By: Rachel
It's March, which means it's Shamrock Shake season at McDonald's restaurants across the United States (Canada and Ireland too, we're told). Each year, the seasonal St. Patrick’s Day offering—a bright green minty whipped cream- topped shake—seems to develop more and more of a cult following. If you're not headed to the golden arches to get one this month, surely you know someone who is.
Now, we’re not here to talk you or your friends out of hunting down the nearest Shamrock Shake. If that’s your thing, go forth and enjoy. But if you’re looking for something a little different this year—still minty and delicious, but way better for you than a food coloring-laden drink—do we have a treat for you.
We’re calling it the Smartrock Shake. Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, we’ve created a blended drink that can help you satisfy your urge for minty green milkshakes. Plus it sneaks in a serving of healthy fat from avocado (it's also a good source of vitamin E, which helps protect your skin), and produce in the form of baby spinach (a terrific source of bone-building vitamin K). The original Shamrock Shake is, of course, meat free, but we’ve made this one dairy free as well so our vegan friends can enjoy too.
Slainte!
Smartrock Shake
Makes one serving
¼ frozen avocado
½ frozen banana
¼ tsp peppermint extract
2 dates (small, soft ones—if they’re not soft, soak them in warm water for 30 minutes)
1 teaspoon chia seeds
One handful of baby spinach
1 c vanilla coconut milk
Place all of the ingredients in the blender. Blend on high. Enjoy!
Per serving: 216 calories; 2.49 g protein; 11.20 g fat (5.81 saturated fat); 29.89 g carbohydrates; 16.34 g sugars; 4.9 g fiber; 25 mg sodium