Mint Smoothie (Protein Shamrock Shake)

This refreshing mint smoothie is a naturally sweet, high protein green shake that tastes like dessert! Make this healthy shamrock shake at home in just 5 minutes—the perfect green food for St Patrick’s Day, snack time, or a healthy treat any time of year.

Mint Smoothie

As cookbook authors, we’re always looking for ways to make healthy foods taste incredible. Here’s our newest creation: this mint smoothie, aka healthy shamrock shake! After lots of recipe testing, we found the magic combination was (get this!): protein-rich cottage cheese, nutrient-dense spinach, and naturally sweet dates. They blend into a treat reminiscent of those iconic shamrock shakes—but packed with protein and nutrients!

The vibrant color makes it fun as green food for St. Patrick’s Day, but we plan to enjoy it year-round in our house. Even our kids (who generally run at the mention of spinach!) ask for seconds. It’s become our secret weapon for sneaking in nutritious food and increasing the fun factor in our house!

Ingredients in this mint smoothie

This mint smoothie is a little non-traditional when it comes to our smoothie recipes: it’s mostly cottage cheese with Medjool dates for a natural sweetener. In our recipe testing, we found that typical smoothie ingredients like banana or even fresh mint didn’t produce the right flavor here. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Cottage cheese: The secret ingredient that creates a creamy, protein-rich base.
  • Medjool dates: These natural sweeteners add caramel-like flavor and provide fiber along with essential minerals.
  • Fresh spinach: The nutrition powerhouse that gives this smoothie its festive green color without affecting the flavor.
  • Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that adds depth of flavor.
  • Peppermint extract: The star ingredient that delivers that classic mint flavor!
  • Ice cubes: Ice is essential for the thickness in this smoothie.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Here are a few reasons why we love this recipe—and we hope you’ll agree! This mint smoothie is:

  • Quick and easy: Blend everything up in just 5 minutes—perfect for busy mornings.
  • Naturally sweetened: Dates and maple syrup provide sweetness without refined sugar.
  • Protein-packed: Cottage cheese adds creaminess and protein to keep you satisfied.
  • Kid-approved: The fun green color and minty taste make it a hit with kids (both loved it!).
  • Healthier alternative: Enjoy the classic shamrock shake flavor without artificial ingredients or excess sugar.
  • Versatile: Enjoy it as a festive St. Patrick’s Day breakfast or dessert, a post-workout protein boost, an afternoon snack, or when you’re craving something sweet but want to eat healthy ingredients.

Pro tips for this recipe

You can scroll right down to the recipe to make it, but here are a few notes and pro tips first:

  • Medjool dates are key: Their caramel-like sweetness perfectly complements the mint flavor without imparting a fruity flavor (like bananas). If your dates are very dry, soak them in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes before blending.
  • Cottage cheese tip: If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese texture, this smoothie is perfect because blending makes it completely smooth. The protein content is higher than using yogurt.
  • Blend in stages: Starting with the main ingredients before adding ice helps create the perfect smooth texture.
  • Peppermint extract warning: A little goes a long way! Start with the recommended amount and add more only in tiny increments if needed.
  • Sweetener adjustments: Taste before adding a bit of additional sweetener if desired.

Recipe variations

This mint smoothie tastes great as is: here are a few ways to mix it up!

  • Chocolate mint version: Add 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips and pulse once to combine.
  • Protein-boosted option: Add a scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder.
  • Avocado mint smoothie: Add ¼ of an avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
  • Coconut mint: Use coconut milk as your milk of choice and add 1 tablespoon of unsweetened shredded coconut for tropical flavor.
  • Vegan mint smoothie: Substitute the cottage cheese with silken tofu or plant-based yogurt and use your favorite plant milk.

Storing leftovers and make ahead tips

This mint smoothie tastes great immediately after making. Store for up to 1 day refrigerated; shake before serving.

Dietary notes

This mint smoothie is vegetarian and gluten-free. For dairy free and vegan, substitute the cottage cheese with silken tofu or plant-based yogurt and use your favorite plant milk.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make this mint smoothie ahead of time?

While best enjoyed immediately, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The texture may change slightly, so give it a quick stir or shake before drinking.

I don’t have peppermint extract. Can I use fresh mint?

We don’t recommend using fresh mint here: the flavor tastes grassy and not minty (we tried it!).

Is this appropriate for kids?

Absolutely! The sweet minty flavor masks the spinach completely, making it a hit with children. You may want to start with slightly less peppermint extract for very young palates.

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Mint Smoothie (Protein Shamrock Shake)

Mint Smoothie
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This refreshing mint smoothie is a naturally sweet, high protein green shake that tastes like dessert! Make this healthy shamrock shake at home in just 5 minutes—the perfect green food for St Patrick’s Day, snack time, or a healthy treat any time of year.

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 small or 1 large
  • Category: Smoothie
  • Method: Blended
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup cottage cheese*
  • 1 ½ cups baby spinach
  • 3 tablespoons milk of choice
  • 4 Medjool dates 
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (or honey), plus more to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 2 cups ice

Instructions

  1. In a blender combine cottage cheese, spinach, milk, Medjool dates, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Blend starting on low speed until smooth, scraping a few times if necessary. Add the ice and blend again, stopping and scraping as needed, gradually using higher speed until the entire mixture is smooth. 
  2. Taste and adjust sweetness with a hint more maple syrup if desired. Serve immediately (keep in mind, it does melt quickly).

Notes

*Keep in mind some brands of cottage cheese can taste sour, so use a neutral flavored brand if possible. Low fat or full fat both work! 

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Sonja Overhiser
March 02, 2025 at 09:00AM

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