Healthy Chocolate Cherry Smoothie

cherry garcia smoothieOne of my favorite Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavors is Cherry Garcia – and not just because we share the same last name. I really love the sweet cherry ice cream and fudge flakes (and I get a kick out of eating a treat named after a rock legend).

I always have ice cream in my freezer (and multiple bags of cookies) but sometimes I just want something cold and creamy and… healthy. Something I can have for breakfast or a snack (and sometimes, dinner). Something that masquerades itself as indulgent, but is actually good for me.

Enter this smoothie.

I  made a healthy smoothie that has the same flavors of my beloved ice cream: cherries, chocolate, and a hint of vanilla. I love cherry and chocolate together. Some examples: Dark Chocolate Nutella Cherry Truffles, Double Chocolate Cookies with Boozy Cherries, No Bake Goat Cheese Cheesecake with Roasted Cherries, and Cherry Pie Stuffed Chocolate Cake (!!)

smoothie ingredientsThe creaminess from the smoothie comes from almond milk and a frozen banana, and the chocolate hit is from unsweetened cocoa powder. I added a scoop of finely ground flaxseed for even more nutrition (omega 3s and fiber) and a little bit of texture. But the star of this recipe is frozen dark sweet cherries. You can certainly use fresh cherries but I like the convenience of frozen, and I prefer using frozen fruit anyway because I like thicker smoothies.

(Confession: I usually add a couple of handfuls of spinach, too. It’s a great way to eat more greens. But the smoothie turns a brownish green color, and it just doesn’t make for very pretty blog photos.)

chocolate cherry smoothieThis Healthy Chocolate Cherry Smoothie is low-fat, vegan, gluten-free, and filled with fiber and protein. It has all the flavors of Cherry Garcia ice cream, but it’s much more nutritious. And you don’t have to be a Deadhead to like it.

Yield: serves 1

Healthy Chocolate Cherry Smoothie

Ingredients

1 cup almond milk
1 banana, sliced and frozen
1 cup frozen cherries
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon finely ground flaxseed
1/4 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend well.
  2. Serve immediately.

healthy chocolate cherry smoothieDo you have any ice cream-inspired but healthy recipes?

Plus: There’s still time to enter my Hatchery Giveaway!

On another note, I’ll be taking a break for the next couple of weeks so it’s going to be quiet around here. My family is here in Boston for my graduation (which is today!!) and I also have a couple of trips planned. I’ll still be active on Instagram and Twitter and Facebook.  I’ll be back here mid-June!