So St. Patricks Day has come and gone but it always reminds me of the Shamrock Shake they have each Spring at McDonalds, which I slurped up as a child as often as my mom allowed it (read: probably fewer times than I could count on one hand but clearly it made a big impact). Now an adult, I find it a bit scary to think how much junk goes into that fluorescent green shake and wondered whether it would be possible to re-create it using natural ingredients, with my kids still enjoying a wholesome alternative. A total bonus! Also, this smoothie has 18 grams of protein per serving – yippee!
Well, allow me to introduce you to this recipe…which was a hit in our home:
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk (whatever you like)
- 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
- 1/4 avocado, pitted
- 1 handful fresh spinach
- 1/4 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 5-6 soft dates, pitted
- handful of ice
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in a high-speed blender, and blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust sweetness to taste, if necessary, and serve immediately.
- *A quick note: the image used in the post contained less cocoa than I ended up including in the recipe so don't be confused if your is less GREEN than mine!
Notes
296 calories, 14 grams fat, 42 carbs, 8 grams fiber, 16 grams protein
TOTAL: $1.95 per serving – less than you’d spend at McDonalds and far better for you!
Want more recipes incorporating DATES?
Cocoa Date Truffles
Gorgonzola Stuffed Dates with Prosciutto
from the comments, back then.
Delicious! But I am shocked at how GREEN yours is. After 2 T of cocoa powder, mine is very dark chocolatey brown.
Hi Kelly!
Loved this smoothie and so did Hattie:). She tried to take mine after her’s was finished.
Thanks for a great recipe!