Zucchini, my personal favourite variety of summer squash, is currently at its peak. While you may be grilling it or blending it into soups, today I’m proposing you make use of your zucchini in an entirely new way: tossed into your morning smoothie.
Why zucchini?
If you’re late to the vegetables-in-the-smoothie game, zucchini is the perfect place to start since its mild flavour will lend perfectly to any ingredient combination you choose without changing the colour and only add a creamier texture. Of course, the main benefit of tossing any vegetable into a smoothie is for the added nutrition it provides, with zucchini being a wonderful way of increasing the content of vitamin C, fiber and b-vitamins in your meals.
Although zucchini is easily accessible year round, you can find them in abundance at your local farmer’s market at this time of year and for the best price. So if you can, I recommend stocking-up, dicing your zucchini and freezing it. Frozen zucchini makes for a creamier texture in smoothies and also allows you to omit ice cubes, that would otherwise dilute your smoothie. I currently have a large bag in my freezer, ready to be tossed into smoothies. Oh and another quick tip: lay the zucchini cubes flat in the freezer if you can, so you don’t wind up with one big frozen zucchini block.
- 1 banana
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1 1/2 cup diced frozen zucchini
- 1.5 tablespoons raw cacao powder
- 1 tablespoon ground flax
- 1 1/2 cups milk of choice
- 1 shot (1/4 cup) brewed espresso
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Topping (optional): Cocoa nibs
- 1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Top with cocoa nibs and enjoy.
- * If not using frozen zucchini, add 1 cup ice cubes
With its combination of cocoa powder, blueberries, espresso, protein and flax, this smoothie has become my morning go-to, providing me with the energy and nutrition balance I need to start my day. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Of course, if you try this recipe, I want to know! Be sure to use the tag #MotiveNutrition over on Instagram so I can see what you’ve created. Bon appétit!
This smoothie is delicious, a real treat, yet healthy and pretty filling.
Thank you Vanessa !