This veganized version of the classic shamrock shake is irresistible! It's ridiculously delicious but with a healthy twist! No added sugars but sweet and minty just the way a shamrock shake should be.
I used to love the McDonald's Shamrock Shakes every March but unfortunately they're made with dairy, not to mention they have 460 calories in just the small plus 63 grams of sugar.
Traditionally, Shamrock shakes are made with vanilla ice cream but I knew I could make a vegan version that was not only dairy free but healthier too. You can achieve the same great taste and frothy, thick texture without ice cream.
Why this recipe works
- coconut cream gives it the creamy texture of shake
- several handfuls of ice thicken it (no ice cream needed!)
- dates are the secret natural sweetener—you won't believe it's not sugar!
- frozen bananas help with thickening and lend additional sweetness
- vanilla extract—adds the flavor that vanilla ice cream would provide
- peppermint extract—the signature refreshing minty flavor of the shamrock shake
- spinach gives it a natural green hue without food coloring, ups the fiber and nutritional value, and is completely tasteless in this shake!
Everything comes together to make an incredibly tasty minty milkshake without all the syrup and sugar!
How to make
Add all the ingredients to a high speed blender and blend well until smooth. Adjust flavors as desired. For sweeter, add a couple more dates. For a stronger mint flavor, add ⅛th teaspoon at a time of additional peppermint extract. It is a strong flavor so be careful not to overdo it.
Pro Tip: add the liquids and spinach first, then the frozen banana and ice. The weight of the banana and ice help to push the spinach down into the blades so that it blends more smoothly. No spinach bits to be seen!
To top it off, I added coconut whipped cream and dairy-free dark chocolate chips. I make the coconut whipped cream from my Watermelon Dessert Pizza recipe. It's the perfect topping for any vegan milkshake. It's really easy to make but there are also store-bought coconut whipped creams.
I also sprinkled some dairy-free chocolate chips on top.
Make it a mint chocolate chip shake
If you want to make a mint chocolate chip milkshake follow the recipe as written. Once everything is blended, add a couple tablespoons of chocolate chips and pulse to distribute. You can also chop some chocolate ahead of time and mix through.
Make sure to not over blend if you want some chocolate chunks visible. The coloring may turn a little brown from the chocolate otherwise.
Want to up the protein?
This milkshake as is has 6g of protein but to make it even more filling there are several ways to up the protein. Here are some easy ideas:
- Use protein powder—this homemade protein powder would be a great addition and as an added bonus, it's green!
- Add hemp seeds, chia seeds, or ground flax seeds—all provide an extra boost of protein without changing the flavor
- Add nuts like cashews or walnuts—make sure you have a powerful blender that can pulverize them, otherwise try soaking them first
With the additional protein, this shake would even make a great after workout snack. I might even go so far as to say it'd make a wonderful, filling breakfast too! Choose one or several of the above to make a healthy Shamrock protein shake when you want something more filling.
More shake and smoothie recipes
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Protein Shake
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I Want Healthy Plant Based Recipes!
The BEST Vegan Shamrock Shake
Ingredients
- ½ can coconut cream, stored in the fridge overnight
- ½ - ¾ cup unsweetened plain almond milk, or non-dairy milk of choice
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon pure peppermint extract
- 1 cup spinach, loosely packed, or ½ cup frozen spinach
- 4-5 small dates, pitted (I used Deglet Noor dates which are smaller than Medjool), or 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup
- 2 frozen bananas
- a couple handfuls of ice, more or less depending on how thick you want it
Optional toppings:
- coconut whipped cream
- dairy-free chocolate chips
Instructions
- Store the coconut cream in the fridge overnight or for a least 4 hours to allow the cream to separate from any liquid in the can. Scoop out the thick cream from the top half of the can and add to your blender. Save the liquid at the bottom for something later (goes great in a smoothie) or use the rest to replace the almond milk for a higher fat shake.½ can coconut cream
- Add the rest of the ingredients in the order listed, except for the ice and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust the any flavoring as needed, keeping in mind that the flavor will be diluted slightly once the ice is added.½ - ¾ cup unsweetened plain almond milk, ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon pure peppermint extract, 1 cup spinach, 4-5 small dates, 2 frozen bananas
- Add the ice and blend again, until the shake is as thick as you'd like.a couple handfuls of ice
- Top with coconut whipped cream if desired and dairy-free dark chocolate chips. Serve immediately.coconut whipped cream, dairy-free chocolate chips
Notes
- Use protein powder—this homemade protein powder would be a great addition and as an added bonus, it's green!
- Add hemp seeds, chia seeds, or ground flax seeds—all provide an extra boost of protein without changing the flavor.
- Add nuts like cashews or walnuts—make sure you have a powerful blender that can pulverize them, otherwise try soaking them first.
Nutrition Per Serving
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Beth
This looks so delicious and yummy! I can't wait to give this a try! My hubby and daughter are going to love this!
Claudia Lamascolo
What a fabulous idea I must try this asap! The kids will love it too!
Tara
Yum! I love that you made this shake vegan. Beautiful color and sounds amazing with the coconut cream!
Jess
I love shamrock shakes. Even better in a healthier version!
rika
I love that I can make my own Shamrock with vegan ingredients and no sugar added.