You know St. Patrick’s Day is coming up when you see people frantically buying corned beef and cabbage at the grocery store. Another indication is the appearance of a certain green fast-food shake that’s as elusive as a leprechaun.
The ingredients for the mint-flavored shake aren’t great, as it contains sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, and yellow 5, an artificial food dye. Copycat recipes online don’t seem much healthier; many include vanilla ice cream, whole milk, and green food coloring. We made a lighter version of the drink that still captures the essence of the minty treat and even snuck in a fruit and vegetable! Enjoy on March 17 or whenever you want a refreshing treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (we used oat milk)
- 1 small avocado
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (plain, vanilla, or honey)
- 1 frozen banana, cut into chunks
- 1 or 2 mint leaves or ¼ tsp. mint extract, depending on your mint preference
- ¾ cup ice cubes (more if you want the shake thicker)
- Sweetener (agave, honey, stevia, etc.), depending on your sweetness preference
- Whipping topping (we used sugar- and fat-free), optional
Instructions
Add the ingredients in the order listed above to a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into glass and add whipped topping.
To be honest, the drink is more like a smoothie than a decadent shake, but it still hits the spot. Cheers, or sláinte as they say in Ireland!
G’wan and try something new
Here are some recipes for you to try on St. Patrick’s Day and beyond.
beef stew
There’s something comforting about beef stew. It’s hearty and not labor-intensive to prepare. Plus, it makes a big batch so you can enjoy leftovers for days!
buffalo chicken egg rolls
This appetizer is a great way to kick off a party. It signals you’re serious about providing your guests delectable dishes! These rolls combine tangy buffalo chicken and the perfect crunch.
chicken luau
You won’t believe how easy it is to make this traditional local favorite at home. But remember, if you use fresh luau leaves (the leaves of the taro plant), cook them in water for at least one hour before eating, or else there are poisonous side effects.
cornbread
Did you know that corn holds deep cultural significance in Africa? Cornbread is just one of the soul foods that’s often eaten during Kwanzaa. This recipe is quick, easy, and the perfect accompaniment to a chili, soup, or stew.
crispy hoisin five-spice chicken
With crispy skin and juicy meat, this recipe is the perfect way to feed a crowd.
easy mandu rice
Recipes don’t get easier than this. You basically dump all the ingredients into a rice cooker and hit start. The most difficult part is waiting patiently for the food to be done once you smell the delicious aromas of cooked rice and mandu.
irish soda bread
If baking a loaf of bread seems intimidating, don’t worry! This traditional St. Patrick’s Day staple doesn’t call for yeast and is delicious and satisfying.
parmesan roasted brussels sprouts
This is the perfect side for any holiday feast! Its crispy Parmesan garlic crust and crunchy panko elevate the Brussels sprouts from meh to wow!
pinakbet
A popular Filipino comfort food warms the belly and soul, pinakbet is a vegetable stew that includes a variety of vegetables and pork simmered in a savory broth. Its name comes from the word pinakebbet, which means “shriveled” and describes the way the vegetables soften and shrink as they cook.
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st. patrick’s day corned beef
While we shared a link to our electric pressure cooker corned beef above, we have an oven version, too! This take on the dish touts itself as healthier since it calls for a leaner cut of meat.
ulu mash
Instead of potatoes as a side dish, why not try ulu mash? Breadfruit is high in fiber, low on the glycemic index (meaning it’s not as likely to spike your blood sugar), and it can help to slow digestion.
