Do you remember fast food Shamrock Shakes? I sure do, oh how I loved this time of year back in my college days when I was repeatedly tempted to get one of those delicious, green colored shakes. Not anymore. I’d much rather drink the real stuff now or have a real mint chocolate chip shake with real ice cream, no fake dyes or preservatives. This green smoothie which is more like a shake has real mint flavor and real chocolate for a milky, creamy shake like consistency that you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home. And it’s guilt-free with healthy fats.
Real Mint Chip Shake
If you follow me already you know I’m all about using real ingredients instead of preservatives and chemicals in my recipes. This smoothie is naturally “green” (not shamrock shake green in color), but real “green” from using fresh mint leaves, a little fresh spinach and some creamy avocado fruit.
The Green Color
The beauty of avocado, as well as spinach, in smoothies is that it’s never noticed. You’re blending in amazing superfoods, but you don’t even know they’re in there. We’re talking healthy natural green color instead of dyes. It’s a healthier way to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day and less expensive than running to your local smoothie shop. Enjoy a healthy shamrock shake without artificial ingredients!
A Kids’ Treat
Adults and kids will love this healthy smoothie. It’s a great way to give your kiddos as a “green” treat on St. Patrick’s Day or any other day. My kids don’t even know what a Shamrock Shake is. They do know they like mint chip ice cream, so they think this is just a smoothie form of one of their favorite ice cream flavors, but with healthier ingredients and a creamy texture. Shh…don’t tell them. Avocado is really a super premium ingredient in smoothies for it’s great thickening power in smoothies.
Mint Chip Smoothie Ingredients
- Yogurt– I only use full fat/Whole milk Greek yogurt.
- Milk– I like whole milk or full fat coconut milk for this recipe. If you prefer a plant-based milk, unsweetened almond milk or oat milk is fine.
- Avocado– avocado is one of my all time favorite smoothie ingredients, especially for green smoothies. It’s so good for you and almost undetectable in a smoothie like this.
- Chocolate Chips– I prefer semi-sweet chocolate chips, but dark chocolate is great too. I also like organic cacao nibs if I have them handy.
- Whey/Protein powder– I like a whey protein or organic vanilla protein powder.
- Honey– You can also use maple syrup instead if you prefer. This and the chocolate
- Mint– For this recipe, I like to use some fresh mint leaves as well as a touch of peppermint extract.
- Spinach– I like fresh spinach in this, but in a pinch you can just a little frozen spinach, only about a tablespoon at a time I’d say.
More Optional Wholesome Ingredients to Add In
- Hemp seeds
- Flax Seeds– This is something I sneak into my kids’ smoothies from time to time.
- Banana– The only reason I don’t add banana to this is because it adds a lot more cabs and sugar, but you can drop in a ripe or frozen banana if you like.
Give this refreshing Mint Chip Smoothie smoothie a try and comment below on how you like it.
[amazon-related]
Healthy-ish Mint Chip Smoothie (Shamrock Shake)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 15 mint leaves (washed and dried)
- 1.5 oz. spinach leaves ((1.5 oz= about 1 cup packed) washed & dried)
- 1 cup Plain Whole Milk Greek Yogurt
- 1/2 cup Whole Milk (or almond, coconut milk)
- 1/2 large avocado (or 1 whole small avocado) (Seed removed )
- 1 scoop whey protein (or vanilla protein powder)
- 1 tsp raw honey
- 1 heaping cup ice cubes
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- .25 tsp mint extract
For Drinking
- 2 fat smoothie straws (thin straws might occasionally clog with mint chip pieces)
Instructions
- Place all ingredients except for chocolate chips into high speed blender and blend of smoothie mode or for about 30 seconds.
- Once that's all blended, pour in your chocolate chips and quickly pulse the chips only 4-5 times. (Do not over pulse or smoothie will turn brownish)
- Pour the smoothie into cups with smoothie straws and enjoy immediately. If you want to make it extra special, add a generous squirt of real whipped cream with a little shake of chocolate sprinkles.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Disclaimer:
Nutrition
Comments
Comments are welcome & encouraged, however we have the right to refuse to publish it if it is hateful in nature and not constructive criticism. We ask that they be polite & stay on topic as well.