Chocolate Cherry Smoothie Without Banana (whole30 approved)

A classic combination, this chocolate

is a creamy and indulgent snack! Made with a blend of plant-based protein, superfoods, and chocolate this smoothie is sure to bust through a mid-afternoon slump!

This cherry smoothie tastes like a cool, black forest cake... without all the unnecessary ingredients!

It's a creamy blend of some of the most potent (and my favorite as a Certified Nutrition Coach) superfoods, aimed to give your energy and your immune system a boost.

And the best part? You can opt to add to the smoothie as well as top it with your favorites to make a custom blend each and every time.

Ingredients You Need

Frozen cherries: responsible for the ultra-thick texture of the cherry smoothie. Though you can use fresh cherries, it won't be as thick. If you have a ton, whip up this gluten-free cherry crisp too.

Cacao powder: though cocoa powder will work (learn the difference between cacao and cocoa), cacao powder is loaded with more calcium, antioxidants, and iron.

Chia seeds: one of the foods I think every toddler should have in their diet! These little seeds absorb liquid and are a powerhouse of nutrients.

Dates: adding some indulgence to the superfood smoothie to give a beautiful blend of tart cherries and sweetness.

Chlorella powder: optional but worth it when you learn the benefits of algae! You can use a powder or tabs of chlorella from EnergyBits.

Unsweetened almond milk: any non-dairy milk will work. Likewise, you can also do a blend of almond milk and coconut milk if you want to up the creamy factor.

How To Make A Cherry Smoothie

Making this whole30 smoothie is as easy as 1-2-3!

1. Pulse the frozen cherries and ice cubes in a blender.
2. Add in the remaining ingredients and blend until ultra smooth.
3. Top with your favorites ad enjoy!

Step By Step Photos

How To Make It A Post-Workout Shake

Because this cherry smoothie is plant-based, it only comes in with about five grams of protein per serving.

To use it as a post-workout protein shake, you'll want to add in either:

• vegan protein powder
• collage powder

Protein powder will change the texture and flavor of the cherry smoothie recipe. It also voids the smoothie being whole 30 approved.

If you use protein powder, I opt for Progressive's Harmonized Fermented Vegan Protein Powder which is a blend of five non-GMO legumes, grains, and seeds.

Collagen powder on the other hand is the purest source of protein there is. It won't affect the flavor of the smoothie and it's still whole 30-approved.

Texture Of The Cherry Smoothie

Given that this chocolate cherry smoothie is made without bananas you may be wondering about the texture! 

However, there are a lot of ways to make a smoothie creamy (learn how to build the best smoothies).

This smoothie comes out deliciously creamy. Cherries and nut butter combined tend to make a creamy texture.

Plus, the addition of chia seeds allows the mixture to firm up a bit.

Crucial Ingredients: Algae

You'll notice in the recipe that the smoothie calls for chlorella. 

I adore making use of superfoods like spirulina and chlorella because they're such easy ways to improve the nutrient density of a meal.

While I do normally have a tub of chlorella on hand, recently I've been using algae tabs on a more regular basis. Well, every day.

Learn more about the benefits of algae and why you should strive to include it in your diet! 

Keep in mind though that it won't make or break the cherry smoothie recipe so if you don't have any- it's okay!

Important Teaching Tips

Any non-dairy milk will work for this smoothie recipe. Though almond milk is listed, make sure to use unsweetened almond milk to avoid any added sugars.

That said, you can also use your own homemade hemp milk as well.

You can easily sub out different nut butters for the cashew butter. In fact, almond butter, or almond hazelnut butter are great variations.

Topping The Smoothie

The best part of any smoothie recipe is the toppings! Below are great additions to your smoothie. However, know that some of them are not whole 30 approved!

• Protien granola
• Crunchy granola
• Shredded coconnut
• Mini chocolate chips
• 2-minute coconut whipped cream

You can check out 18 more of the best smoothie bowl toppings and step up smoothie up to perfection.

Other Wicked Recipes You'll Love

• Strawberry & fig smoothie
• Turmeric peach smoothie
• Mango orange smoothie
• Chunky monkey shake
• Chocolate coconut energy balls
• Protien granola
• No-bake cookie dough bites
• High protein snack recipes
• No-bake snack recipes

Frequently Asked Questions

This chocolate smoothie is perfect for a midday snack because it's full of health-boosting superfoods! Likewise, it's protein powder-free, chocolate cherry-based, and sure to give your system a nutrient kick.