Prep time: 5 minutes Servings: 1
Ingredients
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1 cup Frozen strawberries (yields a thicker, colder texture)
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1 Ripe banana (preferably frozen for extra creaminess)
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1 cup Unsweetened almond milk (or your preferred dairy/non-dairy milk)
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1 scoop Chocolate protein powder (or 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder)
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1 tablespoon Almond butter or peanut butter (for healthy fats)
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1 teaspoon Honey or maple syrup (optional, depending on your sweet tooth)
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A pinch of sea salt (to balance the chocolate notes)
For Garnish:
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Fresh strawberry halves
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A sprinkle of cocoa powder or dark chocolate shavings
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Shredded coconut
Instructions
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Prepare your base: Start by pouring the milk into your blender. Adding the liquid first prevents the solid ingredients from getting stuck at the bottom and ensures a smoother blend.
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Add the fruit: Drop in the frozen strawberries and the banana. Using frozen fruit is the “secret” to achieving that thick, milkshake-like consistency without needing to add ice, which can water down the flavor.
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Boost the flavor: Add the chocolate protein powder (or cocoa powder), nut butter, and sweetener if you are using it.
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The Blend: Secure the lid and start the blender on a low speed, gradually increasing to high. Blend for about 45–60 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth and no frozen fruit chunks remain.
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Adjust the consistency: If the smoothie is too thick, add an extra splash of milk. If you prefer it thicker, add a few more frozen strawberries or a couple of ice cubes and pulse again.
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Serve: Pour the smoothie into a tall glass. Top with fresh strawberry slices and a light dusting of cocoa powder as seen in your image.
Why This Works
The acidity of the strawberries perfectly cuts through the richness of the chocolate. By using a banana, you get a natural dose of potassium and a silky texture. If you want to make this even more nutritious, you can easily hide a handful of fresh baby spinach in the mix—the chocolate will completely mask the color and taste!