Mint-Chip Chlorella Smoothie

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This mint chip chlorella smoothie with spinach, bananas, cacao nibs and mint tastes like dessert and is loaded with chlorophyll to cleanse the blood and cells, and aid tissue repair.

I got this sweet chlorella smoothie from the Superfood Smoothies cookbook by Julie Morris.

In her headnote Julie says, “Tucked beneath a very convincing ice cream-like flavor, a wealth of beneficial spinach awaits you in this smoothie. It’s so good it almost makes a person wonder why spinach isn’t used in all minty treats. I love how the cacao nibs provide a bit of dark-chocolate crunch without being overpowering.”

The health benefits of chlorella:

Chlorella, an algae, contains more chlorophyll than any leafy green to protects cell from oxidative damage. This water-born agent purifies, oxygenates, and alkalizes the blood, aids tissue growth and repair, cleanses the liver and skin, and clear toxins from the bowels. The natural chelators in chlorella flush heavy metals and can offset the effects of radiation and chemotherapy.

This sensational superfood also acts as a prebiotic, feeding friendly bacteria for digestive detox. Chlorella contains vitamins A, B, and K, along with iron and some forty other minerals to calm inflammation and boost immunity.

How to use chlorella in a smoothie:

Always purchase the “cracked wall” chlorella powder that is the most digestible. And less is more with chlorella powder. This powder is potent, and a little goes a long way. Especially as far as flavor is concerned. It is really assertive, and you don’t want your smoothie to taste like a big old gulp of murky sea water. The pungent aquarium aroma is a huge turnoff as well. So, start with 1⁄8 teaspoon, and add more to to taste. Typically, 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon hits the sweet spot. Pair chlorella with sweet fruits like banana, mango, and pineapple. And to lift and brighten the mirky flavor add lemon and mint.

Give this choc-mint chlorella smoothie a go and you’ll see that it can taste amazing.

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Mint-Chip Chlorella Smoothie

This mint chip chlorella smoothie with spinach, bananas, cacao and mint tastes like dessert and is loaded with chlorophyll to cleanse and aid tissue repair.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Servings 2

Author Tess Masters

Ingredients

2 cups (480ml) unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup (120ml) raw coconut water
2 cups frozen spinach
2 cups frozen sliced bananas
1/4 cup raw unsalted cashews, soaked and drained
3 tablespoons cacao nibs
2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves
1 teaspoon natural vanilla extract
Pure maple syrup, to taste (optional)
1/4 teaspoon chlorella powder

Instructions

Throw all of the ingredients into your blender, and blast on high for 30 to 60 seconds until smooth and creamy. Sweeten to taste.

Recipe Notes

Superfood Smoothies cookbook by Julie Morris.

Comments

Comments 21

Bobbie40
June 10, 2013 at 12:06 pm

That looks so good, I can’t wait to try it this next weekend:)

Reply
1. The Blender Girl
  June 10, 2013 at 1:06 pm
  
  Yes! It is SOOOO yummy. Enjoy 🙂
  
  Reply
Kibby
June 10, 2013 at 2:06 pm

Hi Tess! I make one similar to this but LOVE the chlorella addition – I always love sneaking superfoods into my dishes and sharing them out with others knowing that they are getting something amazing and healthy. THEN, once they are WOWed by the meal/smoothie/ item, I’ll tell them what was in it and have converts to superfoods instantly. Win people over thru their taste buds and you’ve got them. Thanks for sharing Julie’s recipe and the Navitas Naturals giveaway! Fantastic! I’m going to pin this one in my SMOOTHIES file. XO

Reply
1. The Blender Girl
  June 12, 2013 at 1:06 pm
  
  Exactly. Totally agree. This one’s a winner.
  
  Reply
Tina
June 11, 2013 at 4:06 am

YUMMO. Bet this doesn’t even need sweetener with the bananas!

Reply
1. The Blender Girl
  June 12, 2013 at 1:06 pm
  
  It doesn’t. It is SOOO good. Enjoy 🙂
  
  Reply
Tara
June 13, 2013 at 4:06 am

What can i use instead of cashews? Im highly allergic

Reply
1. Julie Morris
  June 13, 2013 at 5:06 pm
  
  Hi Tara! You can use hemp seeds instead to get that creamy flavor – they will blend very nicely.
  
  Reply
  1. The Blender Girl
    June 20, 2013 at 2:06 pm
    
    Thanks Julie.
    
    Reply
Judy U rso
June 14, 2013 at 10:06 am

I have been making this every morning . It is so delicious it is like dessert to me. I don’t even add any sweetner. Thank you

Reply
1. The Blender Girl
  June 20, 2013 at 1:06 pm
  
  Wonderful! It is SO delicious isn’t it? Enjoy 🙂
  
  Reply
Helen
June 23, 2013 at 2:06 pm

I’ve just made this for me and my partner (he is a superfood virgin and very difficult to please with food!). I love it! I would find the full 18oz a bit much in one sitting so have separated it down into little 150ml servings to have alongside a super breakfast instead of sugary fruit juice. Even the partner loved it alongside his raw berry gluten free parfait that I also made this morning!! Best find yet!

Reply
1. The Blender Girl
  June 24, 2013 at 1:06 pm
  
  Oh, I LOVE that. So glad you enjoyed this smoothie. There are so many fabulous recipes in that book. Enjoy 🙂
  
  Reply
dave stevens
July 15, 2013 at 2:07 pm

This is a great recipe. The cashews give such a nice smooth texture. Thanks for sharing!

Reply
1. The Blender Girl
  July 16, 2013 at 1:07 pm
  
  Yes! I love this recipe 🙂
  
  Reply
Mary
July 24, 2013 at 6:07 pm

Hey there, I would love to make this recipe tonight. I’m working with what I have in the house though. I have neither cashews nor hemp seeds, can I use chia seeds? And can I half this recope?
Thanks
M.E.

Reply
1. The Blender Girl
  July 29, 2013 at 2:07 pm
  
  SO sorry I am just getting to this now. Chia seeds will bulk up this smoothie and add nutritional density. But you won’t get the creamy texture that is provided by the cashews or the hemp seeds, and the flavour just won’t be as good.
  
  Reply
jacqueline
December 14, 2014 at 11:12 pm

Do you suggest something to replace the rice milk and coconut water? Also is a good breakfast smoothie? Sorry for all the questions I am new to smoothies and super foods so I trying to read all I can on you website. If you suggest any other blogs or books I should read I would greatly appreciate it.

Reply
1. The Blender Girl
  December 29, 2014 at 11:12 pm
  
  I would use unsweetened almond milk in place of the rice milk and coconut water.
  
  Reply
Sher
May 14, 2016 at 4:05 pm

Do you soak the cashews first?

Reply
1. The Blender Girl
  August 23, 2016 at 12:08 pm
  
  Yes, soak the cashews in filtered water for 2 hours (or the quick way with boiling water for 10 minutes) drain and discard the soaking liquid, and add them to the smoothie.
  
  Reply