When I first wrote Superfood Smoothies, I went in with the objective to really open up the realm of flavor creativity and healthy diversity I was sure smoothies had the potential of. While I genuinely love all 100 recipes, it's always interesting to see which smoothies become the most popular over time. This mint-chip blend is one of them.
Tucked beneath a very convincing ice cream-like flavor, a wealth of beneficial spinach awaits you in this smoothie. It’s so good it almost makes a person wonder why spinach isn’t used in all minty treats. I love how the cacao nibs provide a bit of dark-chocolate crunch without being overpowering.
Mint Chip Superfood Smoothie
Reprinted with permission from Superfood Smoothies © 2013 by Julie Morris, Sterling Publishing Co., Inc.
Makes 2 18-ounce servings
2 cups frozen spinach
2 cups frozen bananas
¼ cup raw cashews
3 tablespoons cacao nibs
2 tablespoons (packed) fresh mint leaves, minced
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups rice milk (original variety)
½ cup coconut water
sweetener, such as stevia, to taste (optional)
Blend all the ingredients together until smooth. Taste, and sweeten as desired.