Skip the drive-thru and make this Shamrock protein shake at home! Made with fresh spinach and natural mint flavor, this healthy version of the classic McDonald's Shamrock Shake has all the minty, creamy flavor with fewer calories and less sugar.
If you love this recipe, try my High Protein Cottage Cheese Smoothie or Spinach Smoothie next!
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Editor's Note: This post was originally published on March 16, 2023. I recently updated it on January 18, 2025, with more information and helpful tips, but the recipe remains the same.
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a homemade version of McDonald's Shamrock Shake. This protein shake is easy to make and has 11 grams of protein and 12 grams of sugar per serving.
By making it at home, you avoid the high-fructose corn syrup, refined sugar, artificial colors, food dyes, and preservatives of the fast-food version. It makes a great snack or guilt-free dessert!
Jump to:
What is a Shamrock Shake?
A Shamrock Shake is a mint-flavored milkshake that is available during the month of March at select McDonald's locations. The original McDonald's Shamrock Shake contains vanilla ice cream, cream, and mint-flavored syrup (high fructose corn syrup and green food coloring), then it is topped with whipped cream and often comes with a maraschino cherry. A small Shamrock Shake (McDonald's version) has 540 calories, 13 g of fat, 95 g of carbohydrates, and 72 g of sugar.
Why I love this shake
- Better than McDonald's: All the creamy mint flavor with 11g protein and only 12g sugar.
- Naturally green: No food coloring - just spinach and kiwi!
- Quick and easy: Ready in 5 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Kid-approved: They won't even taste the hidden veggies!
I make this but I use real mint leaves instead of the extract and I also add cucumber. Everything else I used to the almond milk and the protein powder vanilla and spinach banana but I don't do the kiwi. If I want to get real creamy I put some avocado in there. It is addicting.
- Kari
Ingredient notes
All ingredients for this healthy protein shamrock shake are shown in the picture below, and special notes are made in the bulleted list below to assist you.
- Banana. I used a fresh, ripe banana, but you could also use a frozen banana for an even creamier shake. This naturally sweetens the smoothie.
- Vanilla protein powder. This gives the smoothie a high protein content and delicious vanilla flavor. You could also use chocolate protein powder for a mint chocolate chip flavor.
- Spinach. I used fresh baby spinach, but you could also use frozen spinach. This gives the smoothie a lovely green color; you can't taste it!
- Milk. I used unsweetened almond milk, but you could also use unsweetened coconut milk. Feel free to use your favorite milk, non-dairy or dairy.
- Peppermint extract. I used pure peppermint extract. Add an extra drop or two if you like a stronger mint flavor. Always start with a small amount the first time you make it, and add more if you like.
See the printable recipe card below for exact measurements and a full list of ingredients.
How to make a shamrock protein shake
Step 1: Add 1 cup almond milk and 1 peeled banana to a high-speed blender or food processor.
Step 2: Add ½ cup fresh spinach and 1 peeled kiwi.
Step 3: Add 2 tablespoons vanilla protein powder, ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract, and 1 cup ice cubes.
Step 4: Blend for 30-60 seconds until smooth and creamy. Pour into two tall glasses and garnish with whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles, if desired.
Top tips
- Taste test: Taste the shake before you pour it out of the blender. If you like a stronger mint flavor, add another drop or two of peppermint extract and blend again to mix.
- Blend well: Make sure the spinach is completely smooth.
- Optional: Top with whipped cream, coconut cream, sprinkles, white chocolate chips, cacao nibs, or dark chocolate shavings.
Variations
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based protein powder.
- Extra Protein: Add a tablespoon of chia seeds.
- Lower Sugar: Skip the banana and use stevia to taste.
- Mint Chocolate: Add cocoa powder or chocolate protein powder.
Storage instructions
This protein shake is best enjoyed immediately after blending. If needed, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. Re-blend with ice if separation occurs.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Use 8-10 fresh mint leaves, adjusting to taste.
Use frozen banana and less milk, or add ice until desired thickness.
Use Greek yogurt instead for a protein boost.
Prep ingredients in freezer bags, then blend fresh when ready!
More smoothie recipes
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Printable Recipe
Healthy Shamrock Protein Shake
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or any milk
- 1 medium ripe banana peeled
- ½ cup fresh spinach
- 1 kiwi peeled
- 2 tablespoons vanilla protein powder
- ¼ teaspoon pure peppermint extract
- 1 cup ice cubes
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, rainbow sprinkles, chocolate chips, shaved dark chocolate, maraschino cherry
Instructions
- Add the almond milk, banana, spinach, kiwi, vanilla protein powder, peppermint extract, and ice cubes to a blender.
- Securely place the lid and blend for 30-60 seconds until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the shake into two tall glasses. Garnish with whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles for a fun treat if desired.
Video
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Notes
- Start with less peppermint extract - you can always add more.
- Use a frozen banana for an extra thick shake.
- Any milk works well in this recipe.
- For chocolate mint flavor, use chocolate protein powder.
- Add chia seeds for extra protein.
- Add extra ice cubes to make it thicker.
Nutrition
The provided nutrition information is automatically calculated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
This recipe was originally published on March 16, 2023. It was completely updated on January 18, 2025.
About Jeri Walker
Jeri Walker is the founder and CEO of Winding Creek Ranch. She is a self-taught home cook who specializes in easy family-friendly recipes. Jeri is also a food writer who regularly writes articles for MSN. Read about Jeri's journey and connect with her on your favorite social media channels!
Rod. says
Addictive .just " GREAT"
Jeri Walker says
It IS addictive - I should probably have mentioned that in the post! I'm so glad you liked it! 🙂
Kari says
I make this but I use real mint leaves instead of the extract and I also add cucumber. everything else I used to the almond milk and the protein powder vanilla and spinach banana but I don't do the kiwi. if I want to get real creamy I put some avocado in there. it is addicting.
Jeri Walker says
Thank you so much for sharing your variations on my Shamrock Protein Shake, Kari! I love your addition of fresh mint leaves and cucumber - it sounds so refreshing! And avocado for creaminess is a fantastic idea too! I agree, this shake is addicting! Thanks for trying out the recipe - I really appreciate it! 🙂