Vegan Shamrock Shake (Healthy Treat!)

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I make this creamy, minty Vegan Shamrock Shake every year for St. Patrick’s Day, it’s a must! Ready in just 5 minutes, it’s packed with healthy ingredients like frozen bananas, avocado, and spinach, and so good you’d never guess it’s loaded with greens. Even my kids know there are veggies in it, but they still love every sip.

Vegan shamrock shake with chocolate chips in glass jar topped with whipped cream and a straw.Vegan shamrock shake with chocolate chips in glass jar topped with whipped cream and a straw.

Every year when March rolls around, I start craving that cool, creamy, minty shake we all know. But the seasonal McDonald’s version? Nope, all that dairy and processed sugar just don’t sit well with me. So, I set out to create a version with no artificial coloring, just as thick and creamy, but completely plant-based, much like my vegan peanut butter cup shake.

My healthy shamrock shake recipe has everything I love, the smooth texture, the refreshing mint flavor, and just the right amount of sweetness, all while being dairy-free, naturally sweetened, and full of wholesome ingredients. 🙂

I love making this vegan shamrock shake every year because it’s delicious and completely plant-based. Unlike the traditional version, mine has no dairy, no artificial food coloring, and no processed syrups just real, simple ingredients that come together in 5 minutes, for the perfect St. Patrick’s Day drink.

I made this shake one year for St. Patrick’s Day, and my friends couldn’t stop raving about it. They took one sip and immediately asked, “Wait… what’s in this?!” When I told them it was packed with frozen bananas, avocado, and spinach, they couldn’t believe it. The bananas make it naturally sweet and thick, the avocado gives it that ultra-creamy texture, and the spinach? Totally undetectable, but perfect for that festive green color. Instead of the usual sugary syrup, I used dates, and just a little peppermint extract for that fresh, minty flavor. And the chocolate chips? Let’s just say they didn’t last long, I saw a few friends digging them out with their spoons before even finishing the shake. Ha!

I promise, this isn’t just any green milkshake, it’s a plant-based treat that lets you enjoy all the minty goodness without the dairy or artificial stuff. If you love a classic Shamrock Shake but want one made with real ingredients, this is the one to try.

🥘 Ingredients

How did I recreate the perfect Shamrock Shake with simple, wholesome ingredients? It all comes down to how well they blend together. Here’s what I used to make this creamy, minty treat in just minutes.

Ingredients for a vegan shamrock shake on a wood background.Ingredients for a vegan shamrock shake on a wood background.

Milk: I love using unsweetened almond milk, but any plant-based milk works just as well.

Bananas And Avocado: Frozen bananas and avocado make the shake extra thick and naturally sweet. Bananas bring the sweetness, while avocado adds a silky smooth texture.

Spinach: Spinach gives the shake that classic green color without any artificial coloring. It blends right in, so you don’t taste it, but you get all the extra fiber and nutrients.

Dates: For sweetness, I go with dates because they’re natural and add a rich, caramel-like flavor. Maple syrup works too if you prefer a different option.

Chocolate Chips: Dairy-free chocolate chips add little bursts of chocolatey goodness in every sip. I like using dark chocolate to keep the sugar lower while still getting that rich flavor.

Peppermint Extract: A little peppermint extract gives it that refreshing, cool mint taste.

Ice: Ice is totally optional, but I add it when I want a frostier, extra-chilled shake. It makes it even more refreshing, especially on warm days!

🔪 How To Make

This shake isn’t just for St. Patrick’s Day, I make it all the time! It’s refreshing, and way healthier than the drive-thru version. Here’s how to make it:

Blend: I toss everything into the blender at once, except for the chocolate chips, and blend until smooth. I like to pour in the plant-based milk first, then add the rest so it blends easily. Once it’s creamy, I add the chocolate chips and pulse just enough to mix them in without over-blending.

Top view of green smoothie with chocolate chips in a vitamix.Top view of green smoothie with chocolate chips in a vitamix.

Serve: As soon as it’s blended, I pour it into a glass and top it with whipped cream if I’m feeling extra indulgent. Then, I serve it right away while it’s cold and creamy.

Vegan shamrock shake served in a glass with whipped cream and a red and white straw.Vegan shamrock shake served in a glass with whipped cream and a red and white straw.

My #1 Secret Tip for making this vegan shamrock shake recipe is to blend in stages for the best texture! I always start by adding the milk first, followed by the rest of the ingredients, except for the chocolate chips. Once everything is smooth, I just pulse in the chocolate chips at the end. Why? Because over blending them will mix the chocolate too much, turning the shake brown instead of that bright, festive green!

Other Tips To Keep In Mind:

  • Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and creamier the shake. I always use very ripe ones to skip extra sweeteners and get the best texture.
  • Milk Choice: Full-fat coconut milk makes the shake extra rich and creamy, while almond or cashew milk keeps it lighter. I adjust the milk amount depending on how thick I want it, less for a thicker shake, more for a thinner one.
  • Balance the Mint Flavor: Peppermint extract can be strong, so I always start with a little and add more if needed. Too much can overpower the other flavors, so tasting as I go helps me get it just right!

📖 Variations

This vegan shamrock shake recipe is a healthier take on the classic McDonald’s version, but there are plenty of ways to make it your own. I love switching things up depending on what I’m craving. Here are some of my favorite variations:

Different Greens: I usually use spinach and avocado for that classic green color, but other veggies work too. Try adding ½ cup kale, chard, peas, celery, zucchini, or cucumber for a nutritious twist.

Add Protein: When I want a protein boost, I add 1 scoop of vegan vanilla protein powder. It makes the shake more filling and perfect for a post-workout treat.

Cookies & Cream: Swapping ¼ cup of chocolate chips for 2 crushed vegan chocolate sandwich cookies gives this shake a fun twist. I love topping it with a few extra cookie crumbles and a little whipped cream.

Lower Sugar Option: To keep the sugar low, I use sugar-free chocolate chips and swap 1 tablespoon maple syrup for stevia or monk fruit. It’s still sweet and creamy but without the extra sugar.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

Want to take this vegan Shamrock Shake to the next level? It’s already delicious on its own, but here are a few fun ways to make it even more special.

Crunchy: I love pairing this shake with a side of high protein granola for a little crunch. The contrast between creamy and crunchy makes every sip even better.

As A Smoothie Bowl: Sometimes I pour the shake into a bowl and top it with sliced bananas, hemp seeds, cacao nibs, or shredded coconut. Eating it with a spoon feels like a fun twist on a vegan smoothie bowl.

With Breakfast Sides: This shake makes a great addition to breakfast when I want something extra satisfying. It pairs perfectly with these vegan chocolate chip muffins, or my easy protein pancakes.

🧊 Storage Directions

Refrigeration: I always enjoy this shake fresh, but if I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Before serving, I give it a good stir to bring back the creamy texture.

Freezing: When I want to save some for later, I freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. I like pouring it into an ice cube tray so I can blend it again for a quick smoothie.

Reheating: If I’m thawing from frozen, I let it sit at room temperature until it softens. Then, I re-blend it for about 30 seconds until it’s smooth and creamy again.

❓Recipe FAQs

How do I make my shake extra thick and creamy?

Here are my top three tips for making the thickest, creamiest shake:
1) Use frozen bananas instead of fresh ones, they create a naturally creamy texture.
2) Reduce the liquid slightly or add ½ cup ice cubes to make it thicker.
3) Add in some nut butter or coconut cream – this will change the flavor but it will make it creamier!

Why is my shake turning brown instead of green?

The most common reason this smoothie turns brown is over-blending the chocolate chips, which mixes too much brown into the shake and dulls the green. I always pulse them in at the end instead of fully blending. Using fresh spinach also helps, wilted spinach can darken the color. Lastly, too much avocado can mute the green, so I stick to ¼ avocado for the perfect balance.

What if I don’t have peppermint extract?

I love using fresh mint leaves for a natural minty flavor. I just toss in a handful and blend it right in!

A hand grabbing a glass jar with a green shake in it with chocolate chips and whipped cream on top.A hand grabbing a glass jar with a green shake in it with chocolate chips and whipped cream on top.

Love this vegan recipe? Please leave a 5-star rating 🌟 in the recipe below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page!

You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious, healthy, family-friendly food, and if you have any questions, I’m here to help!

Vegan Shamrock Shake

I make this creamy, minty Vegan Shamrock Shake every year for St. Patrick’s Day, it’s a must! Ready in just 5 minutes, it’s packed with healthy ingredients like frozen bananas, avocado, and spinach, and so good you’d never guess it’s loaded with greens. Even my kids know there are veggies in it, but they still love every sip.

Prep Time5 minutes

Total Time5 minutes

Course: 30 Minutes or Less, Drinks

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings: 1 serving

Calories: 535kcal

Shop Ingredients on Jupiter
  • My #1 Secret Tip for this recipe is to blend in stages for the best texture! I always start by adding the milk first, followed by the rest of the ingredients, except for the chocolate chips. Once everything is smooth, I just pulse in the chocolate chips at the end. Why? Because over blending them will mix the chocolate too much, turning the shake brown instead of that bright, festive green!
  • Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and creamier the shake. I always use very ripe ones to skip extra sweeteners and get the best texture.
  • Milk Choice: Full-fat coconut milk makes the shake extra rich and creamy, while almond or cashew milk keeps it lighter. I adjust the milk amount depending on how thick I want it, less for a thicker shake, more for a thinner one.
  • Balance the Mint Flavor: Peppermint extract can be strong, so I always start with a little and add more if needed. Too much can overpower the other flavors, so tasting as I go helps me get it just right!

Calories: 535kcal | Carbohydrates: 83g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 176mg | Potassium: 919mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 52g | Vitamin A: 890IU | Vitamin C: 22.5mg | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 4.2mg



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