Dark Cherry Zucchini Protein Smoothie. V. GF.
Dark cherry zucchini protein smoothie.
Good morning my friends and happy Monday! Its the beginning of a whole new week so let’s get it started off on the right foot. This smoothie is so good and has been my go-to for the past 2 weeks.
One of the most common concerns when going vegan is of course, where do you get your protein. A great protein powder helps boost post workout along with providing your essential and non essential amino acids, BCAA’s that recovering muscles need. This smoothie is so good and can fool any kid-detective looking for spinach in his/her smoothie. Zucchini blends down to a creamy texture. Plus zucchini has anti-inflammatory properties, high potassium, helps digestion along with being a great source of B vitamins. Plus I find smoothies are easier to digest after a workout so my stomach is happier. I hope you give this recipe a try and report back letting me know what you think. This recipe makes one big smoothie (for me) or two smaller (for kids). Enjoy!
- 1 cup of a nut based or other non-dairy milk
- 1/2 of a large zucchini, sliced quartered then sliced into chucks to blend easily
- 1/3 cup of frozen cherries, pitted
- 1 scoop of your favorite vegan protein powder (I used Vega Sport) chocolate
- 1 tbl of ground flax or flax and chia blend
- 1 tsp of maca powder
- 1 – 2 tsp of your favorite nut butter
- 1/4 cup of crushed ice
- Toppings are optional:
- Hemp hearts
- Pepitas
- Granola
- Cacao nibs
- Add your ingredients to the blender in the order as listed. Blend on the smoothie setting or highest setting for about 45 seconds to 1 minutes or until completely blended. Pour into a large cup and top with your favorite toppings.
One note: I’ve been using a small banana in this smoothie but if I don’t, I use 1 tbl of nut butter for extra creaminess.
I want to share links to my favorites used in this recipe for easy reference.
Vega Sport protein can be found here. Maca powder, which balances hormones, helps immunity and tastes so good can be found here. This is my favorite flax/chia meal I love to use in smoothies (essential for omega 3 fatty acids & healthy fats) can be found here.
Last week I jumped head first, well maybe legs first, into lifting my legs again! It was heavenly and I won’t lie – I’m super happy. No weights or very low weights are on tap but doing 3 sets of 10 reps is providing a lot of mental clarity for me after obliterating my upper body for weeks on end. Progress and moving forward.
Wishing you a great week!
— Knead to Cook
This is what Iβm having for breakfast tomorrow! All things I have in hand which is always a plus for me!
I hear you Jenny! Please comment back your thoughts. ox Robin
It was so easy to make! I loved that the zucchini added to the texture and nutrition, but you couldnβt even tell it was part of it. I also never thought of mixing cherry, chocolate and peanut butter!!!! Definitely fitting this in to my morning breakfast rotation. Side note, I am very interested in seeing the benefits of the Maca powder. First time using it.
Jenny! Thank you for such a lovely review. I love maca so much. Great for balancing hormones and providing energy. I hope you love it as much as I do. Sending you love! Robin
Thanks for your support, Peter.