Get a refreshing start to your day with a peppermint smoothie. It's filled with fruits and veggies like zucchini and pineapple, plus a handful of fresh mint.
I love making simple smoothies with fruits and veggies to start my day. A blueberry zucchini smoothie or green apple smoothie is my go-to during those warm summer months. In the winter? It's peppermint smoothie time.
Zucchini, spinach, and fresh mint create that bright natural green color. Pineapple adds sweetness and your favorite milk makes this smoothie nice and creamy. It's made with simple, light ingredients that are both refreshing and hydrating.
Make a peppermint smoothie for breakfast, a post-workout snack, or afternoon pick-me-up. It's perfect for post-Christmas indulgences when you're craving something lighter for breakfast!
Ingredients and substitutions
- Spinach - Fresh baby spinach is best because it has a mild flavor and tender texture that blends into your smoothie seamlessly. Spinach can be substituted with your favorite fresh leafy greens.
- Pineapple - I recommend using frozen pineapple because it thickens your smoothie slightly and helps keep it cold.
- Zucchini - For this recipe, you'll need about a cup of cubed zucchini, or about one small, fresh zucchini. Zucchini makes a great addition to smoothies because it has a mild flavor and is rich in vitamin B6, potassium, and fiber (WebMD: Health Benefits of Zucchini). If you'd like, you can swap your frozen ingredients and use fresh pineapple and frozen zucchini. I recommend that one ingredient be frozen for best texture.
- Mint - Fresh mint adds that bright, refreshing mint flavor. If you don't have any fresh mint on hand, substitute with ¼ teaspoon of mint extract.
- Milk - Any milk works in this recipe, like almond milk, oat milk, or cow's milk.
Tips and tricks
Don't add ice - For a flavorful frozen smoothie, don't add ice. Instead, use one frozen ingredient like pineapple or zucchini. Ice waters down your smoothie and makes the flavor bland.
Add optional mix-ins - Add your favorite smoothie mix-ins, like a tablespoon of flaxseed, chia seeds, or protein powder.
Use a high performance blender - Use a blender intended for smoothies for a smooth, even texture.
Storage
For best taste and texture, enjoy your smoothie immediately. Over time, your smoothie will lose its cold, frozen texture, color becomes muted, and flavor can decline.
Frequently asked questions
No, zucchini has a very mild flavor that's not noticeable in a smoothie. It's a great way to sneak extra veggies into your diet when you otherwise don't enjoy them on their own.
Try adding a tablespoon of chia seeds, flaxseeds, or a scoop of protein powder.
Add a teaspoon or more of honey or maple syrup if you'd like a sweeter smoothie.
📖 Recipe
Peppermint Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 (125 g) small zucchini, cubed (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup (35 g) baby spinach
- ¾ cup (106 g) frozen pineapple
- ¼ cup packed mint leaves
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
- ¾ cup (170 g) milk, add more as needed
Instructions
- In a blender add your smoothie ingredients: zucchini, spinach, pineapple, mint leaves, peppermint extract, and milk.
- Blend until smooth, adding more milk as needed to achieve desired consistency.
Recommended Equipment
Notes
- Frozen fruit: Use one frozen fruit or veggie for best texture. If using fresh pineapple, opt for frozen zucchini slices.
- Liquid: Milk can be your favorite milk, like cows milk, almond milk, or oat milk. It can also be substituted with your favorite smoothie liquid, like water or green tea.
- Extras: Add extras like 1 tablespoon of flaxseed or chia seeds, a scoop of protein powder, or a spoonful of your favorite nut butter if desired.
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