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This Shamrock Protein Shake is creamy, minty, and packed with protein. Its natural green color comes from spinach (you won’t taste it), and it’s easy to make gluten-free or vegan with plant-based milk and protein powder.
I always have frozen bananas in the freezer because my kids make smoothies all the time. This Shamrock shake is an easy one for them to make, and they get excited to make it as a fun holiday breakfast or quick snack. I started making it to skip the super-sweet drive-thru versions that leave you crashing. The first time they tried it, they were hooked lol. Now it’s our little March tradition and a much healthier option too!
If you’re into protein-packed shakes, you might also love my Strawberry Protein Shake or Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie.
Recipe Overview
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Shamrock Protein Shake. The full measurements are in the recipe card below.
- Milk: I like using almond milk here, but oat or dairy milk will work too; unsweetened keeps it from getting too sweet.
- Frozen banana: Adds natural sweetness and thick texture. Fresh works too, but frozen makes it colder and creamier.
- Vanilla protein powder: I use whey protein powder, but any protein powder will work. You can also use a plant-based protein powder.
- Fresh spinach: Gives the vibrant natural green color and extra nutrients – you won’t taste it.
- Peppermint or Mint extract: Just a little goes a long way for that fresh mint flavor.
- Ice cubes: Help blend it into a thick, frosty shake like a real shake.
How to Make a Shamrock Shake
Add ingredients into blender: Add the milk, frozen banana, vanilla protein powder, spinach, peppermint (mint) extract, and ice cubes to a high-speed blender. Save the cocoa nibs for later.
Blend: Next, blend on high speed until completely smooth and thick.
✏️ You can adjust at this point. If you like it thinner, add more milk; if you want it thicker, add yogurt or more protein powder. Also, you can taste and adjust the sweetness. Feel free to add either honey or agave.
Transfer to cup: Pour the blended Shamrock Protein Shake into a tall glass or mason jar. This shake can also be divided into two portions.
Serve: Top the smoothie with cocoa nibs or shaved chocolate, serve immediately, and enjoy!
Common Questions
Vanilla protein powder is my go-to here as it keeps the mint flavor fresh and lightly sweet without overpowering it. Whey or plant-based both blend great, just use whatever you have or like best that mixes smoothly.
Sure! Just leave it out and add ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or cottage cheese instead of some milk to keep the protein up and the shake thick. It’ll taste great either way.
Keep any extras in a mason jar in the fridge for up to 1 day. Shake or re-blend it with a splash of milk to freshen it up again. This may thin it out slightly, but it will still taste good.
Yes! Use plant-based yogurt (if using), dairy-free milk, and a vegan protein powder for an easy swap.
Absolutely. Frozen spinach works fine and keeps the shake cold and creamy.
Yes, kale or baby chard can be swapped for spinach, but the flavor will change slightly.
Yes! It’s naturally sweet, creamy, and kid-friendly with a mild mint flavor.
Good to know!
Variations To Try
- Add some plain or vanilla Greek yogurt into the base for extra creaminess and protein. Non-fat keeps it light, full-fat makes it richer. Vanilla-flavored will be fine too.
- A drop or two of green food coloring will give it extra vibrancy.
- For a brighter herbal mint flavor, swap the extract for a small handful of fresh mint leaves (blends smoothly in high-speed blenders).
- Top with whipped cream (dairy or coconut for vegan) alongside the cocoa nibs for a fun, indulgent finish.
More Smoothies
- Berry Smoothie Bowl
- Blueberry Banana Smoothie
- Mango Smoothie Recipe
- Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
- Avocado Smoothie
Thank you so much for being here and for cooking along with me. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment and rating below.
Shamrock Protein Shake
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond milk, or milk of choice
- 1 ripe banana, frozen if possible
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- ½ cup packed fresh baby spinach, a handful or ¼ cup frozen
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 tablespoon cocoa nibs, optional for topping (or shaved chocolate)
- ½ cup ice cubes, optional
Instructions
- Add the 1 cup almond milk, 1 ripe banana (frozen), 1 scoop vanilla protein powder, ½ cup packed fresh baby spinach, ½ teaspoon peppermint extract, and ½ cup ice cubes to a high-speed blender. Save the cocoa nibs for later.
- Blend on high speed until completely smooth and thick.
- Pour the blended Shamrock Protein Shake into a tall glass or mason jar.
- Top with 1 tablespoon cocoa nibs or shaved chocolate for extra flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Blend fresh for the thickest, frostiest texture; it thins if it sits.
- Use a high-speed blender to ensure spinach blends completely smooth with no green bits.
- Add extra ice or more frozen banana for an ultra-thick milkshake consistency.
- Top with whipped cream for a decadent serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 1 day; re-blend with a splash of milk if separated.
- Freeze in popsicle molds for up to 1 month – great as frozen treats.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
