Today’s simple recipe is a green smoothie that’s, well, not quite so green (which may be nice for those who are new to green smoothies or have an aversion to drinking something green).

This healthy, delicious, and filling smoothie is great because it’s not only packed with protein from the peanut butter, but contributes to your welfare by adding a few servings of fruit and veggies into your diet…without tasting like it! In addition, the coffee contributes a jolt of caffeine to help kickstart the day. The cocoa powder makes it super chocolatey and the banana and avocado bring a creaminess that seriously make you think you are having dessert!

For the coffee, I brewed 4 Tablespoons (or 2 of the Ninja large scoops) of GoBena Peruvian Coffee (which has been my go-to coffee for the past several months) on the “4 ounce Specialty Brew” setting on the Ninja Coffee Bar I’ve owned for the last couple of years.

You could alternately use cold brew coffee, or just brew some extra strong coffee, or use leftover coffee… instead of dumping it down the drain, fill up an ice cube tray and freeze. When it comes time to assemble your smoothie, pop a handful of coffee cubes in the mix for and extra cold or thick consistency!

If you don’t like peanut butter, or can’t have peanuts, just replace with another kind of nut butter (almond, cashew, hazelnut, etc.).

Peanut Butter Mocha Green Smoothie:

4 ounces strong coffee (I used the 4 ounce specialty brew on my Ninja Coffee Bar)

4-8 ounces cold coconut milk (or any other type of milk)

1 frozen banana, quartered

1 large handful greens (spinach, kale, romaine, a mix, etc.)

1/4 of a large avocado

1 T peanut butter (or a handful of peanuts)

1 T unsweetened cocoa powder

1 T flaxseed meal

Place all ingredients in the Ninja Chef blender, or 24 ounce single serve cup. Add lid (or blade attachment lid for the single serve cup) and attach to blender base. Select the “Auto IQ” setting for “Smoothie” and press start.

If the ingredients need to be blended a bit more for your liking (especially if you used a handful of nuts vs. nut butter), switch to “Manual” mode and blend on “10” (high) for another 15-30 seconds, or until smooth and creamy.

Pour into a couple of glasses (if you’re planning on sharing or saving half for later), or remove blade attachment for the single serve and replace with the lid. Sip and enjoy!

-Shelley.

Here’s the printable recipe…

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