If you’re a fan of the popular McDonald’s shake that comes out this time of year, then you’re going to love this healthy shamrock shake! This mint chocolate chip shake has tons of delicious mint flavor and is made with nutrient-dense spinach, banana, cauliflower, and dairy-free yogurt.
The classic shamrock shake is getting a healthy makeover just in time for your St Patrick’s Day celebrations. Sweet, creamy, and with just the right amount of mint flavor – there’s a lot to love about the green Shamrock Shake. I found myself craving one the other day, so I developed this healthy shamrock shake recipe that is still sweet, creamy, and minty – but lower in calories and sugar and made with simple ingredients.
We love vegan smoothies around here and this chocolate mint smoothie has an extra creamy texture thanks to frozen banana and frozen cauliflower. While it gets its bright green color (and loads of nutrients) from spinach rather than green food coloring or matcha – which is used in other shamrock shake copycat recipes.
Why You’ll Love this Vegan Shamrock Shake
- Diet and Allergen Friendly: if you’ve been craving a mint shake, but can’t find a dairy free or vegan version – you’re in luck! This vegan copycat recipe of the famous mint shake is still thick and creamy but without the dairy thanks to frozen produce and some dairy free yogurt. A refreshing drink to satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Delicious Breakfast or Snack: mint lovers can enjoy this mint chocolate smoothie recipe anytime of day. It makes a great breakfast when paired with a muffin or tofu scramble and can easily be packed for an on-the-go pre or post workout snack.
- Healthier Copycat: you don’t need me to tell you that the traditional shamrock shake definitely isn’t a health food. (Although, I won’t judge you for indulging in the occasional shake!) However, if you’re looking to satisfy that craving – this nutrient-packed version is much lower in calories and sugar and makes a perfect St Patrick’s Day treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Frozen Banana: using a frozen banana makes for a thicker and frostier smoothie. Freeze extra ripe bananas for this recipe for a sweeter shake.
- Frozen Cauliflower: instead of ice, we like to add some frozen cauliflower to help thicken this shake without watering it down. You can’t taste the cauliflower in the finished drink but you’ll score some extra fiber.
- Spinach: I prefer to use fresh spinach rather than frozen spinach for the best color and flavor – but you could use frozen spinach in a pinch for this vegan smoothie.
- Non-Dairy Yogurt: to make a vegan version of this shamrock shake, I use non-dairy yogurt – either unsweetened, plain or vanilla. My favorite vegan yogurt is this vanilla plant-based yogurt from Siggi’s.
- Non-Dairy Milk: use any plant-based milk of choice. My favorite is unsweetened, plain soy milk because it has 8 grams of protein per cup – just like dairy milk. However, you can use any that you like: almond milk, coconut milk (makes it extra thick and creamy!), or oat milk.
- Mint Extract: you’ll get a stronger minty flavor by using a bit of mint extract rather than fresh mint leaves – but you can use the fresh mint if you don’t have the pure peppermint extract. I’ve found that a little extract goes a long way, so start with 1/4 teaspoon and add more if you need
- Cacao Nibs or Chocolate Chips: you can’t go wrong with the classic pairing of mint and chocolate. Plus, the chocolate is a great source of antioxidants! Use cacao nibs or mini vegan chocolate chips (we like these ones from Enjoy Life!)
Variations and Substitutions
Add more protein: if you want to make a more filling mint smoothie, add a scoop of your favorite plant-based vanilla protein powder before blending.
Make it more chocolate-y: if you want even more chocolate flavor, add 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder or a scoop of chocolate protein powder to this smoothie before blending.
Make it sweeter: this smoothie isn’t overly sweet so if you like a sweeter smoothie, add 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or 1-2 medjool dates.
Banana free: Don’t like banana? You can still make a delicious and creamy mint smoothie! Instead of the frozen banana, use 1 whole cup of frozen cauliflower rice (instead of just 1/2 cup) and add 1/2 cup of ice OR add 1/2 avocado instead of the banana. Since you lose the sweetness from the banana too, add 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or 1-2 medjool dates.
How to Make this Mint Chocolate Smoothie
Step One: Add all of your smoothie ingredients (except the mini chocolate chips) to a high-powered blender and puree until smooth.
Step Two: Once pureed smooth, add the chocolate chips and pulse to puree the chips. Serve into tall serving glasses garnished with fresh mint and extra chocolate chips. For extra flair, you could top with a vegan whipped cream and/or some green sprinkles.
Tips for Making this Mint Smoothie
- Better Blending is in the Layering: for smoother blending, layer your smoothie ingredients in the pitcher or cup for your blender so that the spinach is closest to the blade. When the spinach is on the bottom, the other ingredients weigh it down onto the blade so it blends better. Also, start with a lower speed and gradually increase the blending speed as the ingredients start to move and puree.
- Go Easy on the Mint Extract: if using mint extract, a little goes a long way. I usually start with 1/4 teaspoon and add more after tasting if you want a mintier smoothie. Also, make sure you are using mint or peppermint extract and not peppermint oil as it is much too strong.
- Meal Prep: keep your freezer stocked with frozen bananas so you can easily make this recipe anytime. Whenever we have an extra banana or two, I peel them and break it in half to free in a reusable bag. (I like to just halve them instead of slicing so I easily know how much banana I’m adding to my smoothies.)
Green Smoothie Health Benefits
As a dietitian, I am a big fan of vegan smoothies because they are a low effort way to add more vegetables to your diet without needing to cook anything. Plus, they’re great if you aren’t a fan of the flavor or texture of certain vegetables since you often can’t taste them in the finished smoothie (like this mint green smoothie for example!). Here are a couple health benefits of green smoothies:
Good Source of Fiber: did you know that only 7% of US adults regularly consume enough fiber? Fiber not only supports regular bowel movements but it can lower cholesterol, encourage a healthy gut microbiome, lower inflammation, and more. Green smoothies are also a good way to get fiber vs sipping on a green juice. (Check out my juicing vs blending post for more!)
Rich in Antioxidants: green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale contain a variety of antioxidants. These are beneficial compounds in foods that can prevent damage caused by free radicals. Although free radicals are produced naturally in the body, if left unchecked they can contribute to chronic inflammation. Adding a handful of spinach to your smoothie is a great way to get them into your diet!
Storage
Fridge: if you have leftover smoothie, you can store in in the fridge for 1-2 days. However, the vibrant green color fades over time and it loses some flavor. If possible, it’s best to drink this smoothie right after blending.
Freezer: rather than putting leftover smoothie in the fridge, I think it tastes better if you freeze it right away. Pour leftover smoothie into an ice cube tray and freeze solid before transferring the frozen smoothie cubes to a ziplock bag. You can also pour leftover mint smoothie into popsicle molds and freeze into a fun, healthier popsicle!
Recipe FAQs
The classic McDonald’s shamrock shake is made from vanilla soft serve and mint-flavored shamrock shake syrup. A small has 500 calories, 14 grams fat, and 51 grams of added sugar.
As long as you’re using raw, fresh spinach leaves – you can’t taste them in the smoothie! Especially this mint chocolate chip smoothie since the mint extract gives it a lot of flavor. Kale, on the other hand, may give your smoothie a hint of grassy flavor. (At least – I think so!)
Yes, you want to use raw spinach in smoothies! The texture and flavor of cooked spinach is no good for adding to smoothies – you want to use raw, fresh spinach.
More Vegan Smoothie Recipes
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Mint Smoothie Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 3/4 cup unsweetened, plain soy milk
- 1/2 cup frozen cauliflower rice
- 1/2 cup non-dairy yogurt
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon mint extract
- 1 tablespoon mini vegan chocolate chips
Instructions
- Add all of your smoothie ingredients (except the mini chocolate chips) to a high-powered blender and puree until smooth.
- Once pureed smooth, add the chocolate chips and pulse to puree the chips. Serve into tall serving glasses garnished with fresh mint and extra chocolate chips. For extra flair, you could top with a vegan whipped cream and/or some green sprinkles.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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