Healthy Shamrock Shake

With St. Patrick's Day coming up, I've been in the mood to whip up all things green. While yes, that includes lots of fresh veggies, we can also have some fun with it, right?

Since I was a kid, I've always been a huge mint chocolate fan and would choose that flavor ice cream over pretty much anything else. While today I still love to treat myself to a scoop or two of Blue Bell every now and then, I want to embrace this flavor combo in a little healthier, daily way as well.

For those who feel the same, you'll love be sure to fall in love with these recipes too:

• No-Bake Mint Chocolate Crunch Bars
• Mint Chocolate Energy Balls
• Peppermint Patty No-Churn Ice Cream
• Skin-Loving Peppermint Mocha
• Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Cookies

You might be familiar with the classic McDonald's Shamrock Shake that so many love this time of year. In true Goodness With G fashion, I've taken inspiration from that beloved favorite and given it a bit of a nutritious facelift.

With that being said, you won't be surprised to know I've snuck some veggies into this healthier Shamrock Shake - don't worry, you truly won't be able to tell in the slightest!

Instead of using ice or ice cream to make this smoothie thick and creamy, I'm using frozen, riced cauliflower. Yep, you read that right.

This is my absolute favorite addition to smoothies as you truly don't taste it at all, yet it adds so much in the texture department. Likewise, cauliflower is packed full of fiber, B-vitamins, and antioxidants, so it's a win-win.

The other veggie staple in this recipe is spinach. It's what gives this shake its beautiful minty-green color rather than harmful food colorings you'll find in the OG version. Just another easy way to get more veggies into your diet in a super delicious way!

While the veggies alone are a great start, I also always try to get some extra protein into my meals and snacks to fill me up. Plus, protein is super important for proper athletic recovery, hormone and immune health, and much more.

To give this shake a protein punch, I've added Greek yogurt (Fage is my go-to brand) and protein powder. Lately I've been loving the Garden of Life grass fed whey protein isolate powder, but Be Well By Kelly, Nuzest (code goodnesswithg15 for 15% off), and Ora Organic are other brands I love.

Mix this all up with peppermint extract (a staple, of course) and the milk of your choice.

The result is a super creamy, nutritious breakfast, snack, or dessert that's great for St. Patty's day or whenever the craving strikes!

Yields - 1 smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup frozen riced cauliflower
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 ripe frozen banana
• generous handful of spinach
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder - I used the Garden of Life grass fed whey protein isolate)
• 1 cup milk of choice - I used Malk vanilla almond milk
• 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
• Cacao nibs to top, optional

Directions:

1. Add all of the ingredients to a high speed blender. Mix until completely combined and creamy.
2. Top with cacao nibs and enjoy!