Chocolate Avocado Smoothie (No Banana) (Vegan, Paleo)

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This chocolate avocado smoothie tastes like a chocolate milkshake but is loaded with avocado and fresh greens. It has a silky smooth texture and a decadent chocolatey flavor. Made with simple ingredients that you probably already have at home. What is not to love?

Two chocolate avocado smoothie in glasses with coconut flakes, half of an avocado and cocoa powder. — Chocolate Avocado Smoothie with Spinach

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I love green smoothies packed with spinach and kale. But some days I need a change, and let's be honest not everyone wants to drink a bright green shake.

That is why I wanted to share this chocolate spinach smoothie with you. Made without banana (because I am always out of bananas!), simple ingredients everyone has on hand, and most importantly an over-the-top chocolatey flavor that I can't get enough of.

📖Why My Recipe Works

Easy To Customize- There are so many ways to add more nutrition to this
Perfect for Meal Prep - Like my favorite smoked salmon breakfast bowls and instant overnight oats, this recipe is easy to make in advance making it perfect for busy mornings.
Suitable for Many Diets - Vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, the whole family can enjoy.

🧾Ingredient Notes

Avocado- You will need a ripe avocado. This is the perfect use for an avocado that might just be past its prime. Just scoop out any black spots and put the good parts in the smoothie.
Cocoa Powder- You could also use cacao powder. The difference is that cacao powder is not roasted. Always double-check your cocoa powder to ensure no dairy or sugar has been added.
Non-Dairy Milk- I typically use unsweetened almond milk but I also love macadamia nut milk, coconut milk beverage (not canned!) or gluten-free oat milk in this recipe. But any dairy or non-dairy milk will work. If your milk is sweetened skip adding the dates.
Spinach - Baby kale works well too. If you are not a fan of green smoothies you can skip the spinach and it will not alter the outcome of the shake. I just like to get all the veggies I can.
Medjool Dates- Or you can add half a ripe banana. I make this smoothie without bananas because it is too sweet with the banana and dates.
Ice Cubes- Unless your ingredients are already frozen you will need to add a few ice cubes.

📖Optional Avocado Smoothie Add-Ins

1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed
1 tablespoon of chia seeds
¼ cup of oats
A scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder
2 tablespoons of almond butter or peanut butter

Note I don't recommend hemp seeds in this recipe. I find their flavor is too earthy for the dark chocolate flavor we are trying to achieve.

⏲️How to Make a Chocolate Avocado Smoothie

Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth.
After about 30 seconds scrap down the sides and blend for an additional 30-60 seconds.
You can add more ice or milk to change make the consistency thicker or thinner.
You can serve the smoothie immediately or keep tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to one day. Right before serving thrown a few more ice cubes and give it a quick whirl in the blender.

Avocado and cocoa powder surrounding two glasses of chocolate spinach smoothies.

💭 Smoothie Tips

Add the liquid first to make it easier to
Not a greens fan? Skip the spinach for a perfectly smooth chocolate avocado milkshake.
Don't have dates? No worries honey or maple syrup can be substituted. Just mix in before adding the ice to ensure the syrup is well incorporated
Not sweet enough? Add a pinch of salt and whirl for 30 seconds. Taste again. You can add additional sweeteners but sometimes a bit of salt really highlights the sweetness.
Want a thinner smoothie? Add more milk.
Want a thicker smoothie? Try adding ¼ cup of oats or the second avocado half.

🥤 More Smoothie Recipes

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Common Recipe Questions

Can you taste the avocado in the smoothie?

No, the flavor of the avocado is undetectable. The addition of avocado is for the texture and adding fat. This recipe is really about the delicious chocolate flavor.

Can I make this avocado smoothie for meal prep?

Combine the ingredients in a bag and store in the freezer. When you are ready to make the smoothie just dump the contents in the blender without the ice and blend as normal.

How do I know when my avocado is ripe enough to use?

Hold the avocado in the palm of your hand and give a gentle squeeze. A ripe avocado will have a slightly soft texture but should not feel overly mushy when touched.
While ripe and ready-to-eat avocados might exhibit a darker hue, the color can vary, so it is advisable to rely on both touch and color.

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