Tempted to grab a certain green shake this week? This Shamrock Protein Shake is packed with protein but without the sugar and calories.
In the spirit of all things faux Irish and green, I thought I’d revamp an old favorite.
I’m not typically a huge fan of mint-flavoring. The key to this healthified version of a St. Patrick’s Day fast food favorite is a high-quality peppermint extract. It doesn’t taste like plastic.
Nielsen-Massey Peppermint Extract
The green color is all-natural with both spinach and avocado. Avocado also made this shake extra-creamy, a must for any milkshake.
Having given this to Vegas (my giant kid), I can promise you that you can’t taste either “healthy” ingredient. She actually looked surprised when I told her about the avocado! It’s such a great trick to get in more nutrients without even noticing it, plus no artificial dyes are needed to turn this shake green!
Lucky, no?
If you’re not sold on my tasty promises, just look at the macro comparison. Remember: this doesn’t even begin to take into account all of the added vitamins and nutrients in my version!
Small McDonald’s Shamrock Shake: 470 calories, 14 g fat, 62 g carbs, 65 g sugar, 10 g protein
vs.
My Shamrock Protein Shake: 170 calories, 7 g fat, 13 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 24 g protein*
*This will vary slightly depending on your protein powder, milk, and topping choices.
This minty shake was particularly refreshing post workout.
Side note: can someone tell me what “shamrock shake syrup” is in the McD’s ingredient list? Right, it’s basically high fructose corn syrup and some food dyes. NOT happening.
[tasty-recipe id=”18107″]
[Tweet “A Shamrock Shake that’s healthy, has over 20g protein, AND delicious?! Sign me up!”]
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I think I’m going to Moroccan restaurant on St. Patrick’s Day. Typical.
Have you ever made your own Shamrock Shake?
Have you tried spinach in a smoothie? Avocado? I swear you can’t taste it!
True confession: I’ve never had a shamrock shake, proteiny and healthy or otherwise.
For real?! You need a healthy one right about now!
We’ve got the most sublime avocado chocolate pudding but I obviously know that’s not a protein shake! 🙂 Love you put this in your Irish-lovin’ pint glass!!!
I love avocado cocoa pudding too! They just make everything so rich and decadent.
I have tried spinach in a smoothie, and I want to do more avocado because it seems to really amp up that creaminess/delicious flavor in the smoothies! Happy St. Patrick’s day! Have you ever read the story of St. Patrick?
Definitely recommend it. It works like my sweet potatoes do the make an incredibly creamy smoothie.
I made an avocado pesto last week and tricked the boyfriend into eating it. He had no idea! He said it didn’t really taste like anything. Haha…little did he know that was the point!
I love when an evil plan pans out. Mwhahaha!
This looks great! I will most definitely be trying! All your recipes are perfect! I love that the green is natural ( I always put spinach in my shakes, so great) We sold a mint chip gelato at my coffee shop that we made ourselves and people would be so disappointed that it wasn’t bright green. I tell them the bright color they are used to is not natural and I don’t use that stuff but they didn’t care. They wanted that stupid neon green. I guess I should have added avocado and spinach to it like you did here. Anyway, long rant over. Great recipe!
Thank you so much Patrick! I’d eat your naturally flavored gelato. Even if you did add spinach. 😉
I made my boys a “mint smoothie” this morning, but it was white and not green (peppermint, milk, yogurt, banana)
That sounds delicious too! Would green scare or fascinate them? Like green slime… mmmm!
It’s time for Shamrock Shakes! I’m going to try to drink green drinks all week long, and this protein shake sounds like the perfect way to start of my St. Patricks day celebration. I don’t mind mint tea, but I haven’t found many other mint flavored things that I enjoy. I like adding avocados to my smoothies they always make them creamy and delicious. I love it when you trick Vegas, lol I can only imagine the surprised look on her face.
That sounds like a fun celebration! I may have to join you. I’m already on a roll!
spinach, yes, all the time. avocado… no. i’m not opposed, i just like them so much plain!
That’s a good point! I usually buy a bunch and use the halves I don’t finish in smoothies (the brown creeps me out). They freeze really well!
I’m not a huge mint fan either. On occasion. But it’s like.. tis the season, right? LOL! plus it’s refreshing sometimes. Oh i love that Vegas is your big kid. Bahaha, that’s so James.
I’m super picky. This extract is the only one I’ve liked.
P.S. Our “kids” need a play date.
Looks super creamy! And . . . topped the way I start my every morning . .. with chocolate chips. 🙂
I literally need chocolate after every meal.
65 GRAMS OF SUGAR in the McDonald’s Shamrock shake?!! GROSS. I’ve never had one of theirs, but I’d drink one of these green shakes any day! I make a chocolate mint protein shake a lot and use mint extract in it – it’s so good, tastes like dessert but is packed with goodness!
Right?! It made me think of that graphic where there are a bunch of sugar cubes stacked next to a coke. Blech!
Yaaaaa I’d let that SHAM rock my world. FO SHO… With a few modifications but of course. But hot damn, yes. Just all around yes.
I know you’d modify it. Like adding salmon skin crumbles to to top. Weird-o. 😉
HOLLA! Oh my goodness…I was going to test out some recipes for this idea, and you already ROCKED IT! I am sharing this Baby. I have def been craving one of these shakes but over 640 calories of garbage isn’t worth it. HAHAHA. And, so excited to find out you’re in SD. We just moved here. We’re in OB. Looking forward to connecting and having some fun! : )
Haha! This cracked me up. I’m so glad you like the idea! Thanks for sharing it. 🙂
And thanks for messaging me – can’t wait to get together in April!
For what’s it worth, I intend to drink green beer. I could start my day with one of these though for nutrients yo’.
I expect no less from you! Cheers!
The ingredients of McDonald’s Shamrock shake is terrifying. The day I realized what was in it was a sad, sad day! This looks like an amazing solution!
I can’t believe they think that beast is a good idea to eat… but whatever. I’m happy with my meathead protein version! 😉
Um, just double-checking that you mean 1-2 tsp of cinnamon and not 12? 🙂 Thanks!
OMG. Yes… thanks for catching that. Fixed!