This healthy Shamrock Shake is so creamy and flavorful! This quick and easy smoothie recipe takes only 5 minutes to make. It is great for a healthy breakfast, protein packed snack, or even healthier dessert!
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This homemade healthy shamrock shake is incredibly creamy and flavorful! This quick and easy smoothie recipe requires only 5 ingredients and 5 minutes. We love it any time of the day. Great for a quick breakfast, midday protein boost, or even healthier treat! Kids love this copycat McDonald’s recipe too!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This healthy shamrock shake takes only 5 minutes!
- This easy smoothie recipe requires just 5 ingredients.
- Make it on busy mornings for you and your kids.
- This homemade shamrock shake contains a whopping 35 grams of protein.
- There is no added sugar.
- Unlike the McDonald’s version, this copycat version is much lower in sugar and higher in protein.
- It contains no food coloring or harmful dyes.
- Enjoy it any time of the day.
- This recipe is Paleo friendly, gluten-free, dairy-free friendly, vegan-friendly, nut-free friendly, and refined sugar-free.
- Check out our family favorite Green Smoothie Recipe too!
What is a Shamrock Shake?
A seasonal mint-infused milkshake, the Shamrock Shake, is typically featured by the fast-food chain McDonald’s during March for St. Patrick’s Day.
Characterized by its vibrant green color, the shake is closely tied to the festive and Irish-themed nature of the holiday. The mint flavor provides a cool and fresh taste. It is often enhanced with the addition of whipped cream and green sprinkles for extra visual appeal.
The Shamrock Shake has gained popularity as a treat for those seeking a sweet and celebratory way to mark St. Patrick’s Day. However, its availability can vary by location and time, given that it is a limited-time offering.
Ingredients & Substitutes
These are the main ingredients and substitutions for this healthy shamrock shake. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and instructions.
Use a frozen banana for the best texture. Frozen bananas create a super creamy texture in smoothies.
We love adding in frozen spinach to this shake! It adds even more thickness, a bright green color, and additional nutrients.
Use your favorite type of milk. If you are dairy-free, use dairy-free milk.
Peppermint extract adds the mint flavor. A small drop goes a long way!
Choose unflavored protein powder or vanilla protein powder.
Finally, garnish with dark chocolate chips on top if desired.
Taste & Texture
This healthy shamrock shake has a fresh mint flavor! You cannot taste the spinach at all.
It has as subtle sweetness from the banana.
The texture is smooth, thick, and creamy. Blend the smoothie until the spinach has been fully blended.
How to Make
Step 1
First, add all of the ingredients except the chocolate chips to a blender.
Step 2
Blend on high until completely smooth.
Step 3
Pour the shake into a glass. Top with chocolate chips if desired.
Expert Tips for Success
Follow these tips and tricks to make the best healthy shamrock shake.
Use a frozen banana and frozen spinach for the best texture. This makes the shake extra thick and creamy.
Blend until fully creamy. This may take up to 60 seconds depending on your blender.
Use only a drop of peppermint extract. It is very flavorful and a little goes far.
This smoothie is best consumed immediately. I do not recommend making it more than 24 hours in advance.
How to Serve & Store
Serve this healthy shamrock shake immediately! Top with chocolate chips, whipped cream, or melted chocolate.
For a fun treat, serve with these Chocolate Peppermint Cookies!
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
This smoothie is not meant to be made that far ahead of time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, Shamrock Shakes are filled with added sugar and fake food coloring. A large Shamrock Shake from McDonald’s contains over 100 grams of sugar.
Shamrock Shakes are available during the month of March in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.
This healthy Shamrock Shake contains 35 grams of protein.
Both regular milk and dairy-free milk work well in this smoothie recipe.
No! This smoothie tastes like mint. You cannot taste the spinach.
Equipment Needed
Vitamix Blender: This blender is great for making this healthy shamrock shake.
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