No need to miss out on McDonald’s St. Paddy’s Day special with this healthified paleo and keto shamrock shake! Plus, with no ice cream required, this all-natural breakfast shake is packed with healthy fats, is extra creamy and ultra minty.
Paleo & Keto Shamrock Shake
Instant & Totally Healthified!
You probably need no reminding, but after reading what’s really in the McDonald’s seasonal shake, you probably won’t ever look at it the same way again. Think 54 total ingredients (with known carcinogens in the mix), and a whopping 115g of sugar (!!!).
But it is delicious, and that’s a fact. And as it turns out, totally healthifiable. And rather than have you whip up a batch of keto vanilla ice cream, all you need to do is blend full-fat coconut milk (the canned stuff) with an avocado, vanilla extract, mint extract (or leaves!), a handful of ice cubes and sweeten to taste.
And please try and skip any form of artificial colorings. Yellow no. 5 (part of the green dye) is a serious allergen that has been tied to hyperactivity in children (amongst other stuff). So go ahead and get the green hue the natural route, with an avocado and even some actual mint leaves.
The Extract
Mint vs peppermint extracts. There is a difference, and if you’re picky you’ll want to procure some mint extract. Though you can get away with the peppermint one in all honesty, which is what most peeps’ have at hand.
Oh, and if you want to go the even more natural route, a handful of actual mint leaves will get the job done beautifully. Tthough note that to get the minty taste of Micky D’s special, you’ll need to use an extract.
Using a high-speed blender here (think bullets) will ensure ultra creamy and smooth results. Just be sure to blend all the ingredients very well before you add the ice!
The Sweetener
This keto shamrock shake is super forgiving… i.e. you can pretty much use whatever sweetener floats your boat (stevia and pure monk fruit included!).
But do keep in mind that you’ll get a more traditional sweetness with sugar alcohols (erythritol and xylitol) and allulose.
Paleo, Vegan & Keto Shamrock Shake
Ingredients
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1 medium avocado
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon mint extract to taste*
- pinch pink Himalayan salt or salt of choice
- 2-4 tablespoons erythritol or sweetener of choice, to taste
- 1 cup ice as needed
- water as needed
Instructions
- Add coconut milk, avocado, vanilla extract, mint extract, salt and sweetener (lower amount) to a blender (bullets work amazing here!) and blend until creamy smooth. Taste for sweetness, as traditional shakes are super sweet (but your keto palates will likely need a lot less sweetener!)
- Add in ice and blend until thick and creamy, adding a little water as needed. Do not over-blend, or you'll lose thickness and coldness. Enjoy right away with a generous helping of homemade whipped cream.
This was perfect on a humid June night. Chocolate seemed ‘heavy’ & this fit the bill. For those on the fence on how much mint to add, I found once you add the ice the mint really pops.
Oh my goodness, this was delicious. I replaced the extract with 5 drops of oil like another poster suggested, used 4 TBS Allulose sweetener, instead of water added a tiny bit of macadamia nut milk, and then through in some low carb chocolate chips. I measured out my avocado and 100 g ended up being about 1/2 of the avocado. I will be making this quite often I am sure. This was amazing, I can’t wait to experiment with other flavor combinations. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful recipe.
Yaaaay!! Please try it with lime zest for a key lime pie version 🤌🏼
I made this Keto Shamrock ☘Shake a day late all goody lol. I added a twist to it. I did 2 tbsp classic lakanto cuz 4 is a bit much. I cut up 1 Suzie Good Fat Mint Choco Chip bar for the twist lol. I kinda have a sm mix bottle of mint & peppermint extract.
All n all perdy tasty 😋. Def make r again, next yr St. Paddy’s Day lol.
I love this recipe! It is my go-to when I have a sweet tooth or am craving something cold and refreshing. I find that I can get away with using just a half of avocado, which is fantastic if you want to make 2, my husband also loves this 😊 thank you!
Awesome to hear Kate and thanks for reporting back! xo!
I made as is and it was amazing, thank you so much for sharing this recipe.
Excellent! I used 5 drops of mint essential oil, 4 tbsp erythritol, a cup of crushed ice, and a few squirts of water. It came out extremely thick and delicious. Would try adding some cacao nibs, cocoa powder, or Lily’s chocolate next time for a mint chocolate chip version. Might sub some almond milk for some of the coconut milk next time, since it was sooo thick. However, it was still drinkable with a straw. My 9-year-old loved it.
OMG! This is so delicious! I made exactly as written and would not change a thing. I pre-tested for St. Patrick’s day and will be making for my non-Keto family tonight! They would not drink if if I told them about the coconut milk or avocado but I’m sure they won’t have a clue…until they are done and I reveal the secret- LOL!!
Thanks for resending this…I just went and made it for the kiddies and was Sooooooo Yum! Kids loved it.
OMG! This was sooo good!!
So so gooood! I left mine out for a while and it stayed thick and creamy…will probably make one every day
Yum! Add in cacao nibs for mint & chip shake!! (Great tip, via comment from April!) All those coconut haters, it’s so darn minty- seriously, this is one, if ever, you’d never taste. I’ve had some bad luck hiding avocados in sweet treats, so I made it with some trepidation.. now I wish I had used the extra 2oz of coconut milk I had to increase quantity😋! Really good. Thx!😘
(This makes up for my semi-fail on ur cinnamon roll recipe last night.. 😂😉)
This is so good! I don’t normally comment on recipes, but this is incredibly simple and truly tastes like an ice cream shake. I even added a handful of spinach today and couldn’t taste it.
I’ve never been a huge fan of mint infused desserts, but this right here made me happy I made it. I’m determined to try every last Gnom-Gnom recipe. So glad I gave this one a go.
The mint extract made it really appealing for me. Not sure how I would feel using the peppermint extract, but I may give it a try since I have both on hand.
I’m allergic to avocado. I know banana isn’t keto, but could I use it as a substitute for the avocado?
I don’t think it would go well with mint? Avocado can be masked… bananas are pretty potent
I don’t usually comment but in Iceland at Joe & The Juice they used to make something called “the easy shake”. It’s made with Banana + 10 leaves of Fresh Mint + vanilla milk.
It was delicious. Not everyone’s cup of tea but definitely worth a try.
Mmmm now that you mention it maybe? Lol! Just keep in mind guys that if keto banana will surely spike giucoae xo!!
Look up Mint Chip mason jar ice cream recipe on YT, no avocado (and leave out the chips) and tastes like this also. It’s only 4 ingredients. Normally you’d freeze overnight to make ice cream but chill this a little if you want it colder, as its already a shake texture and drink it then and there.
OMG, this is yummy! To cut the fat a bit I used 3/4 cup cashew milk, 1/2 avocado, handful of spinach, 1/4 cup coconut cream, 3tbs of sola(sweeter i found on amazon)
1 tsp of peppermint and a couple of ice cubes. Turned out quite thick almost like pudding . Sprinkles with a few cocoa nibs for some crunch. Dessert for breakfast!
Thanks for all your hard work Paola!
It’s my absolute pleasure April!!
Add a 1-2 drops of pure peppermint oil instead of extracts! The real stuff! 🙂 Why pay for a bottle of mostly alcohol with a bit of mint? Once you have the real thing you won’t go back!
So my 17 year old just asked me to take him to McDonald’s to get a shamrock shake because it’s that time of year..I was like “no I will not”.. lol. I said I have something for you! I made this recipe(mind you, I hadn’t made it yet but had been wanting to). He took a couple of sips(I was praying it was good) and was amazed. He loved it! I made enough for myself too. Thanks for this great healthy recipe!
Sorry I meant my other comment as a standalone comment. I don’t know why it is showing under your post as I didn’t hit reply to anything… weird.
Is there an alternative to avacado in this recipe? I am allergic to avacado and spinach.
I would love to have a dairy free shake that is easy to make. Thanks for sharing!
Omg this is so good. If you close your eyes, it’s almost like a real milkshake!! Thank you!
LOL! Thank you Kate!!
Dear Paola,
I hate coconut milk! I keep using it, keep trying amazing recipes, but I just can’t choke it down. Is there anything else you could recommend that gives the same smoothness without insane calories (and keto friendly)?
Thanks for making this keto journey palatable!!!!
Syma 🙂
Hi Syma! In all honesty you can’t taste it here, but you can try just doing it with almond milk otherwise (won’t be as thick though, but the avocado will keep it creamy!) xo!
If you can stomach Coconut Cream or milk, then maybe you won’t me to wear of tasting it, but I promise you, those of us who gag on coconut, taste it in every single recipe!
I hear this all the time with flavors like coconut and coffee from people who love those flavors, but it is always there and always sickening!
Maybe a mixture of heavy cream and something else or some enlightened vanilla ice cream but never coconut! Yuck
I dislike coconut too. But seriously, the mint and vanilla extracts plus avocado are totally enough to cut the coconut flavor out. This was excellent, thank you, Paola.
Thank you for reporting back Maegan! That’s awesome to hear 🙂
Paula you’re the best. This is easy, delicious and healthy. A little comment here: I have a hard time with people who want to substitute ingredients, because they’re allergic or don’t like A certain thing in the recipe. Come on people: if you can’t have it or don’t like it, MOVE ON and find another recipe that you will like, if you can’t figure it out yourselves. Just saying🤭
Seriously Renee??? You have a hard time with people with food allergies? Do you not understand that people DIE from eating something they are allergic to?? My neighbor just died from an allergic reaction to a nut she was told she outgrew the allergy. You need to be educated… People are excited about the recipe and want to try to sub something so they can eat it (and not die)- YOU are the one that needs to MOVE ON!
I read the comments, but am unsure if this can be made without the avocado? I am on a low potassium diet and cannot have avocados.
Hi Karin! It can, it’ll just be a bit less creamy/thick and not green 😉 xo!
Silly question as I’ve never used avocado in anything before. Does this need to be peeled first? Or does it just need the pit taken out??
Hi Julie! No prob! Cut it in half, remove the pit and spoon out the ‘meat’. Easiest way to skin it! xo!
Is avocado for color? Have spinach but out of avocado
Hi Lori! The avocado also adds SO much creaminess! BUT a reader actually just commented about using spinach and said she couldn’t taste it (comment above yours), but the results won’t be exactly the same. xo!
Yum! Thank you for sharing this recipe. I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk instead of coconut milk (not a fan of anything coconut). I finally tried a shamrock shake a few years ago and I like this a lot more. I also added a small handful of spinach which added a bit more color and didn’t affect the flavor at all. I will be making this again!
So happy you enjoyed Kathie! And thanks so much for reporting back in detail, turns out the comment after yours was asking about using spinach! 😉 xo!
The only change I made was 3/4 cup Lactaid whole milk and 1/4 cup heavy cream in place of the coconut milk. 1/4 tsp. peppermint and 3 Tbls. Swerve were the perfect amount for my taste. I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious it was. Thank you for sharing your recipe.
Just made this. WOW! I have never had a shamrock shake so I can’t speak to comparing the two products, but with summer coming up, I can feel confident that this is a great replacement for ice cream and/or milkshakes, which is where I have a LOT of trouble. I took another comments suggestion about chocolate and added half a spoonful of unsweetened cocoa. I have to applaud you again for another DELICIOUS life saver. I still can’t believe how yummy Keto can be or how much weight I have lost.
Just made this and it was oh so yummy. I was having a hard time eating avocados because I’m so used to eating them with tortilla chips, so this made my day!
I did add a little extra mint extract because I like the mint flavor, butthis was great! Thanks for sharing.
10 stars for this one,my wife looks like the cat that got the cream,says its the best thing she’s tasted all year,and i agree with her,I only used 2 tbsp of stevia, and pepermint essence and it turned out sensational, thank you, thank you thank you
LOL I made it too! I LOVE LOVE LOVE your easy recipes! They’re so simple and yummy that I often wonder why I didn’t think of it before! I also made the cookie dough fat bombs today! my oh my!
Love this, I also added a few drops of Chocolate flavored sweet drops to it….
Oh that sounds like a wonderful addition Wendy! So happy you enjoyed! xo and good weekend!
BLESS YOU!! Whipped it up as soon as I got your email (I used peppermint extract as it’s what I had in my pantry).
I was even considering doing a cheat meal to have one, but when I saw the number of carbs…..!!! This was different, but honestly delicious! THANK YOU!
Oh my you guys were quick to start whipping it up! So happy you enjoyed Beth!