Healthy Snacks: Vegan Almond Mint Carrot Smoothie

Cool down with this vegan Almond Mint Carrot Smoothie.

This smoothie is a variation on an old favorite, my Happy Vegan Banana Almond Milkshake—one of the very first recipes I did for Peaceful Dumpling.

In case you haven’t heard, July marks PD’s one year anniversary! In lieu of a birthday cake, I’m celebrating an amazing year with this twist on a classic. (I hope it’s okay that I’m calling my own smoothie a “classic!”) I joined PD in mid-August last year, and thanks to the inspiration of my fellow writer-foodies, I’ve become more daring and experimental in the kitchen, trying new flavor combinations—and sometimes just new flavors!

Almond and peppermint are two of my favorite ingredients–why hadn’t I put them together before?

The Almond Mint Carrot Smoothie is sweet without added sugar and provides a healthy source of plant protein and omega 3 fatty acids (thank you, almond butter). The peppermint extract helps cool and revive your summer-weather-wearied body while antioxidant-rich carrot and ripe banana fuel your yummy plant-powered glow.

Vegan Almond Mint Carrot Smoothie

Ingredients:

(Serves 1 – makes about 12 oz.)

1 cup almond milk or coconut milk

1 ripe banana (the more spots on the peel, more antioxidants in the banana!). For a more milkshake-y consistency, use a frozen banana—you won’t regret it!

2 small carrots, washed, peeled, and roughly chopped

1-2 drops peppermint extract

1-2 drops vanilla extract

1 teaspoon almond butter, preferably raw and sugar-free

small scoop of protein powder (optional)

Directions:

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Pour into a glass and find some peace in the heat.