healthy), and I can’t wait for you to make it.

There’s a smoothie shop here in San Francisco that makes the best “Mint Chip Shake.” After every Barry’s Bootcamp class, I head over to Project Juice and order the Mint Chip Shake. It’s minty, thick, and has a ton of texture, thanks to the addition of the cacao nibs.

I tried multiple versions of this smoothie to come up this version, which I personally think is even better than my friends over at Project Juice. But you can be the judge of that.

What you need to make this Creamy Mint Chip Smoothie

• Spinach: I recommend using fresh spinach for this smoothie. This is a great way to sneak those veggies into a smoothie.
• Oat milk: I like oat milk, but you can really use any non-dairy milk of choice.
• Peppermint extract: You can use either peppermint extract OR fresh peppermint leaves in this smoothie. I always have peppermint extract in my house, so I use that in a pinch, but there’s nothing more amazing than using fresh mint leaves.
• Banana: Unless you can’t have bananas for some reason, don’t be afraid to use bananas in your smoothie. You only need one, just freeze it. Frozen banana adds natural sweetness, creaminess, and a boatload of potassium!
• Dates: I recommend using Medjool dates in this recipe, because they taste amazing. Dates are a fantastic source of energy.
• Almond butter: I always add a nut butter to my smoothies, mostly because I like the extra fat and because nuts are so good for you. In this recipe, the addition of nut butter is totally optional, but I never skip it.
• Cacao powder: Cacao is a superfood and gives this mint smoothie a touch of a chocolate flavor, without being too overpowering.
• Vanilla protein powder: If you are looking to give this smoothie a nice protein boost, I recommend using a vanilla protein powder that isn’t too sweet.
• Cacao nibs: I think the cacao nibs are most important ingredient in the whole recipe, because they give the smoothie lots of texture – a little crunch with every bite – that I absolutely love. And they are so good for you. So pick up a package at the grocery store the next time you are there, and start adding them to all your smoothies!

How to make the perfect healthy mint chip smoothie

To make sure your smoothie turns out perfect, add all of the ingredients in the order specified here!

First, add the spinach, oat milk, and peppermint extract (or mint leaves) to a blender. Blend these three ingredients on high until smooth, to break down the greens.

Next, add in the frozen banana, dates, almond butter, cacao powder, and protein powder. Blend, then remove cover and add the cacao nibs at the last minute, then blend once more. The reason for adding the cacao nibs last, is because you don’t want them to get creamy like the smoothie – you want them to retain their structure, for texture. That makes this smoothie a bit crunchy, which I love!

Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.

Looking for other smoothie options? Check out these KJ smoothies!

I am a smoothie lover, so here are a few other KJ smoothie creations I know you will love!

Healthy Birthday Cake Smoothie

Black Forest Smoothie

Peanut Butter & Jelly Protein Smoothie

Creamy Cinnamon Roll Smoothie

Snickerdoodle Tahini Smoothie

Peanut Butter Cold Brew Smoothie

If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a review and a rating below. This helps others decide whether to make my recipes, and also helps it appear in Google searches – so thank you for supporting me! And also, since I practically live on Instagram, feel free to tag me in your creations, so I can see them and repost on my IG stories! Enjoy! xx

Creamy Mint Chip Smoothie

5 from 3 votes

Nicole Modic

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 0 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

SERVES 1

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This Creamy Mint Chip Smoothie is a cross between a mint milkshake and a smoothie; it's minty, refreshing, creamy, packed with protein, and has lots of crunchy texture, thanks to the addition of the cacao nibs! You can use fresh mint leave or peppermint extract, what ever you have on hand. The green color comes from the addition of the spinach, and of course there is a touch of cacao powder for a slight chocolate flavor. Think: healthy mint thin cookie!

Ingredients

• 1 large handful of fresh spinach
• 1 cup oat milk
• ½ - ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract or 20 fresh mint leaves
• 1 frozen banana
• 2 medjool dates pitted
• 1 tablespoon almond butter optional
• 1 teaspoon cacao powder
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 3 tablespoons cacao nibs

Instructions

• First, add the spinach, oat milk, and peppermint extract (or mint leaves) to a blender. Blend these three ingredients on high until smooth, to break down the greens.
• Next, add in the frozen banana, dates, almond butter, cacao powder, and protein powder.
• Blend, then remove cover and add the cacao nibs at the last minute, then blend once more. The reason for adding the cacao nibs last, is because you don't want them to get as creamy like the smoothie - you want them to retain their structure, for texture. That makes this smoothie a bit crunchy, which I love!
• Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.

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