How to make McDonald's Shamrock Shake recipe with no food dye. Use fresh spinach or kale for green color and added nutrition in this popular St. Patrick's Day dessert.
Kids love McDonald's shamrock shake and you don't even have to leave the house for this homemade version! This St. Patrick's Day themed mint milkshake is colored green with mint leaves and spinach (or kale) in place of green food dye. Spearmint is said to improve digestion, as well as remedy nausea or headaches, and it makes everything tasty minty fresh! So, win win!
Shamrock Shake Recipe Ingredients
- vanilla ice cream
- 1% milk
- fresh spinach leaves
- spearmint leaves (optional)
- spearmint extract
- (optional) whipped cream
How to make a Shamrock Shake
- Blend together MINT LEAVES, SPINACH, MILK, VANILLA, ICE CREAM, and MINT EXTRACT.
- Serve chilled; garnish with fresh spearmint leaves and (optional) whipped cream.
What flavor is a Shamrock Shake?
Mint (from spearmint) is the classic Shamrock shake flavor, and it's a lot milder than peppermint. I'm using spearmint leaves and spearmint extract for this recipe. You can use peppermint extract, but use it sparingly as it's much stronger than spearmint flavor.
The best blender for a natural mint milkshake
A high speed blender such as Vitamix or NutriBullet or stick blender will puree spinach or kale leaves, making them undetectable. This is great for produce-finicky kids. A classic kitchen blender can make a milkshake, but the produce in this milkshake recipe might not get as pureed as you want.
Recommended tools
- high-speed blender (stick blender, NutriBullet or Vitamix)
- ice cream scoop
- milk bottle serving glasses
- paper straws
More St. Pat's Day Recipes
More ice cream recipes
Shamrock Shake Recipe [No Food Dye]
Ingredients
- 2-3 scoops Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
- ⅓ cup 1% Milk, or preferred milk
- ¼ cup Fresh Spinach (or Kale)
- 1 sprig Fresh Mint, strip leaves, disgard stem
- 1-3 drops Spearmint Extract, or Peppermint Extract
- optional Whipped Cream
Equipment
- High speed blender or stick blender
Instructions
- Blend together ICE CREAM, MILK, SPINACH, MINT LEAVES, and SPEARMINT EXTRACT.
- Serve immediately. Garnish with fresh spearmint leaves and (optional) whipped cream.
Nutrition
Nutrition data provided as courtesy estimates using unbranded ingredients from a nutrition database. Please consult preferred resource for precise data.
I originally published this recipe to Amanda's Cookin in January, 2017.
Dana says
Great way to enjoy this great in a healthier way! I’m going to use peppermint essential oil in place of extract. Thanks!
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome, Dana...So glad you're trying this one 🙂 Thanks!
Renee @ The Good Hearted Woman says
Your Shamrock Shake sounds absolutely heavenly! I love that you are using fresh spearmint leaves, too. I love the way they make my kitchen smell when I have a bunch waiting in the window.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Renee! I'm right there with you...and I esp love cutting into it. Such an aromatic treat 🙂
Sarah says
Love that you made such a pretty green drink without food coloring!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Sarah! I love this shake with the mint instead of dye 🙂
Lisa L Bynum says
One of my favorite St. Patrick's Day treats and you just made day by making in healthier! Does that mean I can drink two?
Traci Antonovich says
Haha thanks Lisa...the answer is always 'yes' lol 😉
Natalie says
This shake looks and sounds so refreshing and delicious! I love how easy it is to make it and will definitely try this recipe soon!
Traci Antonovich says
Awesome Natalie! Love hearing it...hope you get to try it out! 🙂
Jessica Fasano Formicola says
Love that there isn't any food dye in this! I love a good minty treat!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Jessica! Right there with you 🙂
Amy | The Cook Report says
Sounds delicious! Can't wait to give it a try
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks so much Amy! Hope you get to try it out 🙂
Darlene @ Dip Recipe Creations says
I really love how you got the green color with the mint leaves instead of food color! This looks fabulous and perfect for St. Patty's Day!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Darlene! It's super tasty too! 🙂
Monica | Nourish & Fete says
I love that this is minty without relying on a bunch of food coloring, etc.! It sounds like such a delicious flavor - pinning to try next week for a holiday treat!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Monica! Hope you get to try it...and hope you love it 🙂
Rebecca | Let's Eat Cake says
Yum! This easy shamrock shake sounds so good!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Rebecca! It's easily a favorite 🙂
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
Shamrock shakes are my favorite! I can't wait to try yours, so much more natural than the chain version!
Traci Antonovich says
Yay Pamela! Hope you love it 🙂