Chocolate Cherry Green Smoothie
This Chocolate Cherry Smoothie is made with just a few nutritious ingredients, including frozen cherries, banana, whey protein, and hidden greens—perfect for a deceptively delicious breakfast or post-workout snack packed with 30 grams of protein per serving!
If you’ve never experienced the classic chocolate + cherry combo in a creamy smoothie, get ready, because this chocolate cherry protein smoothie tastes like something you’d order from a fancy café. The catch? It’s secretly loaded with good-for-you ingredients (hello, sneaky spinach!), but I swear—you’d never know it.
Imagine everything you crave about chocolate-covered cherries in a thick, creamy milkshake-like smoothie packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants. Whether you need a post-workout pick-me-up, a quick breakfast, or a kid-friendly snack, this shake checks every box.
If you’re already a fan of that cherry + something-sweet combo, you’ve got to try my Cherry Almond Smoothie too—it’s another fruity favorite with major dessert vibes. But if you’re in the mood for something chocolatey, this chocolate cherry spinach smoothie is the one to try next. Let’s do it!
Recipe features
- Chocolate-cherry magic. It tastes like a decadent dessert but is made with wholesome, feel-good ingredients.
- Hidden leafy greens. A handful of spinach blends right in, but you’d never know it.
- Serious staying power. It’s naturally rich in protein and antioxidants—the ideal recovery drink after a tough workout!
Ingredients needed
- Milk. This adds creaminess and helps everything blend smoothly. I use unsweetened chocolate almond milk for an extra hit of chocolate flavor, but any milk works here—oat, cashew, dairy, soy, etc.
- Frozen cherries. These bring bold, sweet-tart cherry flavor along with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits, while giving the shake its thick, frosty texture. If you only have fresh cherries, go for it—just add a few ice cubes to help thicken it up.
- Frozen banana. Banana gives this shake a cohesive, milkshake-like texture and natural sweetness. It’s also a great source of potassium and fiber. Not a fan of bananas? My Chocolate Cherry Protein Shake is very similar—no banana needed.
- Fresh baby spinach. Spinach sneaks in fiber, folate, iron, and vitamins A, C, and K without affecting flavor. No spinach? Try kale, mixed greens, or even frozen zucchini here.
- Whey protein. Use a high-quality protein powder that you enjoy the taste of—chocolate enhances the flavor, but vanilla or unflavored options also work well. If you’re using plant-based protein, you may need a little extra milk to help it blend smoothly. I use Puori whey (use code AMEE20 for a discount *affiliate link)
- Cocoa powder. This brings rich chocolate flavor without added sugar, while also delivering antioxidants and a mood-boosting effect (thanks, magnesium!). Cacao powder works too—it’s just a bit more intense in flavor.
- Ground flaxseed. These tiny but mighty seeds add fiber, healthy fats, and help thicken the shake slightly. You can swap in chia seeds or hemp hearts if that’s what you’ve got on hand.
- Sweetener. I usually opt for a stevia packet, but you can also use honey, maple syrup, agave, or coconut sugar—whichever suits your dietary preferences.
- Ice. Optional, but great if you’re using fresh fruit instead of frozen or just want a frostier texture. Add as needed to get your perfect consistency.
How to make a chocolate cherry smoothie
Step 1: Gather ingredients. Add milk, frozen cherries, frozen banana, spinach, protein powder, cocoa powder, flaxseed, sweetener, and ice (optional) to a high-speed blender or Vitamix.
Step 2: Blend until smooth. Start on a low setting and gradually increase the speed, blending for about 30-60 seconds, until everything is fully combined and silky smooth. Pour into a glass (or two, if you’re sharing!) and enjoy!
Recipe tips and FAQs
- Adjust consistency. If your smoothie is too thick, add a splash more milk and blend again. If it’s too thin, add a few extra frozen cherries or ice cubes and blend until it thickens.
- Adjust the sweetness. Depending on the type of protein powder and the ripeness of your banana, you may not need any added sweetener at all, so taste before adding your sweetener. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out.
- Meal-prep friendly. You can portion out the ingredients (minus the liquid) into freezer-safe bags and store them in the freezer. In the morning, just dump a portion into the blender, then add milk and blend for a quick, protein-packed breakfast!
Customize it
Want to make this chocolate cherry green smoothie your own! Here are some delicious ideas:
- To top it off. Sprinkle cacao nibs, mini dark chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or drizzle almond butter, peanut butter, or Nutella on top for an extra touch of flair.
- Go smoothie bowl-style. Turn it into a spoonable bowl by reducing the liquid slightly and topping it with granola, banana slices, dark chocolate shavings, and a spoonful of cherry compote.
- Post-workout powerhouse. Try adding a pinch of sea salt or using coconut water instead of milk to help replenish electrolytes after exercise—a tiny bit of salt also low-key makes the smoothie taste sweeter and more indulgent.
Easy! Add a scoop of Greek yogurt, collagen peptides, chia seeds, hemp hearts, or even silken tofu for an extra protein boost.
Yes! Fresh cherries work just fine, but for that thick, frosty texture, you’ll want to add a handful of ice or frozen banana. If you don’t mind a thinner shake, you can skip the ice altogether.
If you’re not a fan of bananas in your smoothies, try frozen cauliflower rice or half an avocado as a substitute. These options will provide that same creaminess without the banana flavor.
Storing and freezing
Storing: Like most smoothies, this one is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good shake or stir before drinking, since separation is normal.
Freezing: You can also freeze the smoothie in an ice cube tray for later use. When you’re ready, simply blend the frozen cubes with a splash of milk for a quick, slushy-style smoothie.
More protein smoothie and shake recipes
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Chocolate Cherry Green Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk I use the unsweetened chocolate almond milk *or your milk of choice
- 1 cup frozen cherries
- ½ frozen banana
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach or greens of choice
- 30 grams chocolate whey protein or unflavored
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
- 1 packet stevia *optional or 1 tsp sweetener of choice (honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, etc)
- ½ cup ice
Instructions
- Add milk, frozen cherries, frozen banana, spinach, protein powder, cocoa powder, flaxseed, sweetener, and ice (optional) to a high-speed blender or Vitamix.
- Start on a low setting and gradually increase the speed, blending for about 30-60 seconds, until everything is fully combined and silky smooth. Pour into a glass (or two, if you’re sharing!) and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust consistency. If your smoothie is too thick, add a splash more milk and blend again. If it’s too thin, add a few extra frozen cherries or ice cubes and blend until it thickens.
- Adjust the sweetness. Depending on the type of protein powder and the ripeness of your banana, you may not need any added sweetener at all, so taste before adding your sweetener. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out.
- Meal-prep friendly. You can portion out the ingredients (minus the liquid) into freezer-safe bags and store them in the freezer. In the morning, just dump a portion into the blender, then add milk and blend for a quick, protein-packed breakfast!
Nutrition
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