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McDonald’s Shamrock Shake (Healthy Copycat)

Liz DellaCroce Avatar

LIZ DELLA CROCE

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This naturally sweetened, green shamrock shake is a guilt-free, healthy version of the McDonald’s favorite. Protein-packed and only 14g of sugar, this shake is perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert!

Shamrock shake healthy copycat.

Spring brings around wonderful memories of the special occasion that is the Shamrock Shake from McDonalds. We didn’t eat out much growing up, but we would make a trip every March to get the seasonal treat. As delicious as it was, and still is, the sugar packed dessert is often too much for me now. I’m all for enjoying things in moderation, but if you’re like me and want a less sugary way to satisfy that craving, I introduce you to my Shamrock Shake Healthy Copycat! It’s more of a smoothie than an actual milkshake, but semantics, am I right?

Ingredients

  • Baby spinach: More tender and less bitter than full-grown spinach, it also gives you a boost of antioxidants with lots of other vitamins.
  • Avocado: Along with the banana, it helps to give the smoothie that creamy, shake-like consistency, as well as being full of healthy fats and protein.
  • Banana: The best fruit to use when you want to sweeten something up without adding sugar.
  • Greek yogurt: Packed with more protein than your average yogurt, I use plain to keep the sugar content low, but you could use vanilla as well.
  • Protein powder: I use my favorite vanilla whey protein powder, as the protein helps you keep you feeling fuller for longer, but you could use unflavored and a plant based powder to keep the drink vegan.
  • Fresh mint: Using fresh mint sprigs is the key to the strong, sweet, minty flavor that mimics the shake from McDonalds.

How to Make a Shamrock Shake Healthy Copycat

Start your shamrock shake by getting out your blender and adding the baby spinach.

Then take out the pit of your avocado and add that on top.

Peel the banana and add it to the mix.

Then add in the Greek yogurt.

And the protein powder.

Next add the fresh mint sprigs, the more the better if you’re a fan of that strong, minty flavor.

Finish with ice or some water, depending on the consistency you like.

Then blend away until smooth! Add more ice or water to get the perfect finish.

Shamrock shakes.

Once blended, poor into glasses and enjoy your Shamrock Shake Healthy Copycat!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the green stuff in Shamrock Shake?

In McDonalds actual shake? Probably just food coloring. In mine it’s a mix of spinach, avocado, and real mint!

What is the flavor of a Shamrock Shake?

While some people think it might be lime, it’s mint! While McDonalds probably uses mint extract, this shake uses real, fresh mint sprigs.

How many calories are in a Shamrock Shake?

A true Shamrock Shake from the fast food king is 500 calories in a small. Mine comes in around 350!

More Sweet Treats

Drink It, Like It, Share It!

Did you try this recipe and like it? The next time you make it, snap a picture and share it to your socials! Tag @thelemonbowl and #thelemonbowl so we can admire and share your drink.

Liz enjoying shamrock shake healthy copycat.

If you’re trying to avoid that drive-thru line this spring, my Shamrock Shake Healthy Copycat will be sure to satisfy that craving and help you hit your goals.

Your straw is waiting.

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McDonald's Shamrock Shake (Healthy Copycat)?

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McDonald’s Shamrock Shake (Healthy Copycat)

4.50 stars average
Liz Della Croce
This naturally sweetened protein shake is a guilt-free, healthy version of the McDonald's favorite. Perfect for breakfast, snack or dessert!
PREP: 2 minutes
TOTAL: 2 minutes
Pin
Servings4

Ingredients
 

  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1 avocado (pitted)
  • 1 banana
  • 1 cup whole milk plain Greek yogurt
  • cup vanilla protein powder
  • ¼ cup fresh mint sprigs
  • 2-3 scoops ice (more or less to taste)

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients in a high speed blender and puree until smooth and creamy.

Last Step:

Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps us to continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.

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Liz’s Notes

Note: This is meant to serve as a meal. To lower calories, simply split the blender by four glasses instead of two.

Nutrition

Calories: 355kcal | Carbohydrates: 41.3g | Protein: 17.9g | Fat: 16.7g | Saturated Fat: 4.8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11.9g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 249mg | Fiber: 17.5g | Sugar: 14.4g


4.50 from 4 votes (1 rating without comment)

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22 responses to “McDonald’s Shamrock Shake (Healthy Copycat)”

  1. Farida Banu Avatar
    Farida Banu

    Thank you so much. Love the recipe and will try this weekend.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Let me know what you think!

  2. Akhil Avatar
    Akhil

    This looks AMAZING. I am definitely going to make this one!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I hope you love it!!

  3. Amanda @ Cookie Named Desire Avatar
    Amanda @ Cookie Named Desire

    I’ve never had a Shamrock Shake before. I didn’t even know what was in it until last year and even now I am not too sure. Whatever the case, this is the kind of “shake” that I think I want in my life. Can’t wait until morning to try it!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I hope you try it – we love it!!

  4. Archana Avatar
    Archana

    I want to eat that whole thing right now, these look so good!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Aww thank you so much!

  5. Mary Davis Avatar
    Mary Davis

    What a precious little girl you were! they still have those shamrock shakes…………

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Awwww I love you mommy!!

  6. eliz Avatar
    eliz

    Do you prefer the Bob’s Red Mill to the Biochem?

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Yes I do because it’s naturally sweetened!

      1. eliz Avatar
        eliz

        It doesn’t look like the natural flavor or biochem is artificially sweetened?

        1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
          Liz DellaCroce

          I’m sorry what is your question? Want to be sure I answer correctly!

          1. eliz Avatar
            eliz

            Oh, I was just looking at the ingredients and it doesn’t look like the “natural” biochem is artificially sweetened, but maybe the other flavors are?

          2. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
            Liz DellaCroce

            Ohhh I don’t use BioChem so I’m not sure. I use Bob’s Red Mill :)

  7. Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious Avatar
    Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious

    I love mint. This looks amazing!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Aww thank you so much Megan! It was so fresh and good!

  8. lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain Avatar
    lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain

    Now this is how you shake up a Monday! Gorgeous m dear!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Thank you my pretty!!! xoxox

  9. Catherine Avatar
    Catherine

    Dear Liz, This drink is so festive….I love the bright color and I love that it is all natural. What a fun drink to make for the family. xoxo, Catherine

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Aww thank you so much! Enjoy!!