Protein Shamrock Shake
This homemade high protein shamrock shake is fresh, flavorful, and healthy! This quick and easy recipe requires only 5 ingredients and 5 minutes to make. Drink it for breakfast, in a smoothie bowl, for a light lunch, afternoon snack, or healthier dessert! It tastes like the seasonal drink from McDonald’s but it is made with wholesome and nutritious ingredients!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This protein shamrock shake takes only 5 minutes!
- This recipe requires only 5 ingredients.
- It comes together quickly and easily.
- This shake is loaded with 35 grams of protein.
- It contains no added sugar.
- Unlike the McDonald’s version, this copycat version is much lower in sugar.
- This shake is great any time of the day! I love it for an afternoon pick me up or post workout refuel.
- This recipe is Paleo friendly, gluten free, dairy free friendly, vegan friendly, nut free friendly, and refined sugar free.
- Check out this Mint Chocolate Smoothie for another delicious smoothie recipe!
What is a Shamrock Shake?
A Shamrock Shake is a seasonal mint-flavored milkshake typically offered by the fast-food restaurant McDonald’s around the time of St. Patrick’s Day, on March 17th.
The shake is known for its green color, often associated with the festive and Irish-themed holiday. The mint flavoring gives it a refreshing taste, and it is often topped with whipped cream and green sprinkles for added flair.
The Shamrock Shake has become a popular treat for those looking to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in a sweet and festive way. Availability may vary by location and over time, as it is a limited-time offering.
These Pistachio Cookies are also festive for the holiday!
Ingredients & Substitutions
These are the main ingredients and substitutions for this protein shamrock shake. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and instructions.
First, use a frozen banana. This makes the smoothie extra thick and creamy! For the best flavor, use a ripe, brown spotted banana.
Frozen spinach adds nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and more thickness. It also turns this shake naturally green! No food coloring needed.
Use any type of milk. Both regular milk and dairy free milk work well. For these photos, I used unsweetened coconut milk.
Peppermint extract adds the delicious mint flavor! If desired, feel free to replace with fresh mint leaves.
Use unflavored protein powder or vanilla protein powder.
Lastly, garnish with dark chocolate chips on top!
Taste & Texture
This protein shamrock shake has a fresh mint flavor! You cannot taste the spinach at all.
The texture is thick and creamy. Continue blending the smoothie until the spinach has been fully blended.
How to Make
Step 1
First, add all ingredients except chocolate chips to a blender.
Step 2
Blend on high until completely creamy.
Step 3
Finally, pour the protein shamrock shake into a glass. Top with chocolate chips if desired. Serve!
Expert Tips & Tricks
Follow these tips and tricks to make the best protein shamrock shake.
First, use a frozen banana and frozen spinach. This makes the shake extra thick and creamy.
Continue blending until fully creamy. This may take up to 60 seconds.
Use only a drop of peppermint extract. It is very flavorful.
This smoothie is best consumed immediately.
How to Serve & Store
Serve this protein shamrock shake immediately! Top with chocolate chips, whipped cream, or melted chocolate.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
I do not recommend freezing this smoothie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Shamrock Shakes are loaded with added sugar and fake color dyes.
McDonald’s sells Shamrock Shakes during the month of March in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.
This shake contains 35 grams of protein.
Both regular milk and dairy free milk work well.
No! This smoothie tastes like mint.
Equipment Needed
Vitamix Blender: This high powered blender is great for making this protein shamrock shake.
Check out all of my kitchen favorites!
You May Also Like
- Mint Chocolate Chip Nice Cream
- Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Peanut Butter Protein Bars
- Protein Mug Cake
- Paleo Protein Smoothie
If you make this protein shamrock shake recipe, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Join my exclusive Facebook Group for a behind the scenes look. I would love for you to follow along! For more ideas, check out these Dessert Recipes.
Get the Recipe: Protein Shamrock Shake
Ingredients
- 1 frozen banana
- ½ cup frozen spinach
- ¾ cup milk, regular or dairy free
- 1 drop peppermint extract
- 1 scoop unflavored protein powder
- dark chocolate chips, optional garnish
Instructions
- First, add all ingredients except chocolate chips to a blender.
- Blend on high until completely creamy.
- Pour into a glass. Top with chocolate chips if desired. Serve!
Notes
- Use a frozen banana for the ultra creamy texture. A room temperature banana will make this smoothie not as thick.
- In addition, the frozen spinach helps thicken this smoothie.
- Continue blending until fully creamy and blended.
- Drink immediately or store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
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