We’re kind of smoothie obsessed in this house. My routine-loving 2 year old has decided that no morning can start without making a smoothie together. This Red Velvet Smoothie is our take on a healthier Valentine’s Day treat, but don’t be fooled, it’s good for any time.
One of the things we really focus on with our smoothies is making them naturally sweet. Because these are every day occurrences and not just the occasional indulgence, it’s important to me that they’re packed with nutrition. Most days that means a big old handful of “kale” – code word for any green, a bunch of organic fruit, and some almond milk or coconut water. Other days, it’s made up of some “extra special” ingredients like you’ll find in this smoothie.
Here are some of the nutritional highlights of this recipe:
- Bananas add natural sweetness and thickness plus a punch of vitamins C and B6, potassium, and manganese
- Cherries are packed with antioxidants and minerals
- Cocoa powder is chock-full of minerals like iron, copper, manganese, magnesium, and phosphorous
- Honey, of course, is a source of sugar so you don’t want to go too heavy on it, but this natural sweetener also has the benefit of containing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants unlike it’s more processed sweetening counterparts
Red Velvet Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 cup frozen cherries
- 1/2 beet (for more red coloring)
- 3/4 cup almond milk or other milk / milk alternative
- 1 Tbsp cocoa powder
- Up to 1 Tbsp honey
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in blender. Blend until will combined.
Not into chocolate? You can leave out the cocoa powder and honey for a purely bright red smoothie.
Want even more chocolate? Sprinkle with some cacao nibs for a crunchy bite in each sip.
Want to make it extra decadent? I’ll be sharing a favorite vegan chocolate ganache recipe this week that would be perfect for adding a shot of chocolate in!
Want to see some more tips on making great smoothies? Check out this video:
Don’t have a Vitamix or other strong blender? You may need to add a little extra liquid.
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Hi there! This post couldn’t be written any better!
Looking through this post reminds me of my previous roommate!
He always kept talking about this. I’ll send this post to
him. Fairly certain he will have a very good read.
I appreciate you for sharing!