Red Velvet Smoothie
I have a ton of smoothie recipes posted, so I was a bit hesitant to post another, but you can never really have too many smoothie recipes, am I right? Smoothies have become one of my favorite things and I don’t think I could ever go back to a smoothie-less life. They’re just such perfect meals or snacks and a great way to get in fruits and veggies!
I’ve honestly had this recipe sitting in the “notes” on my phone for well over a year, so I figured it might be time to actually post it. I have a bad habit of doing that actually… There’s a whole list of recipes on my phone or various pieces of scratch paper floating around the house that I just haven’t gotten around to photographing and posting. Ah, but that is the life of a busy college student I suppose. After doing homework and taking notes all day on my laptop, the last thing I really want to do is sit down and stare at the screen for even more time, even though I truly enjoy writing these posts. My eyes just can’t take so much screen time! I know, what kind of 20 year old doesn’t want to spend all day everyday in front of technology?
Anyway, back to the smoothie. I’ve made this smoothie countless times for myself, but only recently made it for my mom and got the stamp of approval from her. We are also planning on demoing it for the students at work and for the child care center on campus. I was a tad bit skeptical of it being a super kid-approved smoothie though (considering there are beets in it), so I asked my dear friend, Mandy if she wouldn’t mind testing it out to see if her daughter, Willow liked it. When she said yes to testing it I was even just thrilled to have someone else try it! Then I got feedback that Willow absolutely LOVED it and they will definitely be making it again, which honestly had me smiling so much I probably looked insane as I was walking across campus reading her message. Thus, my motivation for finally posting the recipe after so long of hoarding it on my phone.
This smoothie is sweet and chocolatey, but still stays a nice hot pink color that is so beautiful I marvel at it every time I make it, and I’m not even a huge fan of pink things! This smoothie tastes like a dessert, but it’s so good for you! I love having it in addition to a small breakfast or as an afternoon snack. If you’re planning on having it for a meal, I would suggest adding a couple more strawberries, liquid, and an extra half of a banana or so, maybe a little extra cacao powder too ;).
If you try this recipe, remember to tag it #peanutbutterandvegan so I can see all your beautiful smoothie creations!
Red Velvet Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 Cup Non-Dairy Milk (I use cashew milk)
- 1/2 Cup Raw Beets, Peeled and Chopped
- 2 Tablespoons Raw Cashews (soaked if not using a high powered blender)
- 2 Pitted Dates
- 1/2 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1 Heaping Tablespoon Raw Cacao Powder (or Cocoa Powder)
- 6 Large Frozen Strawberries (about 1 cup)
- 1 Frozen Banana
- Topping ideas: coconut whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, cacao nibs
Directions:
Add all ingredients to a high powered blender and blend until smooth.
If you do not have a high powered blender, make sure to soak your cashews for a few hours or overnight. You may also want to blend the milk, beets, cashews, and dates first before adding the remaining ingredients to make sure everything is nicely incorporated and the smoothie is actually smooth. Nobody wants a chunky.
-Hunter