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This vegan shamrock shake is my plant-based spin on the classic minty treat—no artificial dyes, no dairy, and no weird ingredients. It’s creamy, lightly sweet, and refreshing, with real mint flavor and a naturally green glow thanks to spinach. Balance is green smoothies and fun desserts, right?

Table of Contents

Side image of a vegan shamrock shake in a wine glass, garnished with coconut whipped cream, fresh mint, and a cherry.

What is a Vegan Shamrock Shake?

A traditional shamrock shake relies on dairy milk, ice cream, and artificial green coloring. This version skips all of that. Instead, we use creamy coconut milk, frozen banana for thickness, dates for natural sweetness, and fresh mint for that cool, nostalgic flavor. Spinach is a mild leafy green vegetable that adds the green color without changing the taste. Plants for the win.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Coconut milk (chilled): Adds rich, milkshake-like creaminess. Check out my recommend coconut milk brands to use in smoothies.
  • Spinach: Creates a natural green color without food coloring
  • Fresh mint leaves: Gives that classic shamrock shake flavor profile. If you’re new to adding fresh herbs to smoothies, I recommend removing the stems before blending and just use the leaves.
  • Banana: Thickens the shake and is a great natural sweetener in smoothies. I like to freeze bananas to have on hand to use in smoothies like this— it’s a great way to chill them down without needing ice (which can dull your blender blade overtime)
  • Medjool dates: Balances the banana taste by provide caramel-like sweetness with fiber
  • Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor and adds warmth

Topping Ideas

If you’re like me, and pick food based on looks as well as taste, then you definitely need some fun toppings for this vegan shamrock shake. Top with coconut whipped cream, then sprinkle with cacao nibs, and finish with a fresh cherry.

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Close-up of a vegan Shamrock Shake topped with coconut whipped cream, cherry, and fresh mint.

How to Make a Shamrock Shake

If you’re using one of my recommended blenders for smoothies, follow the steps below. If you have a low powdered blender, I recommend blending after step 2 and then again in step 4.

  1. Add liquids first. Pour the chilled coconut milk into your blender to help everything blend smoothly.
  2. Layer the greens and herbs. Add spinach and fresh mint so they break down fully.
  3. Add fruit and sweeteners. Toss in the banana, pitted dates, and vanilla extract.
  4. Blend until creamy. Start on low, then increase to high for 30–60 seconds.
  5. Taste and adjust. Add more mint for freshness or a splash of coconut milk if it’s too thick.
  6. Serve immediately. Pour into a glass and add toppings if desired.

Ingredient Swaps

  • Want more protein? Add a scoop of plant-based protein powder.
  • No coconut milk? Use cashew milk or make oat milk for a lighter texture.
  • No dates on hand? Swap with 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup.
  • Mint too strong? Start with 4–5 leaves and build from there.
Vegan shamrock shake in a glass.

More Dessert Smoothies

If this shamrock shake sparked your interest in more dessert smoothies, then try these other dessert smoothie recipes:

  • Coconut joy smoothie bowl: Chocolatey, creamy, and topped with coconut for a dessert-inspired smoothie bowl made with real ingredients.
  • Banana chocolate protein shake: Indulge in a velvety smooth, banana chocolate protein shake that’s not only delicious but also a powerhouse of nutrition.
  • Skinny mint smoothie: Cool, refreshing, and lightly sweet, this minty smoothie satisfies dessert cravings the lighter way.
  • Chocolate smoothie bowl: Rich, fudgy, and ultra-creamy, this chocolate smoothie bowl feels indulgent but is made with just plants.

If you make this vegan shamrock shake recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. Your feedback helps me and all the readers in this community. And if you’re interested in more plant-based recipes (and exclusive content), sign up for my weekly recipe newsletter.

Vegan shamrock shake in a wine glass, topped with coconut whipped cream, fresh mint, and a cherry.
4.63 (95 votes)

Vegan Shamrock Shake

This vegan shamrock shake is creamy, refreshing, and naturally green. Made with coconut milk, fresh mint, spinach, and dates, it delivers classic minty flavor without dairy or artificial coloring. A fun, plant-based dessert smoothie you can feel good about.
Print Pin Rate
Prep: 3 minutes
Blend: 2 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Author: Jen Hansard

Ingredients 

Toppings

  • 1 tbsp whipped coconut cream optional
  • 1 tsp cacao nibs optional
  • 1 sweet cherry optional
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Instructions 

  • Blend spinach, mint, and coconut milk until smooth.
  • Add remaining ingredients, and blend until smooth. Enjoy!

Helpful Tools

high-speed blender
smoothie blender

Notes

  • Pour over ice or freeze banana first if you prefer a colder smoothie.
  • If you can’t find fresh mint then up the spinach to 1 cup and add a few drops of mint extract.
  • Use full-fat coconut milk for a more shake-like texture, or carton coconut milk for less healthy fat and a thinner consistency.
  • Soak Medjool dates in water for 20 minutes before blending if your blender has a hard time blending certain ingredients.

Nutrition

Serving: 16 oz | Calories: 423 kcal | Carbohydrates: 72 g | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 14 g | Saturated Fat: 13 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1 g | Sodium: 190 mg | Potassium: 949 mg | Fiber: 8 g | Sugar: 47 g | Vitamin A: 2735 IU | Vitamin C: 20 mg | Calcium: 86 mg | Iron: 2 mg

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Jen Hansard pouring a simple green smoothie recipe

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4.63 from 95 votes

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Rating




Comments

    1. Hi Shawn,

      Almond milk is a great swap for coconut milk! Go for it!

  2. 5 stars
    You inspired me to start drinking green smoothies 3 years ago and I’ve hardly missed a day – it’s my breakfast of choice. But I’ve been a bit bored with my usual 5 or 6 recipes. I tried this one yesterday and wow! Feeling inspired and loving green smoothies again. Going to Amazon to buy your book next. Thanks for sharing your recipes.

    Reply

    1. Hi Sandra,

      YAY!! So happy you loved this recipe! And perfect timing with St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner.

  3. Hi!

    I absolutely love your book, I got it for my birthday and make the smoothies almost every day. I was wondering, for this recipe and others in the book, are you using the full fat canned coconut milk? Thanks! I can’t wait to try this recipe!

    Reply

    1. Hi Jennifer,

      We do! But you can really reach for any type of coconut milk you enjoy. When it comes to different types of coconut milk – there is full-fat or regular coconut milk. It still has plenty of rich, creamy taste. Light coconut milk has the mildest flavor, highest water content, and least amount of calories compared with the other varieties. Think of these as you would whole milk and low-fat milk.

      https://simplegreensmoothies.com/coconut-oil-benefits

      Hope this helps!

      You’ll find coconut milk packaged in several ways – cans, cartons (shelf-stable and refrigerated), or frozen.

    2. Thank you so much for the reply! The guide is very helpful!

  4. Yum to Shamrawk green smoothie! Its whats for lunch! Can’t for growing mint this summer..may have to get two plants this year. Just received your book and have had smoothies 5 out of the past 7 days. Especially like the recipes for 2 servings..make it today drink today and tomorrow.

    Reply

    1. Hi Sandy,

      YAY! We’re so excited to have you blendin’ with us! I just planted my mint this weekend, and so excited for a summer filled with refreshing + minty green smoothies!

      Cheers to health, happiness, + leafy greens!

  5. Hi Rawckster,
    What can i substitute with Mint..cant wait to try it out.Thanks for keeping us healthy.Anxiously waiting for the 30 day challenge in April.

    Reply

  6. Hi Rawkstar Js!
    I am on day 6 and had this smoothie in honor of St Patrick’s Day. All I can say is YUM! and I just realized I left out the vanilla…that would have been a great touch. oh well, I’ll definitely be making this again! I have been sharing the smoothies with my Kansas-born, meat-and-potato loving husband without telling him what is in them. He is enjoying them (which is saying a lot!) One of these days I’ll let him in on the secret. Thank you again for what you do!

    Reply

    1. Hi Janet,

      YAY! We’re so excited to have you blendin’ with us + love that you’re getting your husband in on the green smoothie love too (even if he doesn’t know)!

      We hope you will both join us for our next 30-Day Green Smoothie Challenge kicking off on April 1st!

      Cheers 🙂

  7. Yeah this is really a great recipe..Infact I am very much pleased with the same.Anyways do keep update more.

    Reply

    1. Hi Anna,

      YAY! Thanks for reaching out + sharing the green smoothie love! <3

  8. I tried this smoothie and loved the taste; however, the dates didn’t really blend well. They tended to just stay in little bits. Is there a trick to getting the dates to blend up better? Or are little bits the best I can hope for? Thanks!

    Reply

    1. Hi Laurel,

      Looking to blend dates smooth? Try soaking dates in water prior to blending to help soften them. Also try adding your liquid base + dates first + blend until smooth, before adding the remaining ingredients.

      Hope this helps!

    1. Hi Maria!

      Thanks so much for reaching out! One of my favorite substitutes for Medjool dates are figs, which still provide a dose of fiber and nutrients while sweetening things up. You can also try tossing in another banana in place of the dates, or blendin’ in a little raw honey or 100% maple syrup. Feel free to play mini-chef with your blender to find what tastes best to you!

      -Rawkstar Tessa

  10. Superdelicious! This is one of my favorite smoothie. I make it often & enjoy the fresh mint flavor. Yum! I’ll have to try it with almond milk, as well.

    Reply

    1. Hi Ardis,

      Yay! We love hearing your love for our Shamrock Green Smoothie! You’ll have to check out our book coming out November 3rd!! W e’ve included a delicious coconut whipped cream recipe, which makes the perfect topping for this recipe (with a cherry too)!

      https://simplegreensmoothies.com/shop

    1. Hi Katelin,

      Rawesome! We hope you enjoy our Shamrock Green Smoothie!

      Cheers 🙂

  12. OMG!!! This is by far the BEST smoothie I have had yet!! I didn’t have coconut milk on hand so I substituted unsweetened vanilla almond milk and it was wonderful. I will for sure make this my go to smoothie of choice. Thank you thank you!!!!!

    Reply

    1. Hi Kim,

      Yay! This is one of our favorite recipes too + we love the idea of swapping in almond milk!

      Cheers + Happy Blendin’

    1. Hi Ann,

      Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately, we can’t think of a substitute for vanilla, but don’t worry about leaving it out, we promise this smoothie will still be delicious!! All of the herbs, fruits, + leafy greens makes sure for that!!

  14. When a recipe calls for coconut milk, do you mean the newer coconut Milk beverages that come in the Tetrapaks (like soy milk), or do you mean coconut milk in a can?

    Reply

    2. I have the same question as Kelly.

      There is the beverage form of coconut milk then there is that canned thick coconut milk stuff. Two different things but same name.

    3. Hi Katelin,

      It can be tough finding the right option! Coconut milk has the liquid consistency of cow’s milk and is made from simmering one part shredded coconut in one part water. Coconut cream is much thicker and richer. It is made from simmering four parts shredded coconut in one part water.

      We also love making our own coconut milk…

      https://simplegreensmoothies.com/how-to-make-coconut-milk

      Hope this helps!

  15. This is fantastic!! Like a mint milkshake! Definitely one we will do over. ( i have a ton of mint growing in my garden)

    Reply

    1. Hi Lisa!

      Thanks so much for reaching out! We’re are so happy that you loved this recipe, we are so excited about it too! I have mint growing in my garden too, I can’t wait to use it! 🙂

  16. I see a lot of these recipes call for mint. What is a good sub for that if you don’t have it on hand or can it just be left off all together?

    Reply

  17. I didn’t find any mint leaves in our market, can i just substitute it with basil instead?

    Reply

    1. Hi Melissa,

      Basil will create a very different flavor, but we love to experiment and try new recipes! If you substitute basil, let us know how it turns out!

      Cheers 🙂

  18. I am kindergarten teacher who had a successful and tasty St. Patrick’s Day thanks to the shamrock green smoothie recipe. I made 2 blenders and served smoothies to 23 morning kindergarten students, 24 afternoon kindergarten students, and the two teachers (me & my team teacher).Thank you!

    Reply

    1. Melissa,

      That’s awesome! Thank you so much for sharing the green smoothie love with your class + teachers!

  19. It’s St Patrick day here in Australia, so I thought I’ll celebrate with having a shamrock smoothie for lunch. Well WOW it’s beauitful yummy just fantastic best smoothie ever love it.
    17th of March 2015.
    Thanks
    Joy xx

    Reply

  20. I’d love a good coconut milk whipped cream recipe also, my
    daughter can’t have lactose.

    Reply

    1. Awesome! We will have a post about it soon. 🙂

    2. Like Barbbaker58, I too would like to have the recipe for coconut cream whipped cream. I love the Shamrock Green Smoothie, as is, but I’d really like to try both it with the whipped coconut cream topping.

    3. Hi Bahbi,

      Our team is hard at work ensuring that our coconut whipped cream is both delicious + simple to make! We’ll have it to you as soon as we can! Cheers 🙂