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You are here: Home / Dessert / Healthy Shamrock Shake Recipe

Healthy Shamrock Shake Recipe

Last updated on September 2, 2020. Originally published March 6, 2017 49 Comments

Jump to Recipe

This Healthy Shamrock Shake recipe is made with 8 nutritious ingredients like avocados, spinach, Greek yogurt and is ready in 5 minutes! The perfect St. Patrick’s Day treat that’s naturally dyed green! No food coloring!

front view of a healthy shamrock shake with whipped cream and fresh mint and a green straw

Top ‘O the morning to you!!! This Healthy Shamrock Shake recipe goes out to all of my virtual friends who have a shamrock shake addict in your life. My husband is that guy. You know the one I’m talking about. Literally the first day he sees a sign outside of the golden arches advertising the arrival of said beverage, he has to have one.

I don’t understand it (and never will), but since my main man loves those shakes, and I love him, I made it my mission to create this homemade Shamrock Shake recipe. My goal: to save Ritch from making too many trips to that infamous chain this March.

overhead view of a healthy shamrock shake after just being poured into a glass

How to make a Healthy Shamrock Shake Recipe

NO bananas!

In order to make a Healthy Shamrock Shake that my husband would still love, I knew I couldn’t use bananas. The guy has a super taster for anything that contains banana (and coconut for that matter) and I knew if he got one whiff of a banana the entire experience would be ruined for him. So, I used vanilla honey Greek yogurt and 2% milk for the base.

Use a Vitamix! 

In order to blend everything to creamy perfection make sure to use a Vitamix (or other high-powered blender). A weaker blender will not do in this recipe!

Why this Healthy Shamrock Shake is amazing!

I had three main objectives in creating this Healthy Shamrock Shake, it had to be 1) creamy. 2) Green. and 3) minty!

The addition of avocado, spinach and fresh mint leaves totally worked together to achieve every one of those goals in a completely natural and healthy way! So I feel good about my husband and kids enjoying this green treat! (Instead of secretly being horrified about what they are putting into their bodies)!

side view of a healthy shamrock shake with whipped cream, fresh mint and chocolate shavings

Healthy Shamrock Shake: Substitutions

There are a few easy ways to change up this Healthy Shamrock Shake to fit your dietary needs!

  • Greek Yogurt/Milk:  If you avoid dairy, you can easily substitute a dairy-free yogurt {like So Delicious} and almond or coconut milk to make this dairy-free! I recommend using honey or vanilla flavored yogurt. If you use plain yogurt, you will need to increase the amount of honey so that this Healthy Shamrock Shake is still sweet enough!
  • Honey: Feel free to use any liquid sweetener of your choice. Honey is by far my favorite!
  • Mint: If you’d prefer, you can use mint extract instead of fresh mint, however I love the flavor the fresh mint imparts in this healthy shamrock shake!

More St. Patrick’s Day Recipes

Here are some more green and St. Patty’s Day themed recipes for you!

  • These spinach pancakes, spinach muffins  and these spinach donuts make a fun and festive breakfast!
  • How adorable is this rainbow fruit pizza? Put a little pot of gold at the end and you have a fun dessert!
  • I always think of potatoes when I think of St. Patty’s Day, and these mashed potatoes are the best!

Overhead view of healthy shamrock shake with chocolate shavings, whipped cream and a green straw

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Healthy Shamrock Shake

Laura
This Healthy Shamrock Shake recipe is made with 8 nutritious ingredients like avocados, spinach; Greek yogurt & is ready in 5 minutes! The perfect St. Patrick's Day treat that's naturally dyed green! No food coloring! 
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
Prep Time 5 mins
Total Time 5 mins
Course Dessert, Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 175.8 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • ¾ cup milk
  • ½ cup vanilla honey Greek yogurt
  • 1 avocado
  • ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup spinach frozen
  • 10-15 fresh mint leaves
  • 2 TBS honey
  • ½-1 cup ice optional

Instructions
 

  • Add ingredients to your Vitamix (or other high-powered blender) in the order listed.
  • Blend, starting on low speed and gradually increasing to high until your mixture is smooth and homogenous.
  • Pour and serve immediately, top with whipped cream or chocolate!

Notes

Healthy Shamrock Shake: Ingredient Substitutions

There are a few easy ways to change up this Healthy Shamrock Shake to fit your dietary needs!
  • Greek Yogurt/Milk:  If you avoid dairy, you can easily substitute a dairy-free yogurt and almond or coconut milk to make this dairy-free! I recommend using honey or vanilla flavored yogurt. If you use plain yogurt, you will need to increase the amount of honey so that this Healthy Shamrock Shake is still sweet enough!
  • Honey: Feel free to use any liquid sweetener of your choice. Honey is by far my favorite!
  • Mint: If you'd prefer, you can use mint extract instead of fresh mint, however I love the flavor the fresh mint imparts in this healthy shamrock shake!

Nutrition

Calories: 175.8kcalCarbohydrates: 19.1gProtein: 4gFat: 10.1gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.8gMonounsaturated Fat: 4.3gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 53mgPotassium: 351.7mgFiber: 3.1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 930IUVitamin C: 8.7mgCalcium: 105mgIron: 0.5mg
Keyword healthy shamrock shake, homemade shamrock shake, shamrock shake recipe
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

overhead view of healthy shamrock shake with whipped cream and fresh mint

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Filed Under: Dessert, Eat Seasonal, Gluten-Free, Healthier Desserts, Recipes, Smoothies, Vitamix Tagged With: drink, shamrock shake, vitamix

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Previous Post: « Moments 02.2017
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. S

    March 17, 2019 at 9:50 am

    Made it this morning- so fun!! We used coconut 🥥 yogurt & milk to accommodate for food allergies. And ended up adding a banana to thicken it up more (we are banana lovers) such a great way to start the day!! Thank you!!

    Reply
  2. Maria

    March 18, 2018 at 7:47 am

    Does the spinach need to be frozen?

    Reply
    • Laura

      March 18, 2018 at 7:53 am

      Hey Maria! No, it doesn’t need to be…however frozen spinach makes it thick and creamy without needing to add ice! If you don’t have frozen spinach it will be more liquidy and less thick!

      Reply
  3. Emily Weir

    March 10, 2017 at 8:36 am

    I love the hidden avocado and spinach to give it that natural green color and still sneak in some veggies. Looks delicious!

    Reply
    • Laura

      March 14, 2017 at 8:36 am

      Yes! Creaminess and greenness! 😉

      Reply
  4. Emily Kyle

    March 8, 2017 at 11:45 am

    I am in love with this gorgeous shake! I don’t think I could stomach a traditional shamrock shake if I wanted to, I love this version so much more!

    Reply
    • Laura

      March 9, 2017 at 3:51 pm

      I know!! I took ONE sip of my husband’s ONCE, that’s all I needed! LOL!

      Reply
  5. Liren | Kitchen Confidante

    March 8, 2017 at 10:28 am

    So I know I admitted that I’ve never had a shamrock shake before, but you can bet I’ll be trying yours! It has everything I love!

    Reply
    • Laura

      March 9, 2017 at 3:51 pm

      No worries Liren, you’re not missing much by not having the real thing! lol!

      Reply
  6. cakespy

    March 8, 2017 at 4:18 am

    LOVE this – all of the nostalgia of the classic treat but something you can feel good about consuming!

    Reply
    • Laura

      March 9, 2017 at 3:50 pm

      Absolutely! Fresh and green!

      Reply
  7. Jenn

    March 7, 2017 at 7:04 pm

    My husband is that guy too!! And I have also never understood it. I prefer my green colored food and drinks to be naturally green in color – like your delicious smoothie! THIS is a Shamrock Shake I can get on board with!

    Reply
    • Laura

      March 9, 2017 at 3:50 pm

      LOL I’m totally with you! And lower in sugar too! 😉

      Reply
  8. Taylor Kiser

    March 7, 2017 at 5:25 pm

    Made with everything I love! This healthy shamrock shake needs to be in my life asap! Perfect for breakfast or as my afternoon snack!

    Reply
    • Laura

      March 9, 2017 at 3:50 pm

      It’s definitely a great choice for either!

      Reply
  9. Sandra Laflamme

    March 7, 2017 at 4:18 pm

    These would be fun to make for my kids for St. Patty’s Day. Also, they love spinach in smoothies anyways. Sounds absolutely delish!

    Reply
    • Laura

      March 7, 2017 at 4:38 pm

      That’s awesome that your kiddos enjoy spinach in their smoothies! I have to be a sneaky ninja mom to put it in my kids’ or else it’s quite a production getting them to take the first sip {and realizing they love it}! LOL!

      Reply
  10. Izzy @ She Likes Food

    March 7, 2017 at 3:41 pm

    I’ve actually never had a shamrock shake before haha, but I keep hearing about them! I think I would like this healthy version much more than the original version though! Your husband is a lucky man 🙂

    Reply
    • Laura

      March 7, 2017 at 4:38 pm

      You’re too sweet! 🙂 Yes I actually like this one, not so much the original. LOL!

      Reply
  11. Sonali- The Foodie Physician

    March 7, 2017 at 3:05 pm

    This looks like a great festive treat without the guilt! And it has such a lovely verdant hue!

    Reply
    • Laura

      March 7, 2017 at 4:39 pm

      Thank you Sonali! I love the way REAL ingredients make dishes so vibrant!

      Reply
  12. Rebecca | NOURISHED

    March 7, 2017 at 12:07 pm

    This looks soooooo good. And so perfect for the season. I’ve never had a minty shake before so I am so excited to give this a try!!

    Reply
    • Laura

      March 7, 2017 at 4:39 pm

      I love using fresh mint too! So much better than extract!

      Reply
  13. Lydia @ Suitcase Foodist

    March 7, 2017 at 10:15 am

    Just magical substitutions … and I’m craving green right now. I really can’t seem to get enough.

    Reply
    • Laura

      March 7, 2017 at 4:39 pm

      I’m totally with you! Green everything!

      Reply
  14. kelley {mountain mama cooks}

    March 7, 2017 at 8:57 am

    What a gorgeous color! It’s so refreshing to see a naturally green treat for St. Paddy’s day. Avocado for the win!!

    Reply
    • Laura

      March 7, 2017 at 4:39 pm

      Avocado is ALWAYS a winner around here! 🙂

      Reply
  15. amanda -runtothefinish

    March 7, 2017 at 7:40 am

    Wouldn’t it be cool if ST Pat’s day got everyone drinking green smoothies?! We’ll use the trick of them thinking it’s a adult beverage to show them how tasty they are! 🙂

    Reply
  16. becky

    March 6, 2017 at 8:30 pm

    Strangely enough, I’ve never had the real shamrock shake! Our versions are super similar but still unique. I’ll try yours next and you try mine 😉 Except Rich will hate mine!!

    Reply
    • Laura

      March 7, 2017 at 6:53 am

      You know your Vegan version would agree with me much better! So I can make your version and not have to share with the Mister! LOL! Plus I love anything made with coconut milk, it’s so rich and creamy!

      Reply
  17. Lindsay Cotter

    March 6, 2017 at 6:18 pm

    Love this healthy upgrade! Such a much better option for your family! Way to go!

    Reply
    • Laura

      March 7, 2017 at 6:53 am

      Thank you Lindsay!

      Reply
  18. Sarah

    March 6, 2017 at 6:11 pm

    A green smoothie with avocado is a win in my book, especially when it’s inspired by a treat. They make smoothies so thick and creamy and you even have the greens packed in there. A much better alternative, and one I’d love, over the “classic” Shamrock Shake!

    Reply
    • Laura

      March 7, 2017 at 6:53 am

      Yes!! Avocados truly are magical in smoothies! 🙂

      Reply
  19. liz @ Floating Kitchen

    March 6, 2017 at 3:26 pm

    Love the pretty color of these shakes. I have to admit, I’ve never had a real Shamrock shake before. But I’m kind of ok with that. I like your version better! 🙂

    Reply
    • Laura

      March 7, 2017 at 6:54 am

      LOL YES! You absolutely should be totally ok with that! 😉

      Reply
  20. Letty / Letty's Kitchen

    March 6, 2017 at 3:02 pm

    Shamrock shakes had not even hit my radar until I saw yours and Becky’s. Do I have my head in the flour bin? Truly–thank you. I’m off to the store to buy mint and spinach!

    Reply
    • Laura

      March 7, 2017 at 6:55 am

      LOL Letty! I would have no idea if it weren’t for my husband! 😉

      Reply
  21. marcie

    March 6, 2017 at 2:07 pm

    I’ve had my share of Shamrock shakes, but not in the past 20 years! lol I would much rather make my own healthier version at home too, and I’m so trying this. I’ve got lots of fresh mint in the garden that’s perfect for these!

    Reply
    • Laura

      March 6, 2017 at 2:44 pm

      OoOo I can’t wait until the weather gets warmer and we can plant our garden! Fresh mint will definitely be in there!

      Reply
  22. Emily

    March 6, 2017 at 9:31 am

    Now this looks AMAZING; I’ve never had a shamrock shake, but I think I can definitely see why your husband loves them so much; avocadoes and greek yogurt would be the key to making it super duper creamy!

    Reply
    • Laura

      March 6, 2017 at 2:44 pm

      He loves the shakes full of sugar and cream…lol! BUT he definitely enjoyed this one too and I’m hoping to convert him over to the healthy side! 😉 My kids gobbled them up in no time!

      Reply
  23. Maria @ kitchenathoskins

    March 6, 2017 at 9:06 am

    That is an brilliant idea…festive and healthy – win-win!!!!

    Reply
    • Laura

      March 6, 2017 at 2:43 pm

      No need to derail your healthy lifestyle to celebrate fun holidays with the kids! 🙂

      Reply
  24. Kathryn Pfeffer

    March 6, 2017 at 8:41 am

    My favorite color in a delicious looking smoothie! Will have to try this shamrock shake!!

    Reply
    • Laura

      March 6, 2017 at 2:43 pm

      It got devoured in 0.3 seconds around here! 🙂

      Reply
  25. REBECCA

    March 6, 2017 at 7:50 am

    I don’t think I’ve ever actually had a shamrock shake — golden arches or otherwise — but the vibrant color of this one is absolutely gorgeous!!

    Reply
    • Laura

      March 6, 2017 at 2:42 pm

      I love how real food naturally colors dishes so beautifully!

      Reply
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About Laura

 

Hello I’m Laura! I am a former chemistry teacher turned wife and mom of five beautiful babies with one on the way in 2021! I’m a green smoothie addict, lover of the outdoors, and a peanut butter & nap enthusiast! Click here to read more >>

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