High Protein Shamrock Shake: McDonald's Copycat Recipe
There’s something magical about a Shamrock Shake. That minty, creamy, green-and-festive treat that only seems to show up once a year at McDonald’s. Every year during shamrock shake season, usually starting in late February, I start craving the McDonald’s Shamrock Shake all over again.
It’s such a classic sweet treat and one of the most nostalgic parts of the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.
But while the original is fun, I always find myself wishing for a version that tastes just as creamy and refreshing, but leaves me feeling energized instead of sluggish afterward.
That’s exactly why I started making this High Protein Shamrock Shake at home.
This is a beginner-friendly blender recipe with no cooking, no special equipment, and it’s honestly very hard to mess up, even if you don’t usually make smoothies. If you can use a blender, you can make this. Don’t overthink it.
It’s the perfect St. Patrick’s Day treat, but with quality ingredients that actually make you feel good.
You might also like: Protein Snickers Smoothie, High-Protein Vanilla Green Smoothie with Banana, and Healthy Chocolate Frosty Smoothie.
Why I Love This DIY Shamrock Protein Shake Recipe!
I get excited every March when mint suddenly becomes the flavor of the season. And this homemade version has become one of my favorite ways to enjoy that classic Shamrock Shake taste.
It really is the best copycat Shamrock Shake recipe when you want something festive, nourishing, and easy enough for the first time you try making it.
Here’s why I love it so much:
Naturally Green
There’s no green food coloring or artificial dyes in this shake. Instead, it gets its beautiful bright green color naturally from fresh spinach and avocado.
It’s festive, fun, and packed with nutrients.
Lower in Sugar
The traditional fast food version is loaded with syrups and added sugars. This one uses dates for sweetness, which keeps the flavor rich and satisfying without a sugar overload.
Great for a Food Craving
This shake is creamy, smooth, and refreshing. It truly tastes like a copycat fast food treat, especially with a dollop of whipped cream or whipped topping on top and a few chocolate chips for extra richness.
It’s basically a healthier take on a classic mint shake or mint milkshake.
Won’t Give You a Crash
Because it’s balanced with protein, healthy fats, and natural carbs, it won’t spike your blood sugar and leave you crashing later. It gives sustained energy and keeps you full longer.
What Flavor Is a Shamrock Shake?
A Shamrock Shake is basically a mint-flavored milkshake with a vanilla base. The classic version combines vanilla soft serve or vanilla ice cream with a sweet minty green syrup, giving it that signature cool, creamy flavor.
It’s refreshing, slightly nostalgic, and one of those limited-time treats that feels like a celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.
This homemade version keeps that same delicious mint shake flavor profile, but uses whole ingredients instead of syrups and food dyes, making it something the whole family can enjoy.
What Does a Shamrock Shake Taste Like?
A lot of people ask: what does a Shamrock Shake taste like?
A Shamrock Shake tastes like a creamy vanilla milkshake with a cool peppermint twist. It’s a refreshing minty milkshake with a smooth, sweet minty flavor that hits your taste buds in the best way.
Some people compare it to melted mint ice cream or a lighter version of mint chocolate chip, just without the chocolate pieces.
Because it’s only around for a limited time each year, Shamrock Shake season feels extra special when it comes back.
Before You Start (Quick Tips)
Any blender works. A high-speed blender is great, but not required
Start with less milk and add more as needed
If your shake is too thick, add milk 1 to 2 tablespoons at a time
If it’s too thin, add more ice or even half a frozen banana
Ingredients
1 cup milk of choice (whole milk or almond milk both work)
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 of an avocado
1 scoop vanilla protein
1 handful of spinach
2 dates, pitted
1/8 teaspoon mint extract (add more to taste)
4 ice cubes
Optional
Whipped cream
Chocolate chips
A maraschino cherry for a fun Shamrock Shake-inspired topping
Protein Powder and Vanilla Extract I Use
Directions
1. Add all ingredients to a blender
2. Blend on high until completely smooth (about 30 to 45 seconds)
3. If the shake is too thick, add more milk 1 to 2 tablespoons at a time
4. Taste and adjust. Add another date or honey if you want it sweeter
5. Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream and chocolate chips if using
Substitutions & Swaps
No vanilla protein powder? Use unflavored and add a little extra vanilla extract
What kind of milk should you use? Any milk works (dairy, oat, coconut, almond, etc.)
No Greek yogurt? Swap it for cottage cheese
No peppermint extract? Replace 1/4 tsp mint extract with 1/4 to 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, loosely packed
Too minty? Add more milk or ice to mellow it out
Want it sweeter? Add maple syrup or honey 1 teaspoon at a time
Make It Your Own
Add more or less spinach depending on your preference
Add cacao powder for a chocolate-mint version
Use Greek yogurt for a thicker, creamier shake
Turn it into a smoothie bowl with less liquid and toppings
About the Mint Flavor
Peppermint extract is strong.
Start with about 1/8 teaspoon mint extract to taste. That prevents the toothpaste smoothie moment.
Nutrition Note
This shake has about 32g protein and roughly 380 calories, depending on the milk and protein powder you use.
More Copycat Recipes!
McDonald’s Shamrock Shake: How It Compares
McDonald’s Shamrock Shake is delicious, but it’s much higher in sugar and lower in protein than this homemade version.
The classic McDonald’s Shamrock Shake has about:
540 calories
15 grams of fat
87 grams of carbs
12 grams of protein
54 grams of sugar
It’s made with vanilla reduced fat ice cream, a mint syrup containing high fructose corn syrup and artificial food dyes, plus whipped light cream.
This homemade high-protein version has significantly less sugar, more protein, and gets its bright green color naturally from spinach and avocado instead of food coloring.
I’m a firm believer that you can still enjoy the fun of a Shamrock Shake while using quality ingredients that support your energy and health.
Recommended Products
Not Sure Which Protein Powder to Use?
The protein powder you choose can make a big difference in how creamy and delicious this shake turns out. If you want to compare ingredients, flavor, and overall quality, I wrote full reviews of the ones I personally recommend:
FAQs
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Yes. Mint extract gives the classic Shamrock Shake flavor and is more foolproof. Fresh mint works too, but it’s lighter and less strong. If using fresh mint, start with ¼ cup mint leaves (no stems) and add more to taste.
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Mint extract is very strong. Start with ⅛ teaspoon and blend, then add more only if needed. If it’s already too minty, add more milk or ice to mellow it out.
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Yes. The spinach is there for color and extra nutrients, but you won’t ruin the recipe without it.
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You can use cottage cheese for a similar creamy texture. If you skip both, the shake will be thinner but still good.
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No. Any blender works. Just blend a little longer if yours isn’t high-powered.
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Use less milk, add more ice, or add half a frozen banana. You can also add a bit more cottage cheese.
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Add more milk, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, until it’s the consistency you like.
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Yes. Just leave it out or replace it with more Greek yogurt. The shake will still be creamy and sweet.
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Yes, but for kids I recommend using very little mint extract or skipping it altogether for a mild vanilla shake.
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This is best fresh. If needed, you can blend it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then re-blend or shake well before drinking.
If you love the classic McDonald’s Shamrock Shake but want a healthier, high-protein version you can enjoy at home, this recipe is truly the best of both worlds. It’s creamy, minty, naturally green, and so easy to make with simple ingredients.
Whether you’re blending it up for a fun St. Patrick’s Day treat or just craving something refreshing and satisfying during Shamrock Shake season, this homemade copycat shake is one you’ll want to make again and again.
If you try it, let me know how it turns out, and don’t forget the whipped topping for that classic Shamrock Shake feel.
High Protein Shamrock Shake: McDonald's Copycat Recipe
This high protein Shamrock Shake is a healthier McDonald’s copycat made with spinach, avocado, dates, and vanilla protein powder. It’s creamy, naturally green, and perfect for St. Patrick’s Day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk of choice
- 1/4 cup greek yogurt
- ¼ of an avocado
- 1 scoop vanilla protein
- 1 handful of spinach
- 2 dates, pitted
- ⅛ teaspoon mint extract (add more to taste)
- 4 ice cubes
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate chips
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender.
- Blend on high until completely smooth (about 30-45 seconds).
- If the shake is too thick, add more milk 1-2 tablespoons at a time.
- Taste and adjust, add another date or honey if you want it sweeter.
- Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream and chocolate chips, if using
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