Vegan Shamrock Shake

By Ashley Jean March 27, 2023 18 mins read 105 Views

This 4-ingredient Vegan Shamrock Shake is a minty and creamy treat that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day! Ready in 5 minutes.

2 mint green vegan shamrock milkshakes in tall glasses topped with whipped cream, green sprinkles, and a maraschino cherry.

St. Patrick’s Day just isn’t complete without a Vegan Shamrock Shake! Creamy, minty, and finished with whipped cream on top, it’s the ultimate treat to wash down a hearty vegan stew. Best of all, you only need 4 simple ingredients and a blender to make it.

And just like my Pumpkin Milkshake, this vegan St. Patrick’s Day dessert isn’t trying to be healthy or anything it’s not. The silky smooth texture and mint flavor will remind you of the classic shamrock milkshake from McDonald’s thanks to the rich non-dairy ice cream, oat milk, mint extract, and food coloring. No leafy greens or bananas required!

What is a shamrock shake?

McDonald’s was the first to create and sell the shamrock shake in the 1970s. It’s a milkshake made with vanilla soft serve, green shamrock shake syrup, and topped with whipped cream.

The original milkshake is dairy-based, obviously, but that doesn’t mean it’s hard to make a dairy free version. All you need is your favorite vegan vanilla ice cream and three other easy ingredients.

Ingredients needed (with substitutions)

Vegan vanilla ice cream – There are so many great dairy free ice cream brands to choose from! I like to make this with So Delicious cashew-based vanilla ice cream, but Trader Joe’s soy-based ice cream is also great. Use what you already love or go all out with my Homemade Vegan Ice Cream!
Dairy free milk – Oat milk is my favorite but you can use any dairy free milk you like.
Mint extract – For that must-have mint flavor. Peppermint extract will work just as well.
Green food coloring – I used liquid food coloring but vegan gel food coloring will also work. For a more natural option, replace the food coloring with a pinch of matcha powder, spirulina, or fresh mint leaves.

ingredients for a vegan shamrock shake in individual white bowls.

How to make a vegan shamrock shake?

Find the complete recipe with measurements below in the recipe card.

Add the ice cream, milk, mint extract, and food coloring into a blender.

the ingredients for vegan shamrock shake in a blender.

Blend until it’s creamy, smooth, and has a light mint green color.

Either pour it all into one large glass or two smaller glasses and finish with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

a blended mint green vegan shamrock shake in a blender.

Topping ideas

This festive milkshake just isn’t complete without the toppings! Use these ideas for inspiration:

Vegan whipped cream (made from coconut milk, aquafaba, or plant milk)
Mint leaves
Maraschino cherry
Four-leaf clover sprinkles
Green and orange sprinkles
Mini dairy free chocolate chips
Dark chocolate curls
Crushed Oreo cookies

pouring a mint green vegan shamrock shake into a tall glass.

Tips and tricks

Make sure your ice cream is frozen solid before blending so you get the frostiest milkshake possible. It will be harder to scoop this way, so you can always pre-scoop it into a container. Let it freeze overnight, then blend the next day. Or just use a whole pint of vanilla ice cream and put it straight into the blender.
Start with 7 or 8 drops of food coloring, blend the ingredients, then add more until you find that light mint green color.
Want a little texture? You can fold crushed Oreo cookies or mini chocolate chips into the milkshake after it’s blended. Just don’t blend the chocolate with the milkshake, as it will give it a not-so-appetizing green-brown color.
In the spirit of the Irish holiday, 1 or 1.5 ounces of alcohol can be added if you’re craving an adult-friendly boozy milkshake. I recommend using vodka, whisky, vegan Baileys, or vegan Irish cream.

Make it ahead of time

Want to make this for a crowd? You can save time and prevent it from melting by blending the ingredients, then pouring the milkshake into ice cube trays. Freeze the cubes until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or ziplock bag.

Blend as many cubes as you need for individual or crowd-sized portions (thin it out with a splash of oat milk if needed). Pour, decorate, and enjoy!

a vegan shamrock shake in a tall glass topped with vegan whipped cream, green sprinkles, and a maraschino cherry.

Want more vegan St. Patrick’s Day recipes?

You can technically add green food coloring to pancakes, frosting, and cupcakes to make them festive but these recipes are particularly great for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day:

Mint Chocolate Oreo Cupcakes
Vegan Peppermint Patties
Vegan Irish Soda Bread
Vegan Irish Stew

Vegan Shamrock Shake

This 4-ingredient Vegan Shamrock Shake is a minty and creamy treat that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day! Ready in 5 minutes.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Servings servings

Calories 454kcal

Author Nora Taylor

Ingredients

1 pint dairy free vanilla ice cream see Notes for my favorites
1/2 cup dairy free milk I prefer oat milk
1/4 teaspoon mint extract
8-10 drops green food coloring see Notes for natural options

For topping

vegan whipped cream
sprinkles
maraschino cherries

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Add the ice cream, milk, mint extract and food coloring to a blender and blend until smooth.
Pour into two glasses and top with vegan whipped cream, sprinkles and a maraschino cherry, if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

I like cashew based vanilla ice cream the best, like So Delicious brand. But Trader Joe’s has a really good soy based one, and there are so many other kinds that are wonderful!
If you REALLY don’t want to use ice cream, you can probably substitute 2-3 frozen ripe bananas and add sweetener such as maple syrup, to taste. You will probably need to add more milk as well to get it to blend.
Peppermint extract will also work if you can’t find mint extract.
For more natural green food dye, try using a little bit of matcha, spirulina or fresh mint leaves. Or throw in a handful of spinach.

Nutrition

Welcome to Paleovsketo.com, the trusted source for up-to-date knowledge on lifestyle nutrition! In this ever changing world where new diet trends are popping up left and right, we understand how hard it is to know what's best for you and your body. That's why here at Paleovsketo.com we offer reliable strategies for feeling - and looking - your absolute best with evidence based advice on diets such as paleo, keto, plant-based, mediterranean diets and intermittent fasting.

But it doesn't stop there - It's much more than just diets. We invite you to take part in our journey by sharing your stories and delicious recipes with our community so we can educate, inspire and empower each other to revolutionize how we think about healthy eating. With confidence, grace and integrity let’s work together towards healthy living.

Are you ready to embark on this exciting journey of health? Send us an email at [email protected] today! We look forward to working with you soon on creating a healthier tomorrow. Join us now in our mission of embracing healthier living through education, inspiration and empowerment!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it necessary to take supplements on a plant-based diet?

While a well-balanced plant-based diet can provide all the essential nutrients for maintaining good health, certain micronutrients are best supplemented to cover possible deficiencies. Vitamin B12, which is important for cognitive and nervous system health, is typically only found in animals. Supplemental forms of this vitamin might be helpful to vegetarians and vegans. Insufficient iron and zinc can be found in many plant-based foods, which are crucial for healthy metabolism, red cells production, tissue repair, and tissue growth. Essential for normal body functions, like controlling inflammation and proper brain function, omega-3 fatty acids are also important. Due to their biochemical characteristics, most plant-based foods do not contain omega-3s. Supplementation can help maintain a delicate balance of this essential nutrient. Finally, calcium is important for strong bones. But it can also be found in small quantities through plants such as broccoli or kale. Consider taking separate supplements if you find it difficult to reach your daily calcium goal from food. Before you start taking any new supplements, it is a good idea to double-check with your doctor.

What are some great sources of protein in a plant-based diet.

Some excellent sources of protein on a plant-based diet include legumes such as beans, lentils, and chickpeas; soy products like tofu and tempeh; grains such as quinoa and teff; nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews; seeds such as pumpkin and sunflower; and green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. Many of these plant-based proteins provide fiber in addition to essential micronutrients like vitamins and minerals. A plant-based diet may include omega-3 fatty oils such as flaxseeds (chia seeds), walnuts, hemp seeds and chia seed.

How do you replace the meat in a plant based diet?

Replacing meat in a plant-based diet can be done through inventive vegan substitutes. Tofu, seitan, tempeh (fermented soy beans), and mock duck made out of mushrooms can replicate the taste of traditional meats. Vegetarian hamburgers made with black beans or quinoa are also comparable to beef burgers. Tofu mayo, eggplant bacon bits or coconut bacon strips; vegetable hot dogs made from seasoned textured soybean protein; and faux chicken strips made from wheat gluten are all tasty alternatives. Recipes can be altered to include fruits and vegetables as well. There are many other ways to enjoy plant based meals, including roasting, baking, and steaming.

Is it difficult to switch to a plant-based diet?

You may find it intimidating to make the transition to a plantbased diet. It is possible to gradually transition to a plant-based diet and make tweaks that feel doable. Every person is different so it is important to adapt the transition to suit your lifestyle. Structure meals around whole foods, rather than processed products, can help make this easier. Individuals should focus on creating delicious meals that are enjoyable to eat and meet their dietary requirements.

Individuals can make it easier to stay focused on their goals of a transition to a plant-based diet by creating a support network made up of family members, friends, and certified health professionals. Making new recipes is a great way to spice up your journey. Many delicious vegan recipes are available to ensure that you don't feel deprived or bored while making this lifestyle change. Changing gradually while mindful of daily nutrient intake can ensure a successful plant-based journey.

How can a plant based diet boost your health?

Many health benefits can be derived from a plant-based diet. A lower chance of developing chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes and stroke if you eat more plant-based foods than animal products. Plant-based diets contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds that can help protect against inflammation and oxidative damage. Due to the availability of dietary fiber, it has been proven that eating lots of fruits and vegetables, beans, legumes and legumes is beneficial. Dietary fiber feeds your stomach bacteria and maintains your digestive health. Saturated fats in plant-based meal plans can be reduced, which could help to lower cholesterol levels. Studies show that a plant based diet may reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. Adopting a combination of plant-based proteins and healthy fats found in things like nuts or avocados can also help promote long-term satiety between meals.

Statistics

A study found that livestock provides just 18 percent of calories consumed globally but takes up 83 percent of farmland. (forksoverknives.com)
In fact, according to research published in the going plant-based can cut grocery bills by $750 a year per person, Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition. (forksoverknives.com)

External Links

How To

How to cook delicious, nutritious plant-based recipes?

Cooking plant-based meals that are delicious and filling is achievable with the right ingredients, preparation, and creative recipes. It is important to start by purchasing fresh produce, and other quality ingredients. Also, it is important to create a grocery checklist based upon the recipes. Additionally, invest in appropriate storage equipment to keep prepped food items fresh.

Next, when meal prepping is involved, it is important to focus on variety. Focus on whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables and nuts. In order to improve nutrition, aim for different colors. You should ensure that each meal contains a healthy balance of fiber, protein, as well as healthy oils. Furthermore, utilize kitchen appliances such as slow cookers and multi-cookers for optimal efficiency - batch cooking simplifies preparing meals in advance.

While staying vegan, you can try new flavor combinations. For example, chili powder or cayenne pepper are great spices to add flavor and color to your dishes. Whole foods over processed substitutes can transform plant-based dishes from bland to flavorful in just minutes. Think beans instead imitation meats or roasted butternuts squash instead of french fries. If all else fails you can mix leftovers from earlier in week to create something new.

This information can help you enjoy a delicious, plant-based lifestyle without compromising flavor and fullness.