Ice cream meets protein smoothie
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. It’s packed with protein, carbs, and fats for a balanced and healthy breakfast, 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.
Chunky monkey protein smoothie highlights
- like dessert in smoothie form
- quick and easy to make – ready in 5 minutes when you have frozen bananas on hand
- high protein – 31 grams of protein in one smoothie!
- macro-balanced – 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
- loaded with nutrients – we have 97% of your vitamin K needs, 76% of your vitamin C, 69% of your manganese, 63% of your vitamin B6, 55% of your copper, 50% of your daily potassium, 45% of your daily magnesium to name a few. Talk about a powerhouse!
Chunky monkey smoothie ingredients
- frozen bananas – for sweetness and to make it ultra-creamy!
- frozen cauliflower rice – 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.
- cacao powder – for our chocolate flavor
- chia seeds – for some fiber
- walnuts – for authentic chunky monkey flavor!
- milk of choice – dairy or non-dairy works. I used whole milk.
- pinch of salt – optional, but brings the flavors together
How to make a chunky monkey smoothie
- Freeze bananas if needed. To do this, I just peel and cut up a few bananas, place them on a cutting board or baking sheet, and pop them in the freezer overnight. I always have some on hand for smoothies, snacking, or giving to Cashew (my dog), haha. Pro tip – line the baking sheet with parchment paper so they pop right off. Then I just put them in 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 in there).
- Enjoy! Drink or top with some toppings and enjoy!
Add-ins
You can customize this smoothie to your liking and add in more protein or veggies depending on how you like your smoothies. Here are some things I think would be delicious:
- greek yogurt – to add in some more protein
- 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 – for some added volume
Substitutions
- 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 of cacao
- walnuts – while not like the original Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, peanut butter, or another nut butter will work instead of walnuts.
- milk of choice – almond milk, coconut milk, or your milk of choice will work
More healthy protein smoothie recipes
- orange creamsicle protein smoothie
- favorite chocolate protein smoothie
- chocolate beet smoothie
- pineapple avocado green smoothie
- coffee protein smoothie
If you love quick and easy healthy recipes, check out our free 30-Minute Meals Recipe Book!
Chunky Monkey Smoothie
Super thick and creamy chunky monkey smoothie made from bananas, cacao powder, chocolate protein powder, and walnuts. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, this protein smoothie makes a macro-balanced and healthy spin on a classic ice cream flavor.
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
ingredients
- 1 medium banana, frozen (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
- 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!
nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Chunky Monkey Smoothie
Amount Per Serving (1 smoothie)
Calories 528
Calories from Fat 212
% Daily Value*
Fat 23.5g36%
Saturated Fat 5.1g32%
Polyunsaturated Fat 10.3g
Monounsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 52mg17%
Sodium 300mg13%
Potassium 1292mg37%
Carbohydrates 52.4g17%
Fiber 10g42%
Sugar 25g28%
Protein 30.7g61%
Vitamin C 57mg69%
Calcium 343mg34%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?If you make this recipe or anything from Eat the Gains, leave a comment and rating to let people know how you liked it! Also, make sure to post it and tag me so I can see all of your creations!! @eatthegains and #eatthegains on Instagram!
Thomas says
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.
Kelly says
So happy to hear you enjoyed it, Thomas! I’ll have to try it with vanilla next time. Thanks for trying it!