Chocolate Cherry Smoothie – Black Forest Protein Shake
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Switch up your smoothie game with this chocolate cherry smoothie. You’ll love the black forest flavors in this protein shake – it tastes as good as dessert!
If you look closely, you can see some of this chocolate cherry smoothie on my kitchen ceiling.
I try to do most of my recipe development, cooking, and photography on Saturdays when Ben is home to help with the kids. On one of those Saturdays, I was working on a number of recipes. We had an evening event and I thought to myself, I can get one more recipe done quickly. It’s a protein shake and it won’t take me too long. Piece of cake, right? I’m an experienced smoothie maker…seriously, as proof, check out this list of 50 plus juice and smoothie recipes.
So, still in my workout clothes, I decided to go for it. One more thing crossed off the never-ending to-do list. Into the blender went the cherries, the protein powder, the spinach, Greek yogurt, and water.
It was a little thick, so I took the lid off my Vitamix and started pushing the mixture down with the stir stick or whatever that thing is called.
Hey guys, there’s a reason you use that stick thing with the lid on. It’s so it doesn’t hit the spinning blade.
DUH.
But, I wasn’t thinking and CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH.
The next thing I knew, my hair, my clothes, my floor, my cabinets and my entire kitchen were covered in chocolate, partially pureed cherries, and pieces of hard black plastic.
Not my finest moment, to say the least. So at this point, not only do I need to clean up this disaster, I also have to redo the recipe. Super fun way to end a day of work, but nonetheless, I bring you a delicious, plastic shard free, chocolate cherry smoothie.
With spinach. You guys know I put spinach in everything.
The smoothie, without the plastic shards, is perfect for summer. Sometimes in summer, it’s hard to keep your nutrition game strong. Schedules are wacky, everyone is outside 24/7, you’re hopping from one place to the next, and things are just plain busy. The great thing about this cherry chocolate smoothie is that it can be a breakfast, a snack, a post-workout refresher, or even a meal replacement! Not to mention the fact that it’s refreshing and perfect for those scorching summer days.
I used Chocolate Protein Powder Nutritional Booster from Rachel Cooks partner Bob’s Red Mill — you might recognize it from the chocolate coconut energy balls or my chocolate protein pancakes (SO good!). It’s a really great protein powder because it is plant-based and contains probiotics and chia seeds. Plus it’s gluten-free and vegan!
I hope you guys love this smoothie, and I think you should maybe even just drizzle a little chocolate on top. You deserve it.
More great protein shakes like this chocolate cherry smoothie:
- Mocha Protein Shake Recipe
- Peach, Banana, Honey and Cottage Cheese Smoothie
- Peach Pie Protein Shake from Wishes and Dishes
- Pina Colada Protein Shake from Oh Sweet Basil
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen sweet cherries
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/3 cup Bob’s Red Mill Chocolate Protein Powder
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients together in a blender until smooth. If too thin, add ice cubes. If too thick, add a little more water. Enjoy immediately.
Nutrition Information
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Husband’s take: I don’t think I shared after that ordeal was over.
Changes I would make: None are necessary.
Difficulty: Easy! Well, it should be. If you’re not me.
Check out more delicious healthy recipes, snag coupons and find stores near you at BobsRedMill.com! You can get a coupon for $3 off the nutritional boosters here!
Disclosure: I’ve partnered with Bob’s Red Mill as a brand ambassador to bring you this post and chocolate cherry smoothie. They compensated me for my time but all opinions are, as always, my own. If you opened my cupboards and fridge, you’d find a wealth of Bob’s Red Mill products that I purchased myself. Thanks for supporting Rachel Cooks by reading about brands I use and love!
Staci says
This was good, but I felt it had way too much protein powder. I’m going to try it again with less. Just my opinion. Thanks for the recipe.
Rachel Gurk says
Thanks for the feedback! It probably depends on the type of protein powder you’re using, too. I’d use the recommended serving size on the container for best results.
Christi says
Is it ok to make ahead and freeze? Than thaw as needed?
Rachel Gurk says
I haven’t tried that, but if you do that with other smoothies, it should work with this one too. It might separate though, but just give it a quick blend and it should be alright?
Heide M. says
Interesting twist using spinach.
Thank you for posting this.
Rachel Gurk says
You’re welcome! I hope you loved it!
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
I love chocolate and cherry together!!
Rachel Gurk says
Me too!
denise says
might have to check it out
Rachel Gurk says
I hope you love it!
Linda Martin says
Rachel, I did that with the tamper stick…making almond butter :O Though, I did have the lid on, but there were black pieces of the stick in the butter :/ I still need to buy a new one!
Rachel Gurk says
Ugh it is the worst! I haven’t bought a new one yet either.
JessB says
Looks yummy. I didn’t realize Bob’s had a product like that. Def going to check it out!
Rachel Gurk says
I hope you love it!
Sues says
Laughing because your blender story sounds like the story of my life :) I always forget that the lid protects the “stir stick” from hitting the blade. In any event, the flavors of this smoothie sound like perfection!!
Rachel Gurk says
Haha yeah I was seriously not thinking!