Sweet and minty, decadent, yet healthy! This creamy paleo shamrock shake is a better-for-you alternative to a classic March favorite. Sweetened naturally and packed with a few surprising veggies, this is a perfect dairy free treat for both adults and kids.
I’m not sure about you, but every March I start dreaming of McD’s shamrock shakes. Even after ALL these years (truly, I haven’t sucked one down since like 2009), I still crave it. Despite the fact it makes me SO sick.
I know, poor Physical Kitchness. She drinks a shamrock shake and get a belly ache. BOO HOO.
But hear me out, sometimes a girl just wants a nostalgic treat that comes around once a year. But as soon as I guzzle that dairy-loaded, sugar-loaded shake, I am filled with immediate regret. Call it my switch to a primarily paleo lifestyle, blame it on all my Whole30’s, I just can’t do it anymore.
With that being said, I feel the need to list a few of the ingredients in the original McDonalds shamrock shake: milk, sugar, corn syrup, carrageenan, mono and diglycerides, sodium benzoate oh and ya can’t forget yellow 5 and blue 1. That doesn’t even cover it all….
BARF.
So I make my own. And I’ve never looked back.
Because MY version is made with all good stuff: almond milk, avocado, spinach, banana, even cauliflower.
WHAAAA??!?! Yes, believe it. Because you CAN have a treat packed with veggies that actually tastes good. Promise.
And to make this version extra extra special, you gotta includes some cacao nibs. Not necessary, but kind of necessary 😉
My kiddos LOVE this shake, and when my 18 month old refused dinner the evening I shot this recipe, I had no qualms about making life easier on myself and letting him suck down the entire shake as I enjoyed a sweet and quiet dinner with my 3 year old. *Trust me, this rarely happens.
The avocado blended with almond milk makes this creamy paleo shamrock shake so rich and…well creamy (as indicated by the title). Sweetened with frozen banana and medjool date(s), it’s the perfect healthy sweet treat with a hint of minty. Speaking of healthy, adding spinach and cauliflower rice is a big nutrient boost without adding any overpowering veggie flavor. #winning
This March, ditch the fast food joint and show together this creamy paleo shamrock shake instead. It’s easy, it’s delicious, it won’t make you sick.
Are pureed treats totally your gig? Then be sure to also try this Ginger Peach & Kale Power Smoothie too!
PrintCreamy Paleo Shamrock Shake
A healthy version of a classic March milkshake – this creamy paleo shamrock shake is naturally sweetened, dairy free, and nutritious!
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute
- Total Time: 4 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 Haas avocado
- 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 3/4 cup packed spinach
- 1/3 cup cauliflower rice
- 1 (tiny) drop peppermint essential oil or 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 large frozen banana
- 1 medjool date (or 2 if you prefer a sweeter shake)
- 2 tablespoons cacao nibs
Instructions
- Cut the avocado and remove the pit. Scoop the entire avocado into a blender
- Add the almond milk, spinach, cauliflower rice, peppermint oil or extract, peeled banana, and date(s)
- Blend on high until creamy
- Add the cacao nibs and mix in with a large spoon
- Pour the shake into a large glass or mug and serve, adding more cacao nibs to top if desired
Notes
You can sub the cacao nibs for 3-4 squares of squares of cacao or extra dark chocolate and process in the blender with all ingredients.
I’m allergic to almonds. Can I substitute coconut milk?
Yes you definitely can!
Chrissa, this is recipe is amazing!! The taste is fantastic and I can’t believe how easy it was to make. Love the variety of your recipes.
So glad you liked it! Thanks for the note!
This looks amazing and so much better than the McDs I used to drink back in the day.
I will make it for my nanny kiddos tomorrow to kick off spring break!
I hope you and the kiddos loved it Esther!
THANK YOU! On day 24 of a whole30 and dreaming of a shamrock shake like crazy. Will be having this though next weekend!!
Hope you loved it Karla!
This looks really yummy, and I can’t wait to try it! One question regarding the cauliflower – do you cook it before including in the smoothie or just use the raw cauliflower that’s been riced? If cooked, how do you suggest preparing it for this smoothie?
You can throw it in there raw! It will puree beautifully.
So I am assuming the cauliflower rice should be cooked? Can’t wait to try this!! Thx!
Nope, no need to cook the cauliflower rice!
Just made this. I admit I had low expectations but it was GREAT! I added a bit more mint. The texture was good and I really will make it again. Probably tomorrow lol.
I could suck one down every day!! Glad you liked it Ellen.
I’ve already made this twice in the last week haha it’s sooo good and I feel super healthy drinking it. Win win!
I’m so glad you liked it Michelle! Enjoy!
How many servings does this yield??? Thanks and can’t wait to try it!
I’m so sorry I didn’t list that! It’s roughly 12 ounces.
Just made one this afternoon and it’s delicious!!!!! ??
So glad you liked it!
I just made this and it was INCREDIBLE! Tasted like Shamrock ice cream without all the junkie ingredients! I didn’t have cauliflower, spinach or dates, so used lettuce instead and put a little maple syrup in for sweetener. It was amazing! Thanks Chrissa!! 😀 Way better than McD!!!
Can’t wait to make this for my kiddo. The cauli rice has me a little 😬but willing to try!!