I’ve never had a real Shamrock Shake, and by “real” I mean one from McDonald’s. Even though my shake is a knock-off, I’m guessing it has more real ingredients than the McDonald’s version…
A lover of all things mint, I decided to re-do the Shamrock Shake into a breakfast-worthy meal that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, or any day you want a sweet but healthy start.
My version of this classic has spinach and mint for natural green coloring (and vitamins, minerals, and fiber), banana for a full serving of fruit, and coconut milk for healthy fat. And it’s completely naturally sweetened with stevia plus the sweetness from the banana. But it tastes completely indulgent.
Otherwise known as ice cream for breakfast, this shake is a sure-fire way to get kids (and picky grown-ups) eating their greens early in the day…just don’t tell them what’s in it!
Here are a few other deliciously green breakfasts that will get your family eating green:
Fingerling Potato-Leek Hash with Swiss Chard and Eggs from Cooking Light
Avocado Spinach Egg Salad from We Are Not Martha
Frittata with Spinach, Potatoes, Peppers, and Feta from Ezra Pound Cake
Sautéed Greens with Mustard Seeds and Cashews from Anja’s Food 4 Thought
Greens and Beans Over Polenta from Eggs on Sunday
Green Monster Oatmeal from The Oatmeal Artist
Happy (almost) St. Patrick’s Day – I hope you get to enjoy something green!
- ¼ cup (60 ml) plain, unsweetened almond milk
- ¼ cup (60 ml) canned light coconut milk (or canned full-fat coconut milk for an even thicker, more decadent shake)
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon pure (natural) mint extract (see note below)
- 1 packet stevia (see note below)
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 1 cup (1 oz/30 g) organic baby spinach
- ¼ cup (¼ oz/7 g) fresh mint leaves
- 1 large ripe banana (with brown spots), cut into 6 pieces and frozen
- Add all ingredients to a blender in the order listed and process until smooth and creamy.
- Serve immediately.
Stevia: As a guideline on how sweet 1 packet of stevia is: the amount of stevia in 1 packet measures ½ teaspoon, which is about as sweet as 2 to 3 teaspoons of regular sugar.
Topping/Garnish Ideas: A sprig of fresh mint, cacao nibs, shaved dark chocolate, or dark chocolate chips.
Gaye Lee says
Thank you!
Gaye Lee says
Do you have nutrition info for this yummy-looking treat?
Faith says
Gaye Lee, Thanks so much for your interest in my recipe! This is definitely a yummy one. :) I didn’t calculate the nutrition info for this recipe, but if you want to do so, Calorie Count is a pretty good tool. I hope this helps!
Kristi says
Delicious!! Thank you for posting!!
Jeanette says
What a great way to get anyone to try a healthy green smoothie!
grace says
you and your spinach, faith! :)
Marlies says
I just made this and it was AMAZING! :)
Faith says
Marlies, I'm so happy you enjoyed it! It's one of my favs too. :)
ashley - baker by nature says
Ooooooh this is lovely, Faith! So pretty and green and festive!
Evelyne@cheapethniceatz says
Oh wow this shake looks so awesome plus it is full of good things. I kinda like eating foods with unusual bright colors like this. I think I know what I will have Sunday morning.
zerrin says
Amazing greenness! And it's good to know that healthy ingredients give that color! Would be a great start to a new day!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
I don't think I've had a real shamrock shake either, but this looks delish!
Erica says
I have a friend who is SUPER healthy and every year she gets excited to have just 1 mcds shamrock shake! I am sending this to her!!
Kate@Diethood says
This is the prettiest drink I have ever seen! YUM!!
I've never had a McD's Shamrock Shake, either! I've never had a Big Mac!! :)
Nikki @ The Road to Less Cake says
I'm not a massive mint lover but that looks gorgeous.
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
I am in so much love with this lightened up version! Yum!
Rosa says
Healthy indeed! It must taste interesting too.
Cheers,
Rosa