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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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 ½ 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.
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.
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.
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.
If you're looking for more healthy St. Patrick's Day recipes to try, here are some of my favorites.
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
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup oat milk
- ½ banana
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 tablespoon hemp seeds
- 1 handful of baby spinach
- A few fresh mint leaves or ½ 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
- 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.
Genevieve | Fitty Foodlicious says
I love a good Shamrock Shake and I love that this one is full of protein!
Nayomi says
This Shake looks tasty and healthy. Love the vibrant green hue.
Maddie says
So refreshing and decadent at the same time! Love this!!
Jamie says
Wow the fresh mint in here is such a great addition! It adds a freshness that's paired perfectly with the creamy shake! Delicious!
amycaseycooks says
This looks like a delicious smoothie and it has all my favorite ingredients. And such an awesome color too!
Debbie says
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!
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
Yum! This Shamrock Protein Shake looks absolutely delicious! I am so excited to taste this.
Jacqueline Debono says
I made this shamrock protein shake for breakfast today and it was so so good. I didn't have protein powder so added Greek yogurt as you suggested. But am going to add the protein powder to next week's shopping list and make it again!
Ben Myhre says
This was a great alternative to some of the more... erm... less healthy.... shakes out there. This tasted great and while I always make room for some fatty treats, I also have to treat my body well. This is helping me do that and still participate in the shamrock fun. Thanks for sharing!
Tristin @ Home Cooked Harvest says
I can not wait to try this Shamrock protein smoothie! Looks so pretty and I love the addition of the mint. My kids will love it!!
Angela Cardamone @marathonsandmotivation.com says
Loved this refreshing protein shake! I can't wait to make it again, it was so delicious!!!
Brandy says
I really need to buy a blender so I can try this delicious looking shamrock protein shake! I need new ideas to eat and drink healthier, this sounds appealing to me.
Leslie says
I love it when you can recreate a better, healthier version of the original...especially when it's something this amazing!
Colleen says
I love this healthy but still delicious version of a shamrock shake! It's going to be how we start the day on St Paddy's day, but also on rotation all year!
Dana says
I'm so glad I found this recipe. We love shamrock shakes and look forward to them this time of year but they're so full of sugar. This was a great alternative and we all really enjoyed this shake.
Toni says
This shake is seriously amazing!! My kids loved it!
Toni says
I LOVE that I can make a special shake for my kids that is sweet enough that they'll enjoy it but not loaded with refined sugar as in the original version. Did a test run today with all thumbs up. Will repeat next week for St. Patrick's Day.
Lori Bosworth says
What a healthy shamrock shake! I love that it doesn't contain any artificial sugars or colouring.
Justine says
Yesss.....finally a Shamrock Shake that is GOOD for me!
Angela says
This is the perfect recipe for St Patrick's Day breakfast! I can't wait to make it for my kids.
Alisa Infanti says
So much better than the fast-food variety!
Michelle says
Such a fun and vibrant green protein shake! Yum, can't wait to start each day with this drink!
Diana says
What a great-sounding smoothie! I like that is packed with things my body needs as well as looking delicious.
Beth Sachs says
Love the colour of this shake and a great way to start St Paddy's Day!
April says
I have a protein shake for breakfast every morning. This is a great way to mix it up and it has such a great flavor.
Lilly says
I love the vibrant color and the mint mixed with the spinach! The flavor is so good!
Linda says
I love a combination of banana and oatmeal; however, I never add mint and spinach in my shake. This is something I need to try and a fun way to include veggies
Deborah Brooks says
I have never actually had a shamrock shake! Banana and fresh spinach sound perfect in these
Jessica Formicola says
Shamrock shakes are my favorite, but they are so unhealthy! This protein shake version looks amazing and I can't wait to try it!
Angela says
A great way to start the morning off healthy. I love the creaminess of this protein shake.
wilhelmina says
Yum! I love that this healthy drink tastes so much like a treat! Even my daughter agreed that it is amazing!
klor says
Love this! The flavor is awesome and it's easy to put together for a busy morning.
Andréa Janssen says
What a great shake, and I love the beautiful green color. Indeed very perfect for St. Patrick's day!
Izzy says
Thank you for this latest addition to my morning breakfast shakes! The natural sweetness of the banana is only complemented by the freshness of the mint, one glass is never enough.
Jess says
Oh my goodness! I love everything about this. So refreshing and filling!
Toni says
This is so tasty and really healthy!! Even my kids loved it, too!
Mirlene says
This is exactly what I needed this morning to start the day. Came out perfect.
Maria says
A complete meal in itself indeed! Quick and easy, too! Thank you for sharing this recipe.