DAIRY FREE SHAMROCK SHAKE

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This dairy free healthier version of a traditional shamrock shake from McDonald's is sure to be a delight in your St. Patrick's Day celebration.

Shamrock shake on a wooden board with a white towel and white background

This Dairy Free Shamrock Shake is a creamy, minty delight that everyone dairy free or not can enjoy! Made with simple dairy free ingredients and a vibrant hue from the natural colors, it's perfect for those avoiding dairy or just looking for a healthier twist on a classic shake.

This cool and refreshing shake will for sure bring you into the Irish spirit. I remember as a child wanting them from McDonald's and being bummed by March 18th when they didn't have them anymore. I have recreated this shake to be somewhat healthier. Still no vegetables but a wonderful shake void of artificial or ultra processed ingredients.

Looking for more creamy and delicious drinks, check out my Egg Nog Protein Shake, my Lean Green Protein Smoothie, this Healthy Pumpkin Pie Smoothie and this Healthy Strawberry Peach Smoothie.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS DAIRY FREE SHAMROCK SHAKE

  • Rich and creamy texture: The creamy ice cream and ice cold milk is such a treat.
  • Healthier version: Less sugar and less processed ingredients than the traditional shake.
  • Easy to make: Blend it up and enjoy!

INGREDIENTS + NOTES

  • Dairy free vanilla ice cream: The base for the shake.
  • Almond milk: Helps to create a creamy texture when blended with ice cream.
  • Vanilla extract: Adds a splash of vanilla flavoring.
  • Peppermint extract: Adds that classic minty flavor.
  • Green food dye: I use Color Kitchen which is non gmo, gluten free food coloring that is made with natural plant based sources instead of artificial dyes.
  • Toppings: Dairy free whipped cream, cherries and sprinkles.
Ingredients for dairy free shamrock shake

HOW TO MAKE THIS SHAMROCK SHAKE

Step 1: Combine all ingredients into blender and blend until consistency is smooth and creamy.

Blender with shake ingredients blended.

Step 2: Pour into a glass and add your favorite toppings! Enjoy!

Shamrock shake on wood board with green sprinkles, cherries and white towel surround.

VARIATIONS

  • Low sugar option: Opt to use an unsweetened dairy free milk.
  • Add protein: Throw in a scoop of vanilla protein or unflavored plant based protein powder.
  • Boost the green: Add in a handful of spinach. This will not affect the taste at all but only adds more nutritional value.
  • Mint chocolate twist: Drizzle some chocolate syrup onto or add in a few dairy free chocolate chips.

EMILY'S TIPS

  • Adjust the peppermint and vanilla extracts to taste, remember a little goes a long way.
  • I always advise using natural dyes like Color Kitchen for health benefits but it also gives such a vibrant green color.
  • Blend longer for a smoother texture, especially if you add in spinach or protein powder.
  • If the shake seems to be too thick, add a splash of dairy free milk.
  • If the shake seems to be too thin, add another scoop of dairy free ice cream to thicken.
Overhead shot looking down on shamrock shake thats on a wood board

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

I love enjoying this dairy free shamrock shake with dairy free whipped cream and a cherry on top. You can also sprinkle green sugar or chocolate shavings as a decorative topping.

If serving to others, use a festive straw and offer with either fruit or your favorite dairy free cookies.

STORAGE

This shamrock shake is best served and enjoyed fresh! You can store any leftovers in a freezer safe container with lid. You will want to blend back up when ready to enjoy again. I don't think you'll have too many leftovers as this shake is a hit!

FAQ'S

What is the best dairy free milk and ice cream to use?

I personally love almond based ice cream and milk but you can use either coconut or oat based brands too. Both coconut and oat will allow for a thicker shake.

Can I add a banana to this shake?

Sure! This will definitely thicken it up while being a great source of added potassium.

Is this dairy free shamrock shake healthier than the McDonald's version?

Yes, the medium size (16oz) McDonald's Shamrock Shake has 540 calories, 15g fat, 87g carbs, 74g sugar and12g protein.

What is the best brand of dye free food coloring?

There are several on the market so read your ingredients for gluten free but for this shake and for other food coloring needs I prefer to use Color Kitchen or Supernatural.

Shamrock shake on wood board with cherries and sprinkles in the background

I hope you give these Dairy Free Shamrock Shake a try! If you do give this recipe a try, please let me know!

Leave a comment with a 5 star rating below. Your reviews and ratings help support Emily’s Wholesome Kitchen and make it possible for me to continue to create the best recipes you know and love.

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Shamrock shake on a wooden board with a white towel and white background

Dairy Free Shamrock Shake


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5 from 1 review

  • Author: Emily
  • Total Time: 7 mins
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This healthier version of a traditional shamrock shake from McDonald's is sure to be a delight in your St. Patrick's Day celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups vanilla almond ice cream
  • 1 ½ cups almond milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp peppermint extract
  • 1-3 drops food dye (I used Color Kitchen)
  • Toppings to add- dairy free whipped cream, cherries, sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in blender
  2. Blend for 1-2 minutes until consistency is creamy and smooth
  3. Pour into glass and top with dairy free whipped cream, sprinkles and a cherry, if desired

Notes

  • Substitutions: You can use coconut milk and coconut ice cream in place of almond to still keep it dairy free. 
  • I choose to use a food dye that is free of artificial dyes since this is a healthier version. My favorite dyes that are not artificial are Color Kitchen and Supernatural.
  • You can top with dairy free whipped cream and cherry or leave plain with just the ingredients listed.
  • The nutritional value below excludes toppings. 
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 2 mins
  • Category: Drinks
  • Method: Blender
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 351 cal
  • Sugar: 27.8g
  • Sodium: 151.4 mg
  • Fat: 22.7g
  • Saturated Fat: 13.8g
  • Carbohydrates: 30.5g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 5.3g
  • Cholesterol: 123.1mg

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