Shamrock Protein Shake (Ninja Creami)

It's Shamrock Shake season but lets skip the drive-thru and make a Ninja Creami Shamrock Protein Shake instead! This ultra-creamy, minty shake is everything you love about the McDonald’s classic—minus the sugar crash. With a dreamy texture, a whopping 42g of protein, and that signature green color, it’s the ultimate healthy treat for St. Patrick's Day! Made with simple, wholesome ingredients and NO pudding mix.

Servings servings

Prep Time 10

Freezing Time 12

Total Time 12 10

Equipment

kitchen scale (optional)
small bowl
small blender
ninja creami

Ingredients

For the Shamrock Protein Shake:

240 ml 2% milk (1 cup) divided + more for blending*
6 g gelatin
35 ml maple syrup (2 tbsp)
113 g full-fat plain skyr or greek yogurt (½ cup)**
34 g vanilla protein powder (1 scoop, I used Wellious brand)
¼ tsp mint extract (NOT peppermint)
pinch of kosher salt
green food coloring optional***

Optional Toppings:

whipped cream
sprinkles

Instructions

Add 60 ml (¼ cup) of milk to a small bowl. Sprinkle gelatin over top and let it sit to "bloom" for at least 5 minutes. Then, transfer bowl to the microwave for 30 seconds, or until gelatin is dissolved.
6 g gelatin, 240 ml 2% milk
Add gelatin + milk mixture to a small blender along with the remaining 180ml (¾ cup) milk, yogurt, maple syrup, protein powder, mint extract, salt and food coloring (if using). Blend until smooth.
240 ml 2% milk, 35 ml maple syrup, 113 g full-fat plain skyr or greek yogurt, 34 g vanilla protein powder, ¼ tsp mint extract, pinch of kosher salt, green food coloring
Pour into a Ninja Creami pint container, cover with a lid, and freeze for at least 12 hours.
When ready to eat, take the pint out of the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Then, with the lid still on, run hot water all around the sides of the container.
Spin it on the "lite ice cream" setting. Then, make a well in the center and add 30-35 ml (2 tbsp) more milk - this will yield an ice cream consistency, but if you prefer it to be closer to a drinkable shake, add more milk. Click the "re-spin" button. At this point, I like to scrape down the sides and do one more re-spin. Optionally, top your shamrock protein shake with whipped cream and sprinkles. Enjoy!
whipped cream, sprinkles

Video

Notes

*NOTE: Increase the protein by using Fairlife milk. You can also substitute whole milk, but I wouldn't recommend doing non-fat milk as the texture most likely won't be the same.

**NOTE: I prefer to use skyr as it's a little less sour/tangy tasting than greek yogurt, but either will work!

***NOTE: This is optional, if you want to give it that same bright green color as the McDonald's Shamrock Shake. If you prefer to use a more natural option, you can instead use ~2g of ceremonial grade matcha powder. However, this will add a bit of caffeine and a mild matcha flavor.

DAIRY-FREE VERSION: Although I haven't tested a dairy-free version yet, it should work by substituting a thick and creamy non-dairy milk (such as Malk or Elmhurst brand) and a vegan greek yogurt alternative, such as Siggi's plant-based.

NUTRITION INFO & SERVING SIZE: This recipes makes 1 pint of ice cream, which my husband and I usually split, hence the 2 servings! The nutrition information listed below is for 1 serving, not including any toppings, and assuming you used the same protein powder that I did.

Calories: 235kcal

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, Irish

Diet: Gluten Free

Keyword: Gluten Free, Greek Yogurt, Healthy Dessert, High Protein, Ice Cream, McDonalds, Milk, Mint, Ninja Creami, Refined Sugar Free, Shamrock Shake, St. Patrick's Day Recipes

Nutrition