31 Healthy Green Recipes to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day (2024)

We’re all about celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with some green grub. But sorry, folks—that dyed-green beer and bagel aren’t winning any nutrition awards. (In fact, that food coloring may have some not-so-great side effects.) Here are 31 recipes to celebrate being green the healthy way.

1. Spicy BLT Green Bloody Marys

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Like we needed another excuse to start off the day with a Bloody Mary! This festive recipe gets it color from green tomatoes and its kick from jalapeño and horseradish.

2. Banana Mango Green Smoothie Bowl

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Spinach and kale are responsible for this delicious beverage’s beautiful green hue. Plus, they offer tons of antioxidants and vitamins (namely iron and vitamins A and C). Banana and mango sweeten things up (and add even more nutritional power).

3. Herb and Arugula Baked Eggs

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This breakfast dish is super simple and can be made to feed a crowd. Simply throw some eggs, herbs, and arugula into a skillet and bake until cooked through! Add any other green veggies you like (pepper or jalapeño would be especially tasty).

4. Zucchini Feta Spinach Pancakes

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When classic buttermilk and maple syrup just won’t do, take cakes the savory route. (They’ll probably go better with that naturally dyed green beer too). These fritters get their color from spinach and zucchini and are flavored with feta, yogurt, and dill. Eat up!

5. Matcha Green Tea Coconut Pancakes

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Made with coconut flour, matcha powder, buttermilk, and egg whites, these pancakes are winning the healthy flapjack game. Serve up a stack of these bad boys topped with Greek yogurt, crunchy pistachios, and a drizzle of honey.

6. Superfood Shamrock Smoothie

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Kale and bananas take center stage in this green breakfast smoothie, while hemp seeds provide an extra boost of protein.

7. Green Pancakes

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Greek yogurt and cottage cheese add some extra protein to these cakes. Swiss chard creates the festive color, and vanilla kicks in some extra special flavor.

8. Pear and Arugula Smoothie

A squeeze of fresh orange brightens up this green smoothie. Greek yogurt gives it a protein-rich body, and peppery arugula lends an atypical flavor (which is balanced out by the sweetness of the pear).

9. Roasted Garlic Colcannon

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The classic Irish dish gives you the option of using kale or traditional cabbage. (Though using both kale and cabbage would get you double superfood points!)

10. Minted Pea Mash

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This simple and delicious side dish will go well with just about any St. Patrick’s Day celebration meal. Plus, it’s bright green. It’s simple to make too: just a dab of butter, frozen peas, mint, salt, and pepper!

11. Cilantro Lime Rice

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Long-grain rice is simply flavored and given some color with (you guessed it) fresh cilantro and lime—a versatile, flavorful side dish for any table!

12. Goat Cheese Polenta With Garlicky Greens

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Polenta ia a great gluten-free alternative, and this dish is packed with nutrients too. Feel free to sub in any other favorite leafy greens for kale—spinach or arugula would be delish.

13. Crispy Green Beans With Pesto

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These lightly sautéed green beans go perfectly with fresh, homemade pesto. This dish is fancy enough to satisfy the foodies at any St. Paddy’s Day get-together and simple enough that the green bagel-loving crowd won’t be scared away.

14. Green Tomato Mozzarella Stacks

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No, these green tomatoes are not fried. But they still take center stage in this fun salad recipe. Layer thick slices of fresh green tomatoes with equally sized slices of fresh mozzarella cheese and drizzle the top with herb-packed green goddess salad dressing.

15. Avocado Fries

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Yes, you read that right. Full disclosure: This recipe calls for frying the breaded fingers of deliciousness, but we bet they would work out just as well baked. Similarly, try making the cilantro-lemon dipping sauce with plain Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.

16. Cucumber Cups With Spicy Crab

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When cut into two-inch chunks and hollowed out, cucumbers make great edible serving cups! The slightly spicy, creamy crab filling tastes decadent but won’t weigh you down.

17. Fresh Fava Bean Almond Spread

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This simple spread is perfect for sharing with a crowd. Plus, it’s easy to customize with whatever type of beans or peas you have available. Fava beans give a nice creamy texture, while chopped almonds add some crunch.

18. Cucumber Feta Rolls

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Super-thin cucumber slices give these rolls a festive outer layer. Inside, there’s protein-rich Greek yogurt, feta, sun-dried tomato, and olive.

19. The Best Green Falafel

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Falafel is one of those go-to drunk foods (a.k.a. the perfect St. Paddy’s afternoon snack). These little guys are full of protein- and fiber-rich chickpeas, parsley, garlic, and cilantro.

20. Kale Chips

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These are one of our favorite snacks—period. It’s just a bonus that they’re green! Plus, they’re the perfect healthy alternative to regular old potato chips.

21. Green Chile and Tomatillo Corn Bread

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Herbs and green tomatillos give this Tex-Mex-inspired dish its slightly green hue. It counts, we swear!

22. Leprechaun Dip

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White beans make a protein-packed base, while kale gives the dish some color. Cashews, tahini, and parsley all make a flavorful appearance too!

23. Avocado Mac and Cheese

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This one’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The ultimate comfort food with a healthy twist is still just as decadent and smooth as the original, with some added nutritional benefits. Use whole-wheat pasta for even more protein and fiber.

24. Green Grain-Free Pizza

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Yes, pizza can actually be healthy. Grain-free dough and a bevy of bright green toppings make this favorite more nutritionally sound.

25. Kale and Cheese Tart With Quinoa Crust

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This tart is like a heartier, healthier quiche with an awesomely rustic crust made from quinoa and cornmeal. The filling—kale or other greens, shallots, eggs, and Greek yogurt—is super smooth and indulgent but still healthy enough that a small slice would make the perfect brunch or light lunch.

26. Spicy Salsa Verde Chicken

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The green sauce for this chicken dish is packed with healthy herbs and other goodies. Basil, cilantro, parsley, and jalapeño give it color and some kick, while a squeeze of fresh orange and lime brighten up the flavors.

27. Vegan Avocado and Banana Ice Cream

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Frozen banana and avocado make up the base of this ice cream, while coconut and vanilla extract bring the sweetness. No ice cream maker needed.

28. Mint Chocolate Chip Frozen Yogurt

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Who doesn’t love a bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream? This one’s different though—it’s super healthy! The base is simply Greek yogurt and coconut milk, and the green color comes from fresh mint. No need to feel guilty for having a few scoops of this treat.

29. Lucky Leprechaun Treats

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OK, you caught us. This doesn’t count as a healthy dish, but Rice Krispies-style treats with a festive spin? We couldn’t resist.

30. Semi-Healthy Mini Shamrock Cheesecakes

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The filling for these mini minty cheesecakes is made (a tad) healthier with Greek yogurt. The recipe calls for a cookie crumb crust, but try using a mixture of ground nuts and cocoa powder for a nutritious twist.

31. Leprechaun Muffins

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Who’s ever heard of putting kiwi in muffins? Now you have (and will)! This recipe combines avocado, lime, and the seedy fruit for a slightly green and sweet treat.

31 Healthy Green Recipes to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day (2024)

FAQs

What do they eat on St. Patrick's Day green? ›

Green Food for St. Patrick's Day: 10 Ideas
  • Green Fruit Platters. Ripe and fresh produce are always delicious. ...
  • Spinach Dip. The natural and subtle hue of spinach will pair beautifully with the St. ...
  • Matcha Baked Goods. ...
  • Green Veggies and Dip. ...
  • Guacamole and Chips. ...
  • Green Smoothies. ...
  • Garden Risotto Bites. ...
  • Lime Coolers.
Feb 2, 2024

Why do people wear green on Saint Patrick's Day? ›

Patrick's Day—or risk getting pinched! The tradition is tied to folklore that says wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns, which like to pinch anyone they can see. Some people also think sporting the color will bring good luck, and others wear it to honor their Irish ancestry.

What color did St. Patrick wear? ›

Early depictions of St. Patrick show him wearing blue, and the official color of the Order of St. Patrick, part of Ireland's chivalry, was a sky blue known as “St.

What is cooked on St. Patrick's Day? ›

That might mean corned beef and cabbage, the standout dish stateside, or a lamb or beef stew—the entrées those in the Emerald Isle are most likely to eat on March 17. Perhaps you'd prefer bangers and mash or a Guinness pie packed with beef?

What are green vegetables for St. Patrick's Day? ›

In the springtime, you'll find lots of tasty greens like snap peas, broccoli florets, asparagus, and green beans. Cook them in a casserole, toss them in a salad, or puree them into one of our best soup recipes. If you're hosting for St. Paddy's Day, serve them up in fresh appetizers and sides to keep the party going.

What are the green fruits for St. Patrick's Day? ›

Assemble a lush platter featuring all things green to honor St. Patrick's Day. Think- slices of kiwi, green grapes, green apples, and chunks of honeydew melon. Add a dash of elegance with mint leaves scattered throughout for an added touch of vegetation.

Is it OK to not wear green on St Patrick's Day? ›

Patrick's Day tradition. While Ireland has plenty of folklore and mythology, Americans are also thought to have come up with the idea that green makes you invisible to leprechauns. According to the tradition, if you are not wearing green and therefore visible to the leprechauns, a leprechaun may wind up pinching you.

What happens when someone doesn't wear green on St Patrick's Day? ›

According to fun folklore, you get pinched on St. Patrick's Day for not wearing green because green makes you invisible to leprechauns. Leprechauns are mischievous creatures, and according to legend, they like to pinch people (because they can!).

Who started wearing green on St Patrick's Day? ›

Irish Rebels wore Green

Patrick's Day? Ireland was always a green land, but its association with the color green really got started with the Great Irish Rebellion of 1641. The rebel fighters marched under a green flag emblazoned with a harp, another ancient symbol of Ireland. It seems the association with green stuck.

What color is a leprechaun? ›

The most likely explanation for the modern day Leprechaun appearance is that green is a traditional national Irish color dating back as far as 1642. The hat might be derived from the style of outdated fashion still common in Ireland in the 19th century.

Where is St. Patrick buried? ›

Down Cathedral is a Church of Ireland cathedral. It stands on the site of a Benedictine Monastery, built in 1183. Saint Patrick's remains are buried on the site. Magnificent stain glass windows, box pews and beautiful organ case enhances this interesting building.

What color is St Patricks hair? ›

While green hair is usually meant to be temporary, the color may linger if you're not careful. Here are a few tips and tricks to get that green hair for St. Patrick's day, and go back to your normal hair the day after.

What is the real St Patrick's Day dinner? ›

When it comes to dinner on St. Patrick's Day, the most popular meal is corned beef and cabbage—often accompanied by a green beer or two. The boiled dinner and its liquid accompaniment dominate the menu of Irish bars and restaurants up and down the country on March 17, and many home cooks serve the dish, too.

Is meat OK on St Patricks Day? ›

In the United States, Catholics are obliged to skip meat only on the Fridays during Lent. Any other day, eating meat is fine. Unless the rule is changed, St. Patrick's Day does not excuse from the no-meat rule if the holiday falls on a Friday.

What are two foods usually eaten on St Patrick's Day? ›

St. Patrick's Day Foods
  • Colcannon. Colcannon, or Irish mashed potatoes, is a traditional Irish dish that has been consumed in the country for generations. ...
  • Irish Soda Bread. ...
  • Fried Cabbage. ...
  • Corned Beef and Cabbage. ...
  • Shepherd's Pie. ...
  • Irish Stew. ...
  • Irish Apple Tart. ...
  • Barmbrack.

What are naturally green foods? ›

Many naturally green foods are available. Salad basics are the first green foods that come to mind. There are many Simple Truth® vegetable options in this category; broccoli, kale, green peppers, leeks, cucumbers, asparagus, green onions, to name a few. Add the line of fresh herbs, and the list almost doubles.

What foods are green? ›

Here are 13 of the healthiest leafy green vegetables to include in your diet.
  • Kale. Share on Pinterest. ...
  • Microgreens. Microgreens are nutrient-dense, immature greens produced from the seeds of vegetables and herbs. ...
  • Collard greens. Collard greens are loose, leafy greens. ...
  • Spinach. ...
  • Cabbage. ...
  • Beet greens. ...
  • Watercress. ...
  • Romaine lettuce.

What meat is often eaten on St. Patrick's Day? ›

The traditions of St. Patrick's Day in America are well known. We wear green, attend parades, and eat corned beef and cabbage. What's less known, however, is how corned beef became the centerpiece of the St.

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