Today I'm giving you a smoothie recipe loaded with rich, chocolate flavor and just the right amount of sweetness. Plus, it's got a velvet-y texture that you want in a creamy dessert. Where does it get that lovely red color, you ask? Why a little bit of beet! (Don't worry, you can't even taste it.) A luscious red smoothie to satisfy my sweet tooth, give me some natural energy and provide a festive treat to share with a loved one.
Don't let the spinach fool you; if you're looking for a dessert smoothie then this is a winner!
Red Velvet Smoothie Recipe
I like blending my smoothies in 2 steps for the smoothest result. First blend spinach and coconut milk (canned or carton, your choice!) until smooth. If you're not using a high speed blender, then whip the canned coconut milk before adding to the blender to stir the fat into the liquid.
Then add the strawberries (frozen), Medjool dates, beet, cacao powder and vanilla extract to the blender. Blend until smooth.
If you're serving this as a dessert, feel free to add a dollop of coconut whipped cream to the top and turn it into a festive shake.
Tips for the Best Blend
To ensure the Medjool dates are completely blended, let your blender run on medium speed for a bit, then slowly increase to high. If you're using a non high-powered blender, you can swap the dates with maple syrup for an easier blend.
Canned coconut milk (full-fat or light) will give you the texture of a milkshake. The beet really just adds the iconic deep red velvet color, yet you can swap with beet powder.
Using frozen strawberries ensures a refreshingly cool red velvet smoothie, or you can refrigerate before serving (just give it a good shake).
Sweetener Swaps for Dessert Smoothies
I love the caramel flavor of Medjool dates, yet there are several natural sweeteners you can use for this red smoothie. Here are a few more options:
Maple Syrup- Use 2 tablespoons of maple syrup to replace 2 dates. This is a great swap if you're not using high-powered blender for this smoothie.
Date syrup- This newer sweetener is a great option too! Start with 1 tablespoon, then add more to taste.
Banana- ¼ a banana (fresh or frozen) can add creaminess along with sweetness. It's a great swap if you're using carton coconut milk.
Red Velvet Smoothie FAQs
It depends on the texture you want. Canned coconut milk will give a thicker, creamier texture. Carton coconut milk is much thinner, yet gives a tropical taste when paired with tropical fruits like pineapple and dragon fruit.
I recommend unsweetened cocoa OR cacao in smoothies. Both are great options with a slightly different taste, so it's up to you to determine which you like better. Just make sure they are unsweetened; no need to add in extra sugar.
Blend spinach and coconut milk until smooth. Add strawberries, medjool dates, beet, cacao powder and vanilla extra to the blender and blend again until smooth. Pour into a fancy glass and enjoy!
Dessert Smoothies
If you're craving a smoothie yet have a sweet tooth, then try blending one of these decadent recipes. Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or an easy dessert.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie
- Banana Smoothie
- Coconut Joy Smoothie Bowl
- Pineapple Smoothie
- Caramel Shake
- Strawberry Blueberry Smoothie
- Raspberry Smoothie
- Strawberry 'Milkshake'
- Shamrock Shake
- Cinnamon Date Smoothie
- Maple Apple Smoothie Bowl
- Vanilla Fig Smoothie
Who knew plants could be so delicious?! Which one of these do you want to blend first? Don't forget to try this Red Velvet Smoothie recipe as well; it truly is like cake in a cup!
Red Velvet Smoothie
Rate this Recipe Print RecipeIngredients
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup strawberries (frozen)
- 2 medjool dates (pitted)
- 2 tablespoon beet (raw or cooked)
- 1 tablespoon cacao powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Blend spinach and coconut milk until smooth.
- Add remaining ingredients, and blend until smooth.
- Top with a dollop of coconut whipped cream, if desired.
Notes
- Use frozen fruit to make smoothie cold.
- Swap spinach for the leafy green of your choice.
- Swap Medjool date with the natural sweetener of your choice (maple syrup, honey, etc.)
- Use canned coconut milk for a richer, creamier smoothie. Use carton coconut milk for a lighter smoothie.
- Unsweetened cacao powder can be swapped with unsweetened cocoa powder.
Jenny Fortuna
Yumm! I made this red velvet smoothie for my hubby and I for Valentine's day before we went on a 3 mile walk! Delicious!!
Chef John
Nutritious and delicious
Simple Green Smoothies
We agree! Thanks John!
Agnes Rivera
Wonderfully tasting smoothie !!
Dawn
Very velvety! Yum! The cacao seemed somewhat overwhelming. I wasn't expecting that much. But it was all good!
SGS Rawkstar Jess
This one is SO GOOD.
Dieta
This is an amazing smoothie....addictive.
SGS Rawkstar Jess
Dieta, I completely agree! Love this one.
Pamela
I love this smoothie! Sometimes I add another date if I want it a little sweeter.
SGS Rawkstar Carissa
Adding dates is one of our favorite ways to add in some all natural sweeteners!
Cynthia
At the recommendation of a lady I met while shopping for beets I tried this for the first time tonight. It was delicious!!! Can wait to introduce this recipe to some of my smoothie-loving friends!!!
SGS Rawkstar Amanda
Hi Cynthia,
YAY!! I love learning about new recipes while hanging out in the beets aisle! 🙂
Nateasa Ware
Hello im allergic to coconut so what should substitute for these?
SGS Rawkstar Amanda
Hi Nateasa,
Allergic to coconut milk? No worries! Swap in another dairy-free milk you love. One of my favorites is almond milk!
Nicole
Since I don't have dates I will use either maple syrup or honey as suggested in the comments. What serving size of the honey or maple syrup should I use for a serving of 1?
SGS Rawkstar Amanda
Hi Nicole,
I usually swap in 2 tbs, but it's really up to your taste preferences.
Nicole
Thank you. I made this before your comment and I ended up doing 1 teaspoon. It was the perfect amount of sweetness. In fact I had this again this morning. Instead of all strawberries, I did half strawberries and half cherries. OMG. So good. I can't wait to make it again and again. 🙂 It is so creamy and delicious.
Iqra Sajid
I dont know me and my husband dint liked the taste of this smoothie.. i guess i should have used raw beets or i should have not used the almond milk or not used chocolate powder. Not at all yummy.
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Iqra,
Oh no! I'm so sorry this wasn't your favorite. While we love switching up our liquid bases, this recipe really benefits from the coconut milk. It makes it super creamy, sweet + dessert like!
Joana Hendy
I would love to taste that coconut whipped cream topping! Will whip mine this weekend! Thanks, Jen!
SGS Rawkstar
Reach back out + let us know what you think! 🙂
chad
Looks delicious to me!
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Chad,
It taste great too! Hope you love it!
Vicki Soto
Spinach doesn't like me... for some reason. I suspect it may be a thyroid issue. What green should I replace the spinach with?
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Vicki,
Body not a fan of spinach? Swap in another green you + your body love. A few of our favorites are kale, romaine, + chard. Learn more about our favorites here...
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/leafy-greens
Green Press
Wow! Love the color of this smoothie. Definitely going to give this one a try. Perfect for a romantic night!
SGS Rawkstar
YES! The beets add a major nutrient boost + amazing color!
Rachel Burner
Hi! So on a whim home from school we stopped by the farmers market and got the ingredients for this smoothie. It's delicious! My girls loved it. We went with raw beets (we have a Vitamix so it could handle it with frozen fruit) and used unsweetened vanilla almond milk. So just in case anybody is wondering, it's yummy with almond milk as a substitute!
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Rachel,
We love this! What a great way to end the school day with a trip to the farmer's market to blend one of our favorite recipes! Thank you for sharing that you loved this recipe with almond milk too!
We love bringing our kids to the farmers market too!
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/smoothie-recipes-for-kids
Liz Swann {RedSmoothie}
This is very refreshing and delicious! Easy to make and extremely smooth!
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Liz!
Thanks so much for reaching out + for your kind words! We're so happy to hear you enjoyed it!
Cheers :).
Lisa
Hello -
I'm pre-diabetic and tightly control my sugar intake through diet. How many grams of sugar does 1 serving of this smoothie have? Whenever I have looked at coconut water in the stores, its seems to have a high sugar gram count. I imagine coconut milk is even higher. Any suggested substitutes?
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Lisa,
We love switching up our recipes + it's definitely important to adjust our recipes to meet your diet needs. Some great alternatives to coconut milk are almond + hemp milk. Learn more about our favorite liquid base options here...
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/how-to-make-a-smoothie-without-milk
Serena
Coconut water is very high sugar impact, while unsweetened coconut milk is not. The fat makes a difference and is SO healthy for your brain and the rest of your body!
I would probably replace the dates with stevia, monk fruit or xylitol for a no healthy no sugar alternative.
Mary Ann
Where can you buy cacao powder?
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Mary Ann,
You can often find cacao powder at your local health food store or at grocery stores like Whole Foods or Trader Joe's. Unsweetened cocoa powder is the perfect substitute, and can easily be found in your baking aisle!
Cheers 🙂
Tc
Cacao powder is also sold at Costco and smart & final
SGS Rawkstar
Thanks for sharing TC! We love stores like Costco + Sam's Club!
Kelli
Hello,
Do you use cooked or raw beets?
Thanks!
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Kelli,
We actually leave that up to you! Both will create a delicious decadent "guilt-free" green smoothie! Learn more about blending with beets here...
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/anti-inflammatory-smoothie-recipe
Larissa
Are you using canned coconut milk, or the thinner coconut milk they sell in a carton?
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Larissa,
Great question! There are several types of coconut milk available. It can be hard to know which to choose! Coconut cream is the thickest and richest. It has the least amount of water. Then there is full-fat or regular coconut milk. It still has plenty of rich, creamy taste, but has a higher liquid ratio. Light coconut milk has the mildest flavor, highest water content, and least amount of calories compared with the other varieties. Think of these as you would heavy cream, whole milk, and low-fat milk.
You’ll find coconut milk packaged in several ways – cans, cartons (shelf-stable and refrigerated), or frozen.
Jennifer
Can I use coconut water instead of coconut milk?
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Jennifer,
Of course!! We love switching up our liquid bases! Check out some of our favorites here...
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/how-to-make-a-smoothie-without-milk
Kalynn Batkoski
Will canned beets throw off the flavor?
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Kalynn,
I personally haven't tried canned beets, but they're worth a try! Just check your label and make sure there's no additives.
Melissa
Hi there,
I also dislike beets, but how strong do they taste in the smoothie? I could probably tolerate a taste that is subtle.
Thanks!
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Melissa,
Great question! All of the other yummy ingredients help cover the flavor of beets in this delicious "guilt-free" treat! We love the beets in this recipe for their major health benefits and the deep red color they add to our Red Velvet Green Smoothie!
Cheers 🙂
Am
Any suggestions on what to replace the strawberries with? Blackberries, cherries, blueberries, etc do fine? (Losing the red velvet feel on the blueberries, I suppose, ha!) I seem to have a slight reaction to strawberries (but no other berries) but would love to try this recipe! Many thanks!
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Am,
Thanks for reaching out! All berries make a great substitute for strawberries in this recipe. We especially love reaching for raspberries, blackberries, or cherries!
Hope this helps! 🙂
Jaque
Do you have a recipe for coconut whipped cream?
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Jaque,
We do! Check out our Coconut Whipped Cream recipe in our new book. It just hit shelves on November 3rd!
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/books
Debbie
When you say cacao are you talking about the regular cocoa powder that I would buy for baking?
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Debbie,
Great question! Raw cacao is made by cold-pressing unroasted cocoa beans. The process keeps the living enzymes (meaning major health benefits) in the cocoa and removes the fat (cacao butter). Cocoa powder is raw cacao that’s been roasted at high temperatures. Sadly, roasting changes the molecular structure of the cocoa bean, reducing the enzyme content and lowering the overall nutritional value. But if you have unsweetened cocoa powder on hand, it makes a great substitute in any of our recipes that call for cacao.
Cheers 🙂
Candace
Hello, I've been making green smoothies for years, but somewhat new to SGS and just signed up for the 30-Day Smoothie Challenge last week. I've been exploring the website for some recipe options, and happened upon this which sounds awesome.
With one exception.. Beets. I hate 'em.
I assume they are mainly for the added color here, would that be correct? If there's more to it, what might be a good sub? Thanks so much!
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Candance,
We're so happy you found us in this busy internet world! Thanks for blendin' with us! You're right the beets in this recipe add the deep red color of our Red Velvet Green, they also add folate, fiber, + vitamin C! Not a fan? Swap out beets for an additional 1/4 cup of strawberries.
Cheers 🙂
Nish
My Red velvet keeps coming out brown! what am I doing wrong? I am just halving the quantities!!
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Nish,
The combination of berries + dark leafy greens can sometimes turn your smoothie brown. The flavor + nutrition of our Red Velvet Green Smoothie is still there, but we understand any frustration when you're hoping for a glorious red green smoothie! If you're looking for more red, simply add extra beets the next time you blend this recipe!
Hope this helps, and thanks for blendin' with us! 🙂
Angela
How many servings to these recipes typically make?
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Angela,
Great question! Our recipes make two 16oz servings!
Alicia
Is there another type of flavoring that anyone has used besides the chocolate? I am allergic to chocolate. I wasn't sure if there were other options for unsweetened flavored powders. Thanks in advance!!
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Alicia,
Thanks for reaching out! Would your allergies allow you to use carob powder? Carob is a chocolate substitute made from the roasted pods of the carob tree. We recommend using slightly less carob powder because its flavor is stronger than the flavor of cocoa.
Hope this helps!
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Lori Jo,
Thanks for reaching out! Our recipes are here to inspire you, please don't feel like you need to follow them to a T. We suggest following the Simple Green Smoothie Formula of 2 cups liquid base, 2 cups leafy greens, + 3 cups fruit, but change it up, and blend what works for you!
Cheers 🙂
Lori
You gave a substitute for dates (Bananas, honey, + maple syrup), but I'm allergic to bananas and don't like dates. What else could I use in place of dates? Thanks!
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Lori,
Have you tried using honey or maple syrup? They're both great options for replacing dates in this recipe if you're allergic to bananas.
Cheers 🙂
Celestine
Is there an alternative for the coconut milk?
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Celestine,
Of course! Swap in another liquid base that you enjoy more. I love using almond milk in this recipe. Here are some of our favorite liquid base options you can try...
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/how-to-make-a-smoothie-without-milk
Nicole
Im not a big fan of strawberry, is there any fruit that would be a good supplement with out taking out any nutritional value
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Nicole,
Raspberries, blackberries, + cherries are all great replacements for strawberries!
Alison
I freaking LOVE your website and have been telling everyone to check it out! So happy to have found recipes that are easy and delicious... This one is desert in my mouth!
What is your best meal replacement combo for this one that won't change the straight up cake flavor too much? I put chia seeds today since you can't taste them at all but wondering about a healthy fat. Coconut oil?
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Alison,
We're so excited to hear you love the Red Velvet Green Smoothie recipe, we do too! 🙂
Avocado or coconut oil would both be great additions when looking for a healthy fat that won't effect the flavor of this delicious smoothie!
Avocado is mild in flavor, + offers a great creamy texture, while also being a great source of monounsaturated fats!
Coconut oil is an appetite suppressant, an incredible energy booster and has antibacterial properties. When blendin' coconut oil into a chilled smoothie, it sometimes solidifies, to prevent this, I like to melt my coconut oil (not hot, just melted) and with the blender on low, slowly pour the coconut oil into my completed smoothie!
While coconut milk is high in protein, fiber, and other micronutrients, it is also high in calories and fat. For this reason we recommend using coconut milk as a liquid-base only for special indulgences–maybe for date night desserts. This milk does help to protect your heart, but it will cost you in other areas if used on a regular basis.
Switch up your liquid base occasionally with these great options!
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/how-to-make-a-smoothie-without-milk
Tara
I think I did something wrong. . .maybe you can help me figure it out.
The dates didn't blend up well. They were chunks that sank to the bottom. I just have a very low grade blender, a Ninja - and not the higher powered one. This is the only time I've had any issues with blending well and I've been doing smoothies for over a month now. Are the dates supposed to blend up well?
Are the beats supposed to be raw? I used a tiny pre-cooked/pre packaged one from Trader Joes. My smoothie was more beat tasting and I was hoping it would be more of an undertone flavor. It really smelled like beats too. I'm guessing I should have gone raw?
Thanks in advance! Love your website and all your smoothies!!
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Tara,
If you're finding your dates to be chunky, we suggest blending the dates + liquid base first, to ensure you have a smooth consistency and then add your remaining ingredients.
And the beets can either be raw, roasted, or steamed, whatever works for you! Here are some of our tips for blendin' with beets...
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/anti-inflammatory-smoothie-recipe
Annette
Hi Tara
I soak my pit my dates and soak overnight to soften. This makes them blend smoothly. I would also replace beets with frozen cherries. Best chocolate lovers smoothie. Trust you'll love it this time.
SGS Rawkstar
Thanks for the great suggestion, Annette!
Angie
Is there any way to include the calories per smoothie?
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Angie,
We personally don't count calories, so we don't include them in our recipes at this time. You'll find that when you consume more nourishing whole fruits and veggies, you will not only feel full longer, but you'll also have lessened cravings for high-calorie, nutritionally empty foods. So in the end it balances out. But we know many people would like to have calorie info. Three great resources for tracking calories are Self Nutrition Data, and the phone apps: My Fitness Pal and Lose It.
Amy A
Instead of coconut milk, can coconut water be substituted? Also, is there some place that gives a calorie count for the different smoothies?
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Amy,
Of course you can swap out coconut milk for coconut water! We made this smoothie a decadent creamy treat with the addition of coconut milk!
We personally don't count calories, so we don't include them in our recipes at this time. You'll find that when you consume more nourishing whole fruits and veggies, you will not only feel full longer, but you'll also have lessened cravings for high-calorie, nutritionally empty foods. So in the end it balances out. But we know many people would like to have calorie info. Three great resources for tracking calories are Self Nutrition Data, and the phone apps: My Fitness Pal and Lose It.
Tiina
Hi! Is there a good substitute for dates?
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Tiina,
Bananas, honey, + maple syrup make great substitutions for dates!
Annette
Frozen sweet cherries would be a good sub as well
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Annette,
Thanks for being an amazing member of our SGS tribe + sharing so many o you insights...YOU RAWK!
Wendy
This is so good! I have always had a sweet tooth and giving up sweets was hard. I found this smoothie to have that cupcake taste I've been craving! I sometimes use cherries instead of beets and raw cacao nib and it makes a chewy chocolate covered cherry smoothie. Way to inspire, ladies!
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Wendy,
Swapping out beets for cherries and adding raw cocao nibs sounds delicious! I might have to try that tonight for dessert!
Cheers 🙂
Nyla
Ive used cherries too and it is just as wonderful, if not better.
Emma
Hey, I'm new to this and feel this is a silly question. It may seem obvious to most people, but can I use any "unsweetened cocoa powder" or does it have to be specifically called "cacao?" Thanks!
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Emma,
Not a silly questions at all! Cocoa powder is produced similarly to cacao except cocoa undergoes a higher temperature of heat during processing. Surprisingly, it still retains a large amount of antioxidants in the process and is still excellent for your heart, skin, blood pressure, and even your stress levels. Just look for a brand that is unsweetened!
Christie
I am so jealous ! That looks so delicious but I'm allergic to strawberries and I hate beats. would raspberries and carrots work.
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Christie,
Try it out, and let us know what you think! 🙂
Kelsey
Just curious how tightly y'all pack your spinach? 😉
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Kelsey,
I give the spinach a good push with my finger tips and add enough spinach until it's starting to press up out of the measuring cup. Please let me know if that helps!
Kate
I was terrified of this smoothie and it is delicious!!! I did half blueberries in place of strawberries since I was running low and it kept the red color. Thank you!
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Kate,
Adding blueberries sounds rawsome! Thanks for sharing, and so happy you enjoyed this smoothie!! 🙂
Nyla
Absolutely Decadent...it's like little cupids in red velvet suits dancing on my tongue. I could not get enough and wanted to clean the sides of my glass clean. I used creamed coconut to avoid guar gum in canned coconut milk and steamed beets. I've been trying a new recipe from your site each week and this has been the best. I've been doing green smoothies for two years now with no real recipe and needed a change and found your site. Thank you so much!
Shirley
this looks delish! Could I use beet powder instead of beets?
SGS Rawkstar Jessie
We haven't tried beet powder in its place before, but always worth a try if you have it on hand.:)
Lili A
We only found frozen spinach is that okay? Or should I use other greens?
SGS Rawkstar Jessie
Any leafy green will work, Lili. 🙂
Kelly
This smoothie was amazing! My 1 year old, 2.5 year old, & my very fussy husband all loved it too!! So good.
SGS Rawkstar Jessie
Great to hear! Cheers to you and your family!
Rebecca
Would using pickled beets be totally gross?
SGS Rawkstar Jessie
I haven't tried picked beets in this recipe, so I don't know they best answer...My life motto, go for it!
Abi
Do you use packed or loosely packed spinach?
SGS Rawkstar Jessie
Packed. The more the merrier. 🙂
Legra
Today's breakfast. Loving the chocolate flavor!!!
SGS Rawkstar Jessie
YAY! So glad you are enjoying it!
Carolyn Kammeier
What is the recipe for the coconut whipped cream?
SGS Rawkstar Jessie
Our coconut whipped cream recipe is coming soon. 🙂
Debbie W
I literally hate, abhor beets. Can you taste them in this recipe or is there something I can substitute? I know it provides the color and it sounds delicious.
SGS Rawkstar Jessie
Hey Debbie.
Thanks for the comment. Try subbing in carrots. 🙂