(Healthy) Shamrock Shake

I remember every year my best friend and I would loonnnggg for the days of McDonald's Shamrock Shakes. So smooth, so creamy, so refreshing, and unfortunately soooo unhealthy :( I remember getting that thick heavy cream coating on my teeth afterwards...uhg. So, to settle my cravings, and keep the festivities alive I whipped up this healthy version! The cottage cheese makes it thick and also adds protein, I promise you WILL NOT taste cottage cheese! Trust me, I am not a real fan of the stuff and I chugged this down. The pudding mix adds a little sweetness, but you might want to add a packet or so of sweetener or sugar if you prefer a sweeter shake (I thought this was just fine though).

Healthy Shamrock Shake

(makes one shake)

1/2 low-fat cottage cheese
1/2 low-fat vanilla yogurt
3 fresh mint leaves (you can always add more later)
1 tsp lime juice
2 tsp pistachio pudding mix
1 drop of green food coloring (or a couple of spinach leaves for natural color)
2 ice cubes
1/2 cup (or less) of milk

Directions

1.Blend

2.Taste

3.Adjust
Some people prefer a thicker milkshake and some a more icy consistency. You can always add more mint and lime flavoring later if you choose. I like fresh mint over mint extract because to me extract tastes like mouthwash (bleh) so I think you're better off with fresh mint leaves (plus it adds some natural green coloring).

I have many more St. Patrick's Day recipes to come! What are some of your favorite things to make on this holiday?