Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Chocolate Cherry Protein Smoothie (Rich • Creamy • High-Protein)

Sarah Smith
4 days ago
2 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Chocolate smoothie topped with cherries and chocolate shavings in a glass. Background has bowls with cocoa powder. Creamy and inviting.

This Chocolate Cherry Protein Smoothie is thick, creamy, and deeply chocolatey, combining frozen cherries, cocoa powder, and protein powder into a rich, dessert-like smoothie with a bright burst of cherry flavor and a satisfying protein boost in minutes. Smooth and indulgent yet balanced, it’s filling enough for breakfast or post-workout fuel while still tasting like a cozy treat.

If you enjoy dessert-inspired blends like Chocolate Protein Smoothie or rich options such as Chocolate Avocado Protein Smoothie, this cherry version is a delicious way to add variety. It also rotates beautifully with fruity favorites like Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Smoothie or cozy options such as Vanilla Chai Protein Smoothie when you want something chocolatey without being heavy.

Why You’ll Love This

Rich chocolate flavor paired with sweet, juicy cherries
Thick, creamy texture that feels indulgent while delivering protein
Easy smoothie made with simple, nourishing ingredients
Perfect for breakfast, post-workout fuel, or a satisfying snack

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes Total Time: 5 minutes Servings: 1 smoothie

Nutritional Information

(Estimated per serving, without optional add-ins)

Calories: 330 kcal

Carbohydrates: 36 g

Protein: 26 g

Fat: 7 g

Fiber: 5 g

Sugar: 18 g

Ingredients

1 cup frozen dark cherries

1 scoop of chocolate protein powder

1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

½ cup milk or unsweetened almond milk

½ cup ice

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins

½ frozen banana (for extra creaminess)

1 tablespoon almond butter

1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (if needed)

1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flax

Instructions

Add all ingredients to a blender.

Blend until smooth, thick, and creamy.

Adjust sweetness or liquid as needed.

Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.

Notes

Frozen cherries give the smoothie a thick, milkshake-like texture without needing yogurt.

Dark cherries pair especially well with chocolate for a rich, balanced flavor.

Chocolate protein powder works best, but vanilla can be used for a lighter chocolate taste.

This smoothie is naturally filling thanks to fiber and protein.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?

Yes. Fresh cherries work well, but adding extra ice helps maintain a thick, creamy texture.

Is this smoothie good for post-workout?

Yes. The combination of protein and carbohydrates makes it a great choice for post-workout recovery.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes. Use almond milk or another plant-based milk along with a dairy-free protein powder.

Can I make it sweeter without added sugar?

Yes. A few slices of banana or a pitted date will add natural sweetness without refined sugar.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Cherry Protein Smoothie is rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying — the perfect option when you’re craving chocolate but still want something nourishing. Easy to make and full of flavor, it’s a smoothie you’ll want to keep in regular rotation for breakfast, post-workout fuel, or a healthier dessert-style treat.