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Hello! I’m Anjali. I’m a board certified health coach, author, wife, mom and food lover from the SF Bay area (now living in Seattle, WA!); with a passion for delicious food and a desire to make healthy eating easy, tasty and fun! Learn more about me here and stay for a while!

Anjali Shah

Vegan Shamrock Shake

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.

I make this creamy, minty Vegan Shamrock Shake every year for St. Patrick’s Day, it’s a must! Ready in just 5 minutes, it’s packed with healthy ingredients like frozen bananas, avocado, and spinach, and so good you’d never guess it’s loaded with greens. Even my kids know there are veggies in it, but they still love every sip.

Vegan shamrock shake with chocolate chips in glass jar topped with whipped cream and a straw.

Every year when March rolls around, I start craving that cool, creamy, minty shake we all know. But the seasonal McDonald’s version? Nope, all that dairy and processed sugar just don’t sit well with me. So, I set out to create a version with no artificial coloring, just as thick and creamy, but completely plant-based, much like my vegan peanut butter cup shake.

My healthy shamrock shake recipe has everything I love, the smooth texture, the refreshing mint flavor, and just the right amount of sweetness, all while being dairy-free, naturally sweetened, and full of wholesome ingredients. 🙂

I love making this vegan shamrock shake every year because it’s delicious and completely plant-based. Unlike the traditional version, mine has no dairy, no artificial food coloring, and no processed syrups just real, simple ingredients that come together in 5 minutes, for the perfect St. Patrick’s Day drink.

I made this shake one year for St. Patrick’s Day, and my friends couldn’t stop raving about it. They took one sip and immediately asked, “Wait… what’s in this?!” When I told them it was packed with frozen bananas, avocado, and spinach, they couldn’t believe it. The bananas make it naturally sweet and thick, the avocado gives it that ultra-creamy texture, and the spinach? Totally undetectable, but perfect for that festive green color. Instead of the usual sugary syrup, I used dates, and just a little peppermint extract for that fresh, minty flavor. And the chocolate chips? Let’s just say they didn’t last long, I saw a few friends digging them out with their spoons before even finishing the shake. Ha!

I promise, this isn’t just any green milkshake, it’s a plant-based treat that lets you enjoy all the minty goodness without the dairy or artificial stuff. If you love a classic Shamrock Shake but want one made with real ingredients, this is the one to try.

🥘 Ingredients

How did I recreate the perfect Shamrock Shake with simple, wholesome ingredients? It all comes down to how well they blend together. Here’s what I used to make this creamy, minty treat in just minutes.

Ingredients for a vegan shamrock shake on a wood background.

Milk: I love using unsweetened almond milk, but any plant-based milk works just as well.

Bananas And Avocado: Frozen bananas and avocado make the shake extra thick and naturally sweet. Bananas bring the sweetness, while avocado adds a silky smooth texture.

Spinach: Spinach gives the shake that classic green color without any artificial coloring. It blends right in, so you don’t taste it, but you get all the extra fiber and nutrients.

Dates: For sweetness, I go with dates because they’re natural and add a rich, caramel-like flavor. Maple syrup works too if you prefer a different option.

Chocolate Chips: Dairy-free chocolate chips add little bursts of chocolatey goodness in every sip. I like using dark chocolate to keep the sugar lower while still getting that rich flavor.

Peppermint Extract: A little peppermint extract gives it that refreshing, cool mint taste.

Ice: Ice is totally optional, but I add it when I want a frostier, extra-chilled shake. It makes it even more refreshing, especially on warm days!

🔪 How To Make

This shake isn’t just for St. Patrick’s Day, I make it all the time! It’s refreshing, and way healthier than the drive-thru version. Here’s how to make it:

Blend: I toss everything into the blender at once, except for the chocolate chips, and blend until smooth. I like to pour in the plant-based milk first, then add the rest so it blends easily. Once it’s creamy, I add the chocolate chips and pulse just enough to mix them in without over-blending.

Top view of green smoothie with chocolate chips in a vitamix.

Serve: As soon as it’s blended, I pour it into a glass and top it with whipped cream if I’m feeling extra indulgent. Then, I serve it right away while it’s cold and creamy.

Vegan shamrock shake served in a glass with whipped cream and a red and white straw.

My #1 Secret Tip for making this vegan shamrock shake recipe is to blend in stages for the best texture! I always start by adding the milk first, followed by the rest of the ingredients, except for the chocolate chips. Once everything is smooth, I just pulse in the chocolate chips at the end. Why? Because over blending them will mix the chocolate too much, turning the shake brown instead of that bright, festive green!

Other Tips To Keep In Mind:

  • Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and creamier the shake. I always use very ripe ones to skip extra sweeteners and get the best texture.
  • Milk Choice: Full-fat coconut milk makes the shake extra rich and creamy, while almond or cashew milk keeps it lighter. I adjust the milk amount depending on how thick I want it, less for a thicker shake, more for a thinner one.
  • Balance the Mint Flavor: Peppermint extract can be strong, so I always start with a little and add more if needed. Too much can overpower the other flavors, so tasting as I go helps me get it just right!

📖 Variations

This vegan shamrock shake recipe is a healthier take on the classic McDonald’s version, but there are plenty of ways to make it your own. I love switching things up depending on what I’m craving. Here are some of my favorite variations:

Different Greens: I usually use spinach and avocado for that classic green color, but other veggies work too. Try adding ½ cup kale, chard, peas, celery, zucchini, or cucumber for a nutritious twist.

Add Protein: When I want a protein boost, I add 1 scoop of vegan vanilla protein powder. It makes the shake more filling and perfect for a post-workout treat.

Cookies & Cream: Swapping ¼ cup of chocolate chips for 2 crushed vegan chocolate sandwich cookies gives this shake a fun twist. I love topping it with a few extra cookie crumbles and a little whipped cream.

Lower Sugar Option: To keep the sugar low, I use sugar-free chocolate chips and swap 1 tablespoon maple syrup for stevia or monk fruit. It’s still sweet and creamy but without the extra sugar.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

Want to take this vegan Shamrock Shake to the next level? It’s already delicious on its own, but here are a few fun ways to make it even more special.

Crunchy: I love pairing this shake with a side of high protein granola for a little crunch. The contrast between creamy and crunchy makes every sip even better.

As A Smoothie Bowl: Sometimes I pour the shake into a bowl and top it with sliced bananas, hemp seeds, cacao nibs, or shredded coconut. Eating it with a spoon feels like a fun twist on a vegan smoothie bowl.

With Breakfast Sides: This shake makes a great addition to breakfast when I want something extra satisfying. It pairs perfectly with these vegan chocolate chip muffins, or my easy protein pancakes.

🧊 Storage Directions

Refrigeration: I always enjoy this shake fresh, but if I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Before serving, I give it a good stir to bring back the creamy texture.

Freezing: When I want to save some for later, I freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. I like pouring it into an ice cube tray so I can blend it again for a quick smoothie.

Reheating: If I’m thawing from frozen, I let it sit at room temperature until it softens. Then, I re-blend it for about 30 seconds until it’s smooth and creamy again.

❓Recipe FAQs

How do I make my shake extra thick and creamy?

Here are my top three tips for making the thickest, creamiest shake:
1) Use frozen bananas instead of fresh ones, they create a naturally creamy texture.
2) Reduce the liquid slightly or add ½ cup ice cubes to make it thicker.
3) Add in some nut butter or coconut cream – this will change the flavor but it will make it creamier!

Why is my shake turning brown instead of green?

The most common reason this smoothie turns brown is over-blending the chocolate chips, which mixes too much brown into the shake and dulls the green. I always pulse them in at the end instead of fully blending. Using fresh spinach also helps, wilted spinach can darken the color. Lastly, too much avocado can mute the green, so I stick to ¼ avocado for the perfect balance.

What if I don’t have peppermint extract?

I love using fresh mint leaves for a natural minty flavor. I just toss in a handful and blend it right in!

A hand grabbing a glass jar with a green shake in it with chocolate chips and whipped cream on top.

Love this vegan recipe? Please leave a 5-star rating 🌟 in the recipe below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page!

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Print Recipe
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Vegan Shamrock Shake

I make this creamy, minty Vegan Shamrock Shake every year for St. Patrick’s Day, it’s a must! Ready in just 5 minutes, it’s packed with healthy ingredients like frozen bananas, avocado, and spinach, and so good you’d never guess it’s loaded with greens. Even my kids know there are veggies in it, but they still love every sip.
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: 30 Minutes or Less, Drinks
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 535kcal
Author: Anjali Shah

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients, except the chocolate chips, into a blender and blend.
  • Add chocolate chips and pulse to chop them up, but don’t overblend because you will lose the green color. 
  • Top with whipped cream and more chocolate chips if preferred.
  • Serve

Notes

  • My #1 Secret Tip for this recipe is to blend in stages for the best texture! I always start by adding the milk first, followed by the rest of the ingredients, except for the chocolate chips. Once everything is smooth, I just pulse in the chocolate chips at the end. Why? Because over blending them will mix the chocolate too much, turning the shake brown instead of that bright, festive green!
  • Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and creamier the shake. I always use very ripe ones to skip extra sweeteners and get the best texture.
  • Milk Choice: Full-fat coconut milk makes the shake extra rich and creamy, while almond or cashew milk keeps it lighter. I adjust the milk amount depending on how thick I want it, less for a thicker shake, more for a thinner one.
  • Balance the Mint Flavor: Peppermint extract can be strong, so I always start with a little and add more if needed. Too much can overpower the other flavors, so tasting as I go helps me get it just right!

Nutrition

Calories: 535kcal | Carbohydrates: 83g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 176mg | Potassium: 919mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 52g | Vitamin A: 890IU | Vitamin C: 22.5mg | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 4.2mg

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Recipe Rating





Vegan Shamrock Shake

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.

A vegan shamrock shake that’s creamy, minty, chocolatey, and way healthy. It’s a quick and easy dessert that’s done in 5 minutes and only needs a few simple ingredients.

vegan shamrock shake in glass topped with chocolate shavings and spinach leaves

When March rolls around, we break out our green sweaters and prepare for a jolly good time as we move towards St. Patrick’s Day and get excited about spring!

I am beginning to make smoothies again and putting traditional vegan Irish recipes on my meal plan for the week!

McDonald’s cashes in on the green madness with their signature Shamrock Shake. It’s cloyingly sweet, green, and minty.

Many offices splurge on St. Patrick’s Day by sharing these with their co-workers.

If you’d rather skip the drive-through and quench your craving for a Shamrock Shake this St. Patrick’s Day, try this super simple vegan shamrock shake! It will leave you feeling guilt-free and fill you with nutrient-rich foods.

💗 Why You’ll Love this Vegan Shamrock Shake

  • Low in calories
  • Low in sugar
  • Natural ingredients
  • One serving of vegetables
  • One serving of fruit
  • Healthy fats
  • Creamy and smooth
  • Fresh and Minty Flavor
  • Only 5 Minutes to Make

🥣 Ingredients and Notes

banana, avocado cut in half, peppermint extract, almond milk, and spinach leaves
Ingredients for Vegan Shamrock Shake

Coconut Milk: This shake has a creamy and rich texture and a natural sweetness from coconut milk. You can use an alternative plant-based milk if you prefer.

Frozen Banana: Whenever I’m making a shake, and I want it to be sweet without adding sugar or stevia, my go-to is frozen bananas. Frozen bananas, when blended, are creamy. If you freeze your bananas when they’re browning, there are more natural sugars. Bananas have some great health benefits, too, with fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6, among others.

Avocado: It helps give this shake a natural green color and adds even more creaminess.

Spinach: Spinach in this shake also helps give it a natural green hue. Spinach is mild in flavor, so when added to a smoothie or shake, it blends easily with the other flavors.

Mint Extract and Vegan Chocolate Chips: A small amount of peppermint extract goes a long way and gives this shake its signature minty flavor. If you have fresh mint leaves, you can use them instead. I recommend 1/4 cup of fresh mint as a substitute for peppermint extract. A small amount of dark vegan chocolate or chocolate chips on top as a garnish.

hand picking up glass of green shake topped with chocolate chips and spinach leaves

How to Make A Vegan Shamrock Shake

  1. Freeze a banana before making the shake. Chop into chunks and place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen sliced bananas in a bowl.
  2. When you’re ready to make the shake, add the frozen banana, spinach, avocado, unsweetened plant milk of choice, and peppermint extract. Blend until smooth and creamy. Blended green shake in blender.
  3. Pour into a glass and top with dairy-free chocolate chips. Enjoy!
Overhead shot of vegan shamrock shake topped with chocolate shavings.

Recipe FAQS

How many calories and sugar are in a McDonald’s Shamrock Shake?

There are 550 calories and 83 grams of sugar in a 16-ounce McDonald’s Shamrock Shake. That’s a quarter of your recommended calories, and WAY too much sugar!

What is really in a McDonald’s Shamrock Shake?

It is made with vanilla reduced-fat ice cream, shamrock shake syrup, and whipped cream.

Vanilla Reduced Fat Ice Cream Ingredients: Milk, Sugar, Cream, Corn Syrup, Natural Flavor, Mono and Diglycerides, Cellulose Gum, Guar Gum, Carrageenan, Vitamin A Palmitate.

Shamrock Shake Syrup Ingredients: High Fructose Corn Syrup, Corn Syrup, Water, Sugar, Natural Flavor, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Yellow 5, Blue 1.

Whipped Cream Ingredients: Cream, Nonfat Milk, Liquid Sugar, Contains 2% or Less: Mono and Diglycerides, Natural Flavors, Carrageenan. Whipping Propellant (Nitrous Oxide).

Are the ingredients in a McDonald’s Shamrock Shake bad for your health?

The ingredients in a McDonald’s shake are not good for your health. If you can’t pronounce it, you probably don’t want to consume it. These ingredients are preservatives, additives, and stabilizers. You also want to watch out for corn syrup, natural flavors, and dyes, such as yellow 5 and blue 1 listed above. Food dyes have been linked to hyperactivity in some children.

📝 Expert Tips

  • Use a frozen banana. This creates an excellent and thick shake-like consistency.
  • Make sure your avocado is ripe. It should be soft but firm when you squeeze it.
  • If you don’t have coconut milk, use a plant milk of your choice. Almond milk will reduce the fat and calories in this shake.
  • Using a high-speed blender will ensure that all the spinach leaves blend well without any flecks of leaves. You might need to blend a bit longer if you don’t have a high-speed blender.
  • Drink your Vegan Shamrock Shake immediately, and don’t store it for an extended period of time. The banana will melt, and the shake will not be as thick.

📖 Variations and Substitutions

Mint Leaves: If you don’t have peppermint extract, feel free to use fresh mint leaves. I recommend about 1/4 cup of washed and stemmed leaves.

Lower Calorie: Substitute coconut milk for unsweetened soy milk or almond milk.

Dessert Milkshake: Instead of using coconut milk, use vanilla coconut ice cream to create a special dessert treat.

🥤 Serving Suggestions

  • Pour into a glass and top with dark chocolate chips.
  • If you like whipped cream, top this shake with a cherry and coconut cream!
vegan shamrock shake in glass topped with chocolate shavings and spinach leaves

😋 More Vegan St. Patrick’s Day Recipes!

vegan shamrock shake topped with chocolate chips
Print Recipe
5 from 8 votes

Vegan Shamrock Shake

A vegan shamrock shake that's creamy, minty, chocolatey, and way healthier than the original. It's a quick and easy dessert that's done in 5 minutes and only needs 7 ingredients.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time0 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Dessert, smoothie
Cuisine: American, Irish
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Servings: 1
Calories: 382kcal
Author: Anjali Shah

Ingredients

Equipment

Instructions

  • Add chopped frozen banana, coconut milk, avocado, spinach, and peppermint extract to your blender. Blend until combined smooth and combined.
  • Pour into glass a and sprinkle with chocolate chips.

Notes

Tips for Making Vegan Shamrock Shake
  • Use a frozen banana. This creates an excellent and thick shake-like consistency.
  • Make sure your avocado is ripe. It should be soft but firm when you squeeze it.
  • If you don’t have coconut milk, use the plant milk of your choice. Almond milk will reduce the fat and calories in this shake.
  • Using a high-speed blender will ensure that all the spinach leaves blend well without any flecks of leaves. However, a high-speed blender is not necessary for this recipe. You might need to blend a bit longer.
  • Make it and drink it right away. It will lose its thickness if stored in the refrigerator as the banana will melt. 

Nutrition

Calories: 382kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Sodium: 183mg | Potassium: 751mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 1555IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg

10 responses to “Vegan Shamrock Shake”

  1. This is definitely so creamy and delicious. Great combinations of ingredients. Avocado is one of my favorite too. I will surely check this out.5 stars

  2. Oh my gosh this was dreamy! I subbed in vanilla almond milk because I didn’t have any coconut milk on hand and I wanted to make this right away So so good!!5 stars

  3. Creamy, minty, chocolatey..sounds absolutely delicious I cant wait to try this recipe. I think you might be onto something with the avocado-banana combo!5 stars

  4. Yay! I need this in my life! I really love the idea of the Shamrock Shake, but it always tasted a little… off to me. I’m definitely going to try this, I’m a total smoothie addict and this looks so good. Thanks for sharing your recipe!

  5. I’ve never had a Shamrock shake, but this version seems like it could be good!! Can’t wait to try it!

  6. I have to admit I am a sucker for the fast food holiday shakes but this recipe looks like something I could do! Thanks!5 stars

  7. I can’t wait to try this. I’ve never had a McDonald’s shamrock shake b/c they are so horrific for you but this one looks like a great alternative!

5 from 8 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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