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Home » Recipes » Smoothies » Shamrock Protein Shake

Shamrock Protein Shake

Published: Mar 10, 2021 · Updated: Mar 19, 2021 by Natalie · This post may contain affiliate links · 38 Comments

Jump to Recipe

This Shamrock Protein Shake is absolutely delicious. Sweet, thick, and creamy, full of vanilla flavor with added mint freshness. This healthier version of a popular drink is made with only 6 simple, wholesome ingredients. It's a filling, high-protein, low-calorie drink made without any added sugars. 

Shamrock protein shake served in a glass, topped with chocolate chips and fresh mint.
Jump to:
  • Ingredients used
  • How to make Shamrock Protein Shake
  • Substitutions
  • Tips for storing
  • Useful tips
  • Faq
  • More healthy drinks to try
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

Do you know that delicious green, mint-flavored Shamrock Shake you can get at McDonald's? Well, it's hard to miss it because of the color and all that cream on top. It's hugely marketed and very popular around St. Patrick's Day. Looks impressive and really delicious.

Well, I'll never forget my first Shamrock Shake at McDonald's. It was everything I imagined to be. Creamy, tasty, and super sweet. Something you can easily get hooked on. Of course, I had to sit down when I saw how much he weighed in calories. I was shocked! Not pleasantly, if I may add.

Since I didn't want to deprive myself of this delicious drink, I decided to create my own version at home with WAY less calories. This copycat Shamrock Shake tastes, in one word, amazing. Even better than the original. And it's SO much healthier! I even upgraded the simple Shamrock Shake to be MORE nutritious.

And just in time for St.Patrick's celebration, I'm sharing my winning Shamrock Protein Shake with you, that is:

  • Thick, beautifully green, and incredibly creamy. 
  • Full of wonderful vanilla flavor and mint freshness.
  • Sweet but made without any added sugars.
  • Very satisfying and quite nutritious, packed with SUPERFOODS.
  • Low in calories and high on proteins. 
  • Easy to make with only a few simple ingredients.
  • Ready in 5 minutes!
  • A delicious meal you can enjoy for breakfast or when you need to energize.

Convinced to give it a try? Well, then read on. There's much more to know about this green goodness.

Shamrock protein shake served in a glass, topped with chocolate chips and fresh mint.

Ingredients used

To make this healthy shamrock shake, you will need only 6 simple pantry ingredients:

  • Milk. I used oat milk, but you can use any milk you prefer and like. Note that coconut milk won't work well here, because of the flavor.
  • Banana. It's packed with many nutrients, especially gut-friendly fibers, very filling and great for energizing the body. Ripe banana is best here because it gives sweetness so there's no need for adding extra sugars.
  • Spinach. It's a star ingredient in this protein shake. It gave this amazing natural green color but also enhanced the shake with many nutrients. Spinach is packed with insoluble fibers good for our digestion, and powerful antioxidants, like vitamin C. It's also rich in vitamin K, folic acid, iron, and calcium (1). When making shakes and smoothies, I like to use baby spinach. It's delicate and mildly sweet.
  • Protein powder. No protein shake is complete without protein powder. I used vanilla flavored whey isolate. But you're welcome to use any protein powder you're normally using.

To give Shamrock Protein Shake extra flavor and some more boost, I also tossed in:

  • Fresh mint. It gave distinctive Shamrock Shake flavor.
  • Hemp seeds. They are loaded with heart-healthy Omega-3 fats, proteins, and other unique plant compounds. A great addition to shakes and smoothies, making them more filling and balanced.
Shamrock Protein Shake ingredients

How to make Shamrock Protein Shake

Making this creamy green beauty is quite easy. It will take you 5 minutes (tops!). You will only need a good blender.

  • Start with preparing and measuring all the ingredients. I like to use measuring cups.
  • Take the blender and add all ingredients. Note: add wet ingredients first for easier blending. Also, add in ice cubes, if using.
  • Mix everything at high speed until you get a smooth silky texture.
  • If the shake is too thick, add a little more liquid – milk or water. Blend again until everything is well combined.
  • Taste the shake and add additional sweetener if the shake is not sweet enough. I recommend using 1-2 soaked dates, date syrup, raw honey or maple syrup, stevia, or any low-carb sweetener. This is totally based on your preference.
  • Transfer the shake into a glass. 
  • ADD TOPPINGS: I used cacao nibs. Be creative here and add toppings you like. 
  • Serve and enjoy!
  • Makes 1 cup that serves 1 person (full meal) or 2 servings as a snack.
Shamrock protein shake served in a glass on a wooden coaster.

Substitutions

  • Substitute oat milk with any plant-based milk except coconut milk. Coconut milk won't work well here. Cow's milk is fine.
  • Substitute hemp seeds with ground flax seeds or chia seeds.
  • Substitute fresh mint with mint extract.
  • Substitute spinach with any greens. Kale is perfect here. 
  • Use the whole banana if you're bulking. I used only half to cut down calories.
  • Substitute whey protein powder with any protein powder you like.
  • MAKE IT VEGAN: Use vegan protein powder and plant-based milk.
  • Shamrock protein shake served in a glass on a wooden coaster.
  • Hand holding shamrock protein shake served in a glass on a wooden coaster.

Tips for storing

  • Store in a glass jar with a lid or shaker and keep refrigerated for up to one day.
  • Don't forget to shake it or stir it with the spoon before consuming it.
  • Remember, all shakes oxidate when left standing. That's not bad, but to reap all benefits from ingredients, it's best to have this protein shake freshly made.
Shamrock protein shake served in a glass with two colorful straws.

Useful tips

  • To make the Shamrock Protein Shake more refreshing, add ice cubes.
  • If you like your smoothie extra creamy, you can use a frozen banana.
  • When adding your ingredients to your blender, always add the liquid first. Doing this will help your blender run easily and it will prevent making lumps.
  • Use a high-power blender to ensure everything blends well and the protein shake is silky smooth. 
  • If you are using dates to sweeten the shake, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes. Drain them before using them.
  • If you're using unflavored protein powder, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor.
  • Make sure you're using ripe bananas, to achieve the wanted sweetness. 

Faq

How to make Shamrock Protein Shake kids-friendly?

If you’re preparing this healthy Shamrock Shake for kids, you can omit the protein powder and substitute it with Greek yogurt. Use a sweetened vanilla Greek yogurt or use plain one and add your own sweetener, to taste and vanilla extract.

How to make Shamrock Protein Shake without a banana?

Banana adds nutrients and gives this protein shake creaminess and sweetness. If you want to make a shake without a banana, you can swap a banana with 1/2 avocado. In that case, you may need to add some sweetener. I recommend using 1-2 soaked dates, date syrup, raw honey or maple syrup, stevia, or any low-carb sweetener.

What is a McDonald's Shamrock Shake made of?

McDonald's original Shamrock Shake is the homemade version of the classic St. Patrick's day treat made with vanilla ice cream, mint extract, whipped cream, and cherry that is usually placed on top.

How much sugar is in a McDonald's Shamrock Shake?

Small Shamrock Shake has 560 calories, 16 grams of fat, 91 grams of carbs, and 78 grams of sugar. A large shake has 800 calories, 22 grams of fat, 131 grams of carbs, and 113 grams of sugar.

How much sugar is in a Shamrock Protein Shake?

This Shamrock Protein Shake has 378 calories, 11 grams of fat, 41 grams of carbs, and 28 grams of sugars. Sugar in this healthy shamrock shake is a natural one, coming only from ingredients. It's not added nor refined. Plus, this shake has whooping 31 grams of proteins.

Upper view of a shamrock protein shake served in a glass with two colorful straws.

If you're looking for more healthy St. Patrick's Day recipes to try, here are some of my favorites.

  • Irish Soda Bread Muffins
  • Healthy Guinness Chocolate Cake
  • Guinness Brownies

Enjoy!

More healthy drinks to try

  • Peanut Butter Protein Shake
  • Iced Coffe Protein Shake
  • Matcha Smoothie
  • Chocolate Avocado Smoothie
  • Strawberry Spirulina Smoothie

📖 Recipe

Shamrock protein shake served in a glass, topped with chocolate chips and fresh mint.

Shamrock Protein Shake

By Natalie
This Shamrock Protein Shake is absolutely delicious. Thick, creamy, and incredibly sweet. Full of vanilla flavor with mint freshness. This healthier version of a popular drink is made with only 5 simple, wholesome ingredients.
5 from 42 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 mins
Total Time 5 mins
Course Breakfast, Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 1 cup
Calories 378 kcal

Equipment

  • Blender

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup oat milk
  • 1/2 banana
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1 tablespoon hemp seeds
  • 1 handful of baby spinach
  • A few fresh mint leaves or 1/2 tsp mint extract
  • Ice cubes optional

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients in the blender. Note: add wet ingredients first for easier blending. Also, add in ice cubes, if using.
  • Mix everything at high speed until you get a smooth silky texture.
  • If the shake is too thick, add a little more liquid – milk or water. Blend again until everything is well combined.
  • Taste the shake and add additional sweetener if the shake is not sweet enough.
  • Transfer the shake into a glass.
  • Add toppings (optional): I used cacao nibs. Be creative here and add toppings you like.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Makes 1 cup that serves 1 person (full meal) or 2 servings as a snack.
Substitutions
  • Substitute oat milk with any plant-based milk except coconut milk, or other milk of choice.
  • Substitute hemp seeds with ground flax seeds or chia seeds.
  • Substitute whey protein powder with any protein powder you like.
  • Substitute fresh mint with mint extract.
  • Substitute spinach with any greens. Kale is perfect here.
MAKE IT WITHOUT BANANA: Substitute banana with 1/2 avocado. In that case, you may need to add some sweetener. I recommend using 1-2 soaked dates, date syrup, raw honey or maple syrup, stevia, or any low-carb sweetener.
MAKE IT VEGAN: Use vegan protein powder and plant-based milk.
MAKE IT KIDS-FRIENDLY: Omit the protein powder and substitute it with Greek yogurt. Use a sweetened vanilla Greek yogurt or use plain one and add your own sweetener, to taste and vanilla extract.
Store in a glass jar with a lid or shaker and keep refrigerated for up to one day. Don't forget to shake it or stir it with the spoon before consuming it.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 378kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 138mg | Potassium: 497mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 3421IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 398mg | Iron: 5mg
Keyword healthy shamrock shake, homemade shamrock shake, Shamrock Protein Shake, shamrock shake recipe
Tried this recipe?Pease take a moment and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. I love hearing from you!
DisclaimerThe nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but I have endeavored to be as accurate as possible.
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About Natalie

Natalie Knezic is a certified nutrition coach, and weight loss specialist, and creator of Natalie's health blog. She's passionate about helping others live healthier more fulfilled lives through a healthy diet and active lifestyle. She actively coaches, creates recipes, and writes about a healthy lifestyle. Her articles have been featured on many popular websites, like Shape, Men’s Fitness, Greatist, Pure Wow, Mashed, The Huffington Post, ELLE Magazine, and many more.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Genevieve | Fitty Foodlicious says

    March 20, 2021 at 12:10 am

    5 stars
    I love a good Shamrock Shake and I love that this one is full of protein!

    Reply
  2. Nayomi says

    March 19, 2021 at 7:30 pm

    5 stars
    This Shake looks tasty and healthy. Love the vibrant green hue.

    Reply
  3. Maddie says

    March 18, 2021 at 10:08 pm

    5 stars
    So refreshing and decadent at the same time! Love this!!

    Reply
  4. Jamie says

    March 15, 2021 at 6:17 am

    5 stars
    Wow the fresh mint in here is such a great addition! It adds a freshness that's paired perfectly with the creamy shake! Delicious!

    Reply
  5. amycaseycooks says

    March 15, 2021 at 1:03 am

    5 stars
    This looks like a delicious smoothie and it has all my favorite ingredients. And such an awesome color too!

    Reply
  6. Debbie says

    March 15, 2021 at 12:23 am

    5 stars
    This thick Shamrock Protein Shake is now my new favorite protein shake. The mint adds such a nice freshness that I love. Such a healthy alternative!

    Reply
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Hi, I'm Natalie, a certified nutrition coach, and a healthy foodie. I love creating recipes that taste delicious using wholesome ingredients that contribute to our wellbeing. On my blog, you'll find many such recipes plus tips on how to live a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life. I'm so glad you are here! Find out more about me!

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