This healthier shamrock shake recipe is thick, creamy, and minty just like the original—with a fraction of the calories. And when you make it yourself, you can enjoy it anytime of year!
Skinny McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Copycat
I spent a lot of time on this shamrock shake recipe because I really wanted it to taste sweet and creamy like a real ice cream shake—not a smoothie. I’m happy to say, I think I succeeded! You’re going to love adding this to your St. Patrick’s Day festivities. (If you’re looking for more St. Patrick’s Day recipes, these Chocolate Stout Cupcakes with Bailey’s Irish Cream Cheese Frosting and adorable Rainbow Cake Pops are perfect treats for the occasion.)
What Makes This Shamrock Shake So Delicious
You can skip the drive-thru window with this shamrock shake copycat! Here’s why it’s the perfect lightened up version of the original.
- Froyo nails the ice cream texture. This shamrock shake starts with Stonyfield’s 0% fat vanilla frozen yogurt. I’m always amazed at how much it tastes like full fat vanilla ice cream!
- The RIGHT mint flavor. I also knew I would add a little spearmint extract to give it that minty flavor, not peppermint. Peppermint is candy cane flavor, while spearmint is the minty flavor in a shamrock shake.
- Fabulous green color. For the coloring, I was stumped at first. Then it hit me… avocados are green, creamy, and rich so it was the perfect solution. They nail that color without having to add any artificial coloring.
What You’ll Need
You only need a short list of ingredients to make this copycat shamrock shake at home! Scroll down to the recipe card below for exact measurements.
- Fat-free milk – I use dairy milk, but a plant milk will work if that’s what you have on hand.
- 0% fat vanilla frozen yogurt – Or Halo Top ice cream.
- Avocado – The key ingredient for a rich texture and wonderful color!
- Sweetener – Stevia, raw sugar, or whatever sweetener you like.
- Mint extract – Not peppermint, but spearmint.
- Crushed ice – For that frosty consistency.
How to Make a Shamrock Shake
This recipe is a cinch! See the recipe card below for printable instructions.
- Combine. Add all the ingredients to your blender.
- Blend. Turn on the blender and blend for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the mixture is thick and creamy.
- Serve. Divide into two glasses and serve with a straw.
Tips and Variations
Here are some pointers for a perfect shamrock shake, along with ways to make it your own.
- Blend it completely smooth. It can be hard to tell if there are still bits of unblended ice in the shake just by looking at it, so I like to open up the blender and stir it with a wooden spoon to check before pouring it into glasses.
- Add some chocolate. I may drizzle a little chocolate syrup on top or down the sides of the glasses next time I make this to get that mint chocolate experience!
- Make it dairy-free. Swap in your favorite plant-based vanilla froyo or ice cream, along with a non-dairy milk.
How to Store
This isn’t a recipe that stores well, so I recommend making only as much as you can use right away. If you do end up with leftovers, store the shamrock shake in a freezer bag or airtight container in the freezer. Thaw it slightly in the refrigerator before serving—once it’s partially thawed, you can blend it in the blender again to reach the original consistency. You can also freeze leftovers into popsicles similar to these Avocado Coconut Pops.
More St. Patrick’s Day Food
Shamrock Shake
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup fat free milk
- 3/4 cup 0% fat vanilla frozen yogurt or Halo Top ice cream
- 1/3 cup sliced avocado
- a few drops Nu Naturals Stevia or 1 tbsp raw sugar
- 1/4 tsp mint extract, not Peppermint
- 1 cup crushed ice
Instructions
- Pour the milk, frozen yogurt, avocado, sugar, mint extract and ice into your blender.
- Blend 3-4 minutes until the mixture is thick and icy.
- Pour into two glasses, and serve with a straw. Serve immediately.
I just saw this recipe this year. Stonyfield no longer makes frozen yogurt. Anyone find a suitable substitute?
Hood, Kemps or Turkey Hill
Take your organic fat free plain yogurt and freeze in ice cube trays! Use a unsweetened almond milk and use steevia and cut out almost ALL carbs!
Thank you for this recipe! My husband and I have been on a weight loss journey, but really wanted shamrock shakes. This hit the spot perfectly! And tastes just like the real thing!
SO SO SOOOOO GOOD! My husband and I just made this and its AWESOME. Now I can have a healthier shamrock shake year round 😀
Leftover ice cream and a work shut down has made me get creative and create 2 variations of this!
1. Skip the mint and add chocolate syrup for a chocolate shake
2. Skip mint and sub peanut butter for the avocado and add chocolate syrup for a chocolate peanut butter shake.
Neither are especially skinny, but super delicious! I’m sure the options are limitless with this recipe as a guide!
This was such a perfect st pattys day dessert! Mint chocolate chip has always been my favorite ice cream, so I added a drizzle of chocolate syrup. All the stores I went to were wiped out of frozen yogurts (of all things!) so I went ahead and got the full fat ice cream. Totally worth the splurge! I can’t wait to try the nonfat yogurt version too
Could you use vanilla flavored Greek yogurt instead of the frozen yogurt?
Sure but it won’t taste like ice cream as much.
This is so much better than the McDonald’s recipe. Recently I had a McDonald’s shamrock shake while on the road and all I tasted was chemicals. From now it’s this recipe or bust! Your brilliant Gina!
My boyfriend and I loved this! A much healthier take on a classic. Thank you.
Yummy… It’s absolutely delicious!
Looks great…but my stomach has a problem with avocado (stupid stomach) – any ideas for substituting that? I could use banana for creaminess, but not the green.
A handful of spinach works well to give you the green color. I just did it today and turned out great.
Can I leave out the avocado? I don't like them and I have a real good taste pallet,
and would be able to taste it. Would it still be a low calorie shake?
I am going to make this for my boyfriend and not tell him about the avocado…. he he he
he may never notice
I love shamrock shakes and a skinny one is even better 🙂 will go easy on my waist. Thanks for sharing this receipe
Yummy!yesterday i try this recipe but i add 2 table spoon of honey for taste.
It looks delicious! Avacoda contains lot of health benefits.Gonna to try this.
My 17 yr old son just INHALED both servings! And he loved that it has avacado in it — He eats avacado just about every day!
Wow. I saw this last year and meant to make it, but never did. As I sip mine now, I know it will be a treat I make for years to come. I used Herb Pharm peppermint spirits (and a little too much avocado) and it is AMAZING. Even my daughter loves it.
This looks amazing!!!! I somehow missed it when it was first posted but was so glad to come across it today. Thank you!
My kids and I all loved it! I used 2 packets of Nectresse natural sweetener and it was absolutely perfect!
What a great idea, thanks for posting this recipe I'm definitly going to give it a try 🙂
Just curious if you had any idea how many of the fat grams come from the avocado alone? Those are the good fats to eat!
I am drinking this now! I didn't have an avocado so I used spinach. And the yogurt I used was low-fat Dannon vanilla. It is surprisingly yummy! I only wish mine was thicker.
The avocado would have made it thicker.
Genius, Gina! Love the idea of the avocados!
Avocados always make their way into my smoothies. I'm not sure how it will change the calorie count (I don't really count those, I just like eating healthier), but I'm going to try it out this afternoon with my Mint Chocolate Chip Frozen Yogurt and omit the mint extract.
McDonald's Shamrock Shakes are nowhere near as good as they were years ago. I'm excited about this recipe.
Thank you for making this! I just had it and it was very yummy!!
My daughter gave in to 'advertizing' and had to try the Shamrock shake at McD.. it was creamy, but flat. It definitely wasn't worth the calories — empty calories. Green and creamy but not so great. I am glad you made one, much better for all!
How much would you say 1/3 of a cup of avocado is? About half?
I think I am going to make this and add some cocoa nibs for a mint chocolate chip shake!
I have some blended avocado in the freezer too. PERFECT!
My husband is a HUGE ice cream and shake fan so we gave this a try tonight and we both LOVED it! This is certainly a make again for us. Thank you!
Tried this tonight and it was fantastic! The mint extract is spot on. Peppermint is fine if you like it, but the mint extract is true to the flavor of a shamrock shake. Made this for hubby and a friend and it exceeded everyone's expectations. It is not even a sacrifice to have this over the fuller fat version. Everything I've made of yours is a winner. Thanks Gina!!
I was just telling my husband about this drink. =o) I will have to make it for him and see if he notices the avocado! =o) Thanks for sharing!
http://mindiesmomadventures.blogspot.com/
This looks seriously delicious. Can't wait to try it. I have a weakness for ice cream, but always feel so guilty eating it.
Definitely planning to try this! I never thought of Avocado! 😀 I was at McDonalds with my little guy today, contemplating the desire for a Shamrock shake and wisely turning away from temptation… THIS, I can really wrap my head (and lips) around. Thanks!!!
http://wp.me/p38DGE-4o
This is magic… in a glass. No, seriously! Mint chocolate chip ice cream is my all time favorite and this is perfect! Creamy, minty goodness! Also, I do have to point out that having hunted down the suggested frozen yogurt I am now going to buy that when I want ice cream. You would never know it's not real full fat ice cream! Amazing!!
You can grow chocolate mint as well as regular mint plants. Some of the leaves of that would be great in this!
Apparently McDonald's uses broccoli to colour their Shamrock Shakes – I wonder if I would taste it in your version? Obviously I would have to juice/pulverize them to not get the texture LOL
Vanilla Reduced Fat Ice Cream: Milk, sugar, cream, nonfat milk solids, corn syrup solids, mono- and diglycerides, guar gum, dextrose, sodium citrate, artificial vanilla flavor, sodium phosphate, carrageenan, disodium phosphate, cellulose gum, vitamin A palmitate.
Shamrock Shake Syrup: High fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, water, sugar, natural flavor (plant source), xanthan gum, citric acid, sodium benzoate (preservative), yellow 5, blue 1.
maybe the broccoli is the "plant source" natural flavor 😉
I had a shamrock shake yesterday and regret it. It didn't really taste like anything other than sugar, not creamy, not minty, just so, so sweet. While I think it's funny to knock off something you haven't had, this is an innovative take and I might just try it!
omg! I totally agree with all u said. I too had a shake a few days ago and it didn't taste like i remember it did yrs ago. I threw half out cuz all i tasted was pure sugar!! it was horrible!!
Loved this! I didn't have any Stonyfield 0% so I used Haagen Daz low fat though. It was very creamy and you couldn't taste the avocado at all, it just made it a very nice green color. Will definitely be making this again when I'm craving something thick and creamy.
I'm so glad I had avocado and frozen vanilla Greek yogurt in hand (I have Yoplait though). I made this today and it tastes heavenly! I also added my favorite vanilla-flavored whey protein. It's so delicious it feels like cheating on my healthy eating, but it's not! I love the idea of using avocados to make it creamier. Thank you so much for this wonderful recipe, I'll be making this over and over..
I love that it's made with avocado!
http://therealfoodrunner.blogspot.com
I'd love one of these right now! So yummy and festive for St. Patrick's Day, Gina!
Love this version of the shamrock shake! The avocado gives it the perfect green tint! I'm a sucker for mint!
Sounds great! Did you consider spirulina for the green color and (yes!) added protein?
I might have to try that sans avocado 🙂
This looks lovely! I've never had the McDonalds one either, I don't think we're missing out 🙂
I think I would be willing to forego the avocado to shave off a few points. But it looks great!
tried it this morning this was yummy ,although I didn't have mint extract .I also added some spinach .now I need another glass lol
When I made this, I thought delicious without the mint too!
This looks amazing! I love the use of mint extract instead of peppermint!
i feel like I've seen this somewhere on your blog, but where do you get your straws?
I've seen those straws in target, by the special holiday sections. not sure where
Gina get hers..
I buy them on Etsy, I think I saw them in Michaels recently though
I'll be honest, the thought of the avocado kinda scares me, but with all these great comments, I'm sure it's yummy! Plus, I've never tried avocado in a smoothie, so it'll be worth a shot!
You really don't taste it honestly.
Gina is right! You really can't taste it, it just adds awesome creaminess!
Those shakes look good and I am liking the avocado in them!
Thanks Kevin!
Avocado's definitely makes into my smoothie almost all the time. Yum 🙂
I'm not sure if you already know, but a McDonald's shake is pretty low fat anyways… 11 grams of fat for 12 ounces (if you don't put the whipped cream on); so, if you compare the same serving sizes, McDonald's and your shakes are about the same amount of fat. Yours is much healthier though, just sharing for those that are mostly just concerned with the fat and calories. McDonald's ice cream is reduced fat and delicious.
but full of all sorts of chemicals and garbage: Vanilla Reduced Fat Ice Cream: Milk, sugar, cream, nonfat milk solids, corn syrup solids, mono- and diglycerides, guar gum, dextrose, sodium citrate, artificial vanilla flavor, sodium phosphate, carrageenan, disodium phosphate, cellulose gum, vitamin A palmitate.
Shamrock Shake Syrup: High fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, water, sugar, natural flavor (plant source), xanthan gum, citric acid, sodium benzoate (preservative), yellow 5, blue 1.
Back again to tell you this recipe rocks!! I'm a Shamrock Shake lover, but I won't be getting one next year since I found this! I cut it in half to make a single serving and used unsweetened SoDelicious and it was only 130 calories! The avocado makes it so creamy – this was divine!
So glad you liked it Jess!!! You could really use any milk 🙂
This sounds perfect! Was just telling my hubby I have to have shamrock shake Bc I love them. Can't wait to try this.
This looks great!! I LOVE shamrock shakes, so I love this recipe even more!!
Where would one find the Stonyfield organic frozen yogurt? Do they carry it any any grocery store or do I need to look at specialty stores? I just started counting calories and have been a little bummed (but still excited) about giving up sugar and sweets as well, so this was so exciting to find! Im going to try it right away. pinning! Love Skinny taste! 🙂
My McDonalds has the Shamrock Shake all year, yet I haven't tried it. I have been known to get the mind chocolate chip shakes from Steak n Shake though. Ah guilty pleasures..
Wow! What a great idea to add the avocado! Now I'm in the mood for something minty 🙂 Thanks for sharing… this looks yummy & refreshing!
It's just as well… the Shamrock shakes don't taste like they used to! I switched to a home-made version a couple of years ago to get my fix. 🙂
It's just as well… the Shamrock shakes don't taste like they used to! I switched to a home-made version a couple of years ago to get my fix. 🙂
avocado in a shake?! I am totally loving this idea! plus who doesn't love a lighter version of the March classic?
http://twotimestoomany.blogspot.com/
I was just thinking yesterday that I would LOOOOOVE a health(ier) version of a shamrock shake. So I came to your site… searched… nothing.
And then this today!!!!
It's like you read my mind! Thank you! Thank you! I can't wait to try it!
Gina Thanks so much for this recipe, I love Shamrock shakes,but I hate the calories and fat it contains. I can't wait to try this healthier version!
This is brilliant, Gina! I love that you used avocado for the green color and made this so much healthier and tempting than the ones at McD's.
Soooo excited about this recipe and love the ingredients! Yum
Looks delicious! I'm going to try it with almond milk and see if it still works. Will let you know.
I'm dying!! I LOVE the Shamrock shake, but when I started eating clean I made the rule "you can only have the holiday food on the actual holiday". But now I don't really even want it then – too much crap in it. This recipe? I am making immediately. I LOVE avocado in a smoothie – so delish!!
Thanks so much!!
This looks amazing and so much more healthier than the calorie laden one at mcdonalds! Thanks for sharing!
Paige Flamm
http://thehappyflammily.blogspot.com
Yumm this looks sooooo good! I will definitely have to try this out!
I think I well take a rain check on that..
Why even comment then?
So, say someone is allergic to avocado…what would be a good substitute in this recipe?
spinach! you could also add a half of a frozen banana to get the creaminess back without adding much taste. the mint over powers it.
It looks delicious I will try out
Food & Emotions
http://fefoodemotions.blogspot.pt/
This is awesome! We love Shamrock Shakes around here and a skinny version is perfect.
why not peppermint extract? That's what I use for all things mint. Its a cleaner and crisper mint flavor than spearmint.
I was wondering the same thing, I LOVE peppermint.
No rules, if you like peppermint, go for it!
Thanks! I don't care for spearmint flavoring and was wondering why peppermint wouldn't work.
Bwahahahaha! I can't wait to trick my tween drama queen into drinking avocados. This would be perfect to sip on after going to Denver's St. Patty's day Parade. I don't know if I'm more excited about my evil genius plan to trick my daughter or about actually getting to drink this yummy thing.
LOL
Gina I've never had a SHAMROCK SHAKE either and McDonalds is right next to where I live.
Today I will venture over to Dunkin donuts to check out the Irish Mint iced coffee…OMG they even have an Irish cream filled donut!!!
Your recipes looks great.
Diane
Thanks Diane, yum that sounds good too!
dunkin donuts is right next to us too!!! such temptations.
Oh my gosh, this sounds delicious! I was just talking about Shamrock shakes last night and how I really wanted one, but how they are so unhealthy. I'm running to the store today to buy the ingredients and make this!
As I read this I was thinking of my Dad the whole time! He LOVES mint chocolate chip ice cream but is also trying to lose weight! This is perfect! Thanks for, yet again, a healthy and delicious recipe!
Hope he likes it!