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.
*Probiotic Powder – I add 1/2 teaspoon of probiotic powder to all smoothies to replenish stores of healthy bacteria for immunity, digestion, detox, and to balance the acidic effects of high-sugar fruits and other sweeteners. The really potent probiotics require refrigeration. If you have capsules, break the shell and release the powder. Unsweetened probiotic-rich liquids like kefirs (water, coconut water, milk varieties) or kombucha make wonderful health-promoting additions to shakes, too.
*Celtic Sea Salt – I add a pinch (or more) of this alkalizing, mineral-rich salt to all smoothies to boost the natural flavor of fruits and veggies; temper the acidity of sweet fruits and sweeteners; stimulate the lymphatic system; replenish electrolytes; aid digestion; and help the body access energy. I do not recommend adding common table salt which is generally heated to extreme temperatures, iodized, bleached, processed, and refined. This salt does not have the same benefits. If you have a health condition that requires you to limit your sodium intake consult your doctor before adding salt to your smoothies.
Comments 21
That looks so good, I can’t wait to try it this next weekend:)
Yes! It is SOOOO yummy. Enjoy 🙂
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
Exactly. Totally agree. This one’s a winner.
YUMMO. Bet this doesn’t even need sweetener with the bananas!
It doesn’t. It is SOOO good. Enjoy 🙂
What can i use instead of cashews? Im highly allergic
Hi Tara! You can use hemp seeds instead to get that creamy flavor – they will blend very nicely.
Thanks Julie.
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
Wonderful! It is SO delicious isn’t it? Enjoy 🙂
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!
Oh, I LOVE that. So glad you enjoyed this smoothie. There are so many fabulous recipes in that book. Enjoy 🙂
This is a great recipe. The cashews give such a nice smooth texture. Thanks for sharing!
Yes! I love this recipe 🙂
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.
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.
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.
I would use unsweetened almond milk in place of the rice milk and coconut water.
Do you soak the cashews first?
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.