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I grew up eating McDonald’s almost every day, so it shouldn’t surprise you to hear that the Shamrock Shake was a highlight for me each year. I’ve always loved that sweet, minty flavor!
These days, I prefer to make Shamrock Shakes at home without refined sugar or artificial food dyes. I’ve tested and tweaked this healthier recipe for nearly 8 years, so I’m confident making it for my picky kids. (Who definitely would NOT be okay with a smoothie that tastes like spinach.)
Once you taste this healthy shamrock shake recipe, I don’t think you’ll want the drive-through version this year!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Featured Review
“My son and I love this recipe! It tastes like mint ice cream. We’ve tried a different recipe from another site that uses banana instead of the avocado and all we could taste was the banana. This one is the one to use!” – Christy
Healthy Shamrock Shake Ingredients
- Spinach. Fresh baby spinach turns this smoothie green, without artificial food dyes, but you can’t taste it at all.
- Medjool dates. Shop for dates that look soft and juicy in the fresh produce section of your grocery store. They should be easy to split apart with your fingers.
- Milk of Choice. You can use regular cow’s milk or a dairy-free option, such as soy or almond milk, to keep this recipe vegan-friendly.
- Avocado. This adds creaminess without relying on banana, but you could also use a tablespoon of almond butter instead.
- Peppermint Extract. This is key for the minty flavor! It’s potent, so don’t add more than the recipe calls for until you’ve tasted it.
Note: Just like other smoothie recipes, this one is easy to customize. If you want to add protein powder or a tablespoon of chia seeds, go for it!
How to Make a Shamrock Shake
Step 1:
In a high-speed blender, combine the almond milk, avocado, spinach, pitted Medjool dates (or maple syrup), and peppermint extract. Blend until the dates are fully pulverized, and the mixture has a creamy texture, almost like green pudding.
Note: If you don’t have a high-speed blender, omit the dates and use two tablespoons of maple syrup instead. This will blend much more easily.
Step 2:
Once the mixture is smooth, add the ice and blend again until you achieve a slushy texture or your desired consistency.
Keep in mind that the more ice you add, the more diluted the flavor will become. (So don’t add too much!)
Taste the smoothie and make any necessary adjustments. You can add more mint extract for a stronger mint flavor, or a little more maple syrup for added sweetness.
Serving Tips
Pour the smoothie into a glass and serve it right away for the best taste and texture.
To mimic the McDonald’s Shamrock Shake recipe, garnish it with whipped cream and a cherry, or a few green sprinkles, if you keep them on hand.
Storage Tip: Smoothies don’t always store well in the fridge overnight, so if you have leftovers, pour them into a popsicle mold and freeze them for a treat later!
Healthy Shamrock Shake (No Food Dye!)
Ingredients
- ¾ cup almond milk (or water)
- ¼ avocado , pitted
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 5 Medjool dates , pitted (or 2 T maple syrup)
- 1 to 2 large handfuls of ice
Instructions
- Combine the almond milk, avocado, spinach, peppermint extract, and dates and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust the any flavoring as needed, but keep in mind that the flavor will be diluted slightly when you add the ice in the next step.
- Add the ice and blend again, until the smoothie is as thick as you’d like. Serve right away.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
More Recipes to Try
- Sweet Spinach Muffins
- Mint Matcha Cookies
- Pistachio Ice Cream
- Spinach Pancakes (naturally green!)
- Green Eggs
If you try this copycat Shamrock Shake recipe, please leave a comment and star rating below, letting me know how you like it.
I make a shamrock shake often. Mine’s a bit different, but the secret ingredient I use is a frozen banana or two! It’s soo yummy that way and gives it the “traditional” icecreamy taste.
Wow dont think we get that drink over here but look delicious. I have been making my own almond milk and cant get over how easy it is! need to get me some peppermint oil too – so good for my tummy!
I thought carrageenan was just seaweed. I quickly read a wiki about it and it seems it’s a seaweed derivative and caused tumors in some trials. I’ll stick to chia or flax for thickening…
Thanks for the recipe!
I’ve never had a shamrock shake or even wanted to try one, but your version sounds delicious!!
What is the difference between carrageenan and Irish Moss?
Mint chocolate chip ice cream was my favorite as well but, I don’t eat ice cream any more. I can’t wait to try this!! I have everything except the avocado & will have to wait for one to ripen! Thanks for all your great recipes. My husband & I love your carrot ginger dressing – we have it probably 4 out of 7 days a week! I made your raspberry chocolate muffins last week too.
She has a recipe for mint-chocolate chip ice cream, that doesn’t have cream or milk in it.
I was thinking about making one with mint-flavoured chlorophyll (which would also be green), instead of the peppermint extract.
I noticed some of your recipes have dates in it, that I can’t have. Is Maple Syrup always a good replacement??
What if you are allergic to tree nuts? Could you use soy milk?
I’m guessing that you can use any type of milk
Oh yeah! This looks great. I think I’ll switch the dates for 1/2 a banana. Yum.
That’s what I do. It’s delicious!