Treat yourself to a homemade vegan Shamrock Shake this St. Patrick’s Day! Packed with bananas and spinach, this minty milkshake is a healthy spin on the seasonal favorite. In fact, I think it would pass for a green smoothie! This easy to make recipe is vegan and gluten-free.
Shamrock Shake
When I told Dennis that I was working on a vegan Shamrock Shake recipe for my blog, he had no idea what I was talking about. We went vegan sixteen years ago, and we both avoided fast food restaurants before that, so I wasn't surprised that he didn't know what it was. I only knew what it was from hearing coworkers talk about it years ago.
St. Patrick’s Day
If, like Dennis, you don’t know what a Shamrock Shake is, it’s simply a green, minty milkshake that’s available at McDonalds during the month of March to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. It’s not even close to being an Irish dish, so it has nothing to do with the holiday, other than the fact that it’s green.
The Shamrock Shake that you’ll find available for purchase at McDonald's is made with vanilla ice cream, cream, high fructose corn syrup and corn syrup, food coloring, and some weird additives that aren’t actually food. Despite the fact it’s now made with “low-fat” ice cream, it’s a total calorie bomb and it’s full of unhealthy ingredients.
Healthy Vegan Shamrock Shake
My vegan Shamrock Shake uses vanilla non-dairy milk, frozen bananas, and avocado to mimic the creamy texture and taste of vanilla cows' milk ice cream. The green color comes from fresh baby spinach leaves rather than chemicals. Shamrock Shakes are usually topped with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry, but I topped mine with mint leaves and cacao nibs. Feel free to use fresh cherries and coconut whipped cream or cashew cream, if that strikes your fancy, though.
How to Make a Vegan Shamrock Shake
This recipe couldn't be easy to make! You simply throw all of the ingredients together in a blender and process until it's smooth and creamy.
This Vegan Shamrock Shake is perfect for a light breakfast, it makes a great afternoon pick-me-up, and it’s a tasty dessert, as well!
Vegan Shamrock Shake
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla almond or soy milk
- 2 frozen bananas
- ½ avocado
- 2 cups baby spinach tightly-packed
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
- Mint leaves and cacao nibs for garnish optional
Instructions
- Mix the milk, bananas, avocado, spinach, and extracts together in a high-speed blender until smooth.
- Pour into two glasses and garnish with mint leaves and cacao nibs, if using. Serve cold.
Mary Ellen | VNutrition
I haven't had a shamrock shake since college! This looks delicious and sooo much healthier than the original!
Becky Striepe
Oh wow - the color of this beauty is spot on, and I love how much healthier it is than the ones at fast food joints!
Dianne
Thanks, Becky!
Dianne
Thank you, Mary Ellen!
Jenn
Loving this healthy version of a Shamrock Shake! Maybe I can convert my hubby - he loves the fast food ones - ugh!
Dianne
Thanks, Jenn! I hope he likes it!
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day
I've never had one of those other Shamrock Shakes, but yours looks absolutely delicious!
Dianne
Thanks, Amy! I've never had one from McDonalds, but I am a fan of my own healthy version! 🙂