When a classic ice cream flavor and a healthy smoothie combine, you get this chunky monkey smoothie! We are talking about a mixture of banana, chocolate goodness, and walnuts for the perfect chunky monkey trifecta.
We even snuck some veggies in there that you won’t even be able to tell they are there. I prefer thick smoothies, and this one is super thick and creamy, giving you a milkshake-like texture. If you want it thinner, add in more liquid.
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This chunky monkey smoothie is packed with protein, carbs, and fats for a balanced and healthy breakfast, post-workout snack, or dessert. Make it for a quick and easy on-the-go option or it’s perfect for a smoothie bowl with some toppings.
Why we love this chunky monkey protein smoothie
- like dessert in smoothie form!
- quick and easy to make – ready in 5 minutes when you have frozen bananas on hand.
- packed with 31 grams of protein!
- macro-balanced and loaded with micronutrients – it has a good ratio of carbohydrates, protein, and fat for balanced blood sugar, and to avoid those spikes and crashes that some smoothies can do. It also has vitamin K, vitamin C, manganese, potassium, and magnesium.
Are protein smoothies good for you?
Protein smoothies are a great healthy addition to any diet. They can be loaded with vitamins and minerals due to adding fruits and veggies. It’s important to have balanced macronutrients with protein, fat, and fiber (along with the carbs) so they fill you up, digest slowly, and don’t spike your blood sugar. When making them at home, you have full control over the quality of the ingredients.
Chunky monkey smoothie ingredients
- frozen bananas – for sweetness and a creamy texture.
- frozen cauliflower rice – I promise you can’t taste it but adds some bulk and micronutrients.
- chocolate protein powder – for our protein source and adds more chocolate flavor. I used this whey protein, but any kind of chocolate protein will work.
- cacao powder – for our chocolate flavor.
- chia seeds
- walnuts – for authentic chunky monkey flavor!
- milk of choice
- pinch of salt – optional, but brings the flavors together.
How to make a chunky monkey smoothie
- Freeze bananas if needed. Peel and cut up a few bananas, place them on a cutting board or baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and put them in the freezer overnight. The parchment paper allows them not to stick. Once frozen, place a bag in the freezer for easy use.
- Blend your smoothie. Add all the ingredients except your walnuts to a high-powered blender (I used my Vitamix) and blend until smooth and creamy. Add in walnuts and pulse/blend for a few more seconds until desired consistency (I like them a little chunky).
- Enjoy! Drink or top with some toppings and enjoy!
How to freeze bananas
Peel bananas and cut into 1 1/2-2 inch pieces. Place cut bananas on a parchment paper-lined dish in the freezer and let freeze overnight, or at least 4 hours.
Substitutions and additions
- frozen bananas – if you don’t like bananas, you can use frozen sweet potato instead, it will just change the flavor some.
- frozen cauliflower rice – you can use frozen cauliflower florets instead of rice.
- chocolate protein powder – I used whey protein powder, but any kind of protein powder should work (collagen or plant-based) based on your dietary needs.
- cacao powder – cocoa powder will work instead.
- walnuts – while not like the original Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, or another nut butter will work instead.
- milk of choice – dairy milk, almond milk, coconut milk, or your milk of choice will work.
You can customize this smoothie to your liking. Here are some additions I think would be delicious:
- greek yogurt – to add in some more protein. Plain or vanilla flavor would be best.
- avocado – for a little more healthy fat and makes the smoothie even more creamy.
- greens – this will change the color of the smoothie, but add some more micronutrients. I would suggest spinach for a neutral taste.
- sweetener – maple syrup, honey, or dates will work if you like your smoothies a little sweeter.
- cacao nibs or chocolate chips – add them when you add the walnuts.
- ice cubes – for some added volume.
More protein smoothie recipes
- orange creamsicle protein smoothie
- peanut butter banana protein smoothie
- chocolate beet smoothie
- pineapple avocado green smoothie
- coffee protein smoothie
If you love quick and easy meals and want to learn how to build a balanced plate, check out our FREE How to Build a Balanced Plate Guide!
Chunky Monkey Smoothie
equipment
ingredients
- 1 medium frozen banana (100 grams)
- 1 cup frozen cauliflower rice (100 grams)
- 1/4 cup chocolate protein powder (30 grams)
- 2 tablespoons cacao powder
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1/2 cup milk (use more or less for desired consistency)
- pinch of sea salt (optional)
- 2 heaping tablespoons walnuts (16 grams)
instructions
- Blend your smoothie. Add all the ingredients except your walnuts to a high-powered blender (I used my Vitamix) and blend until smooth and creamy. Add in walnuts and pulse/blend for a few more seconds until desired consistency (I like them a little chunky in there).
- Enjoy! Drink or top with some toppings and enjoy!
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Awesome recipe. I actually use vanilla protein powder (MRM brand) and whenever I want a chocolate shake, just add cocoa or cacao. This recipe taste just like a Wendy’s frosty. The cauliflower rice makes it super thick and creamy with no aftertaste. Great morning shake or afternoon snack.
So happy to hear you enjoyed it, Thomas! I’ll have to try it with vanilla next time. Thanks for trying it!