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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
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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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.
- Add liquids first. Pour the chilled coconut milk into your blender to help everything blend smoothly.
- Layer the greens and herbs. Add spinach and fresh mint so they break down fully.
- Add fruit and sweeteners. Toss in the banana, pitted dates, and vanilla extract.
- Blend until creamy. Start on low, then increase to high for 30–60 seconds.
- Taste and adjust. Add more mint for freshness or a splash of coconut milk if it’s too thick.
- 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.
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
Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut milk chilled
- ¾ cup spinach
- 8 fresh mint leaves
- 1 banana
- 2 medjool dates pitted
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Toppings
- 1 tbsp whipped coconut cream optional
- 1 tsp cacao nibs optional
- 1 sweet cherry optional
Instructions
- Blend spinach, mint, and coconut milk until smooth.
- Add remaining ingredients, and blend until smooth. Enjoy!
Helpful Tools
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.
I thought this was delicious! We have tons of mint growing in our yard and can’t use enough of it. I used a very scant 1/2 cup of mint because I sometimes find it too overpowering. However, I think it was perfect! I actually threw this into a bowl and added a few dark chocolate chips. It was like eating mint chocolate chip ice cream! I might add less coconut milk next time and leave it a bit thicker to eat from a bowl. An awesome and refreshing dessert that really satisfied my sweet tooth without being unhealthy. I will make this again! Thanks!
Hi Christie,
Yum, love that you turned this recipe into a decadent smoothie bowl!
Do you folks use pure coconut milk out of a can (like the one used for curry) or drinkable coconut milk from a carton (ie like almond and cashew milk)?
HI Lynn,
You can actually use either! Our tip is to just make sure you take a peek at the ingredients first. You want to find a coconut milk that’s free of any yucky additives or preservatives. Learn more about the different coconut products available for green smoothies here:
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/coconut-oil-benefits
can these smoothies be a substitute for breakfast ? Or are they. I need to watch the calories
Hi Manju,
You can! When using your green smoothie as a meal replacement we suggest adding protein + healthy fats to ensure you’re fueling your body with a complete meal. Learn more about our favorite meal replacement booster combos here…
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/meal-replacement-smoothie
Delicious! I admit, I altered it slightly by cutting the ingredients in half and adding a scoop of Orgain Vanilla Bean protein powder, but it tastes fantastic! I love how the dates really added nice flavor and sweetness. This is my new favorite and I’ll share it with my mom, who is getting bored of her usual green smoothie. She loves dates, so this will be perfect. I am really looking forward to trying out all of your green smoothie recipes. Thank you!
Hi Jaime,
So happy to hear you loved this recipe. Adding protein powder is a great option. Make sure and reach back out + let us know how your mom enjoyed this recipe!
I make your smoothies all the time, but this time my husband raved about it. I loved it, too.
Hi Phyllis,
YAY! Thanks for sharing the green smoothie love, and sharing this recipe with your husband!
Thanks for this fun recipe! I have featured today it on my FB site “Super Quick Plant-Based Recipes” – where I post recipes that take 20 min. or less to prepare with as few ingredients as possible! My group will love it!
Hi Shanasy,
WAHOO! Thanks for sharing the green smoothie love!
This was really good! I usually like the more fruity and tart smoothies with pineapple and mangos. This was a pleasant surprise and I love the mint!
Hi America Brown,
YAY! So happy to hear you tried something new + loved this recipe. Rawk on!
Really! Disappointed!! I have made many fruit smoothies and thought I would try a new and differant.. Well I followed the ingredients and my smoothie turned out to minty and bitter.. Not good for sure. Maybe half the mint and no vanilla.. Or maybe this is a girl drink. No guys chimed in besides me…. Lol.
Hi Alan,
Oh no! We’re so sorry you didn’t love this recipe. Our tastebuds all have different preferences. Make sure and check out our recipe page + give our recipes another try. We know you’ll find one you love!
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/recipes
Do you think almond milk would taste good instead?
Hi Shawn,
Almond milk is a great swap for coconut milk! Go for it!
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.
Hi Sandra,
YAY!! So happy you loved this recipe! And perfect timing with St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner.
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!
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.
Thank you so much for the reply! The guide is very helpful!
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.
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!
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.
Hi Loice,
No mint on hand? Swap in another herb you enjoy! Here are a few of our favorites…
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/fresh-herbs
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!
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 🙂
Yeah this is really a great recipe..Infact I am very much pleased with the same.Anyways do keep update more.
Hi Anna,
YAY! Thanks for reaching out + sharing the green smoothie love! <3
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!
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!