Posted by Stephanie Szewczyk
on March 10, 2021
Saint Patrick’s Day is quickly approaching and, shortly afterward, we welcome the first day of Spring!
Each year on March 17th, people around the world pause to remember Ireland’s patron saint - the man who brought Christianity to Ireland and used a three-leaf clover (the “shamrock”) to explain the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost).
Declared an official Christian feast day in the early 17th century, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations have grown to include parades, festivals and feasts, with participants wearing green clothes or shamrocks.
Traditional St. Patrick’s Day feasts included Irish bacon and cabbage. But as other people around the world joined in the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, a wide variety of new foods were introduced.
Now, popular dishes that are served on St. Patrick’s Day include Irish soda bread, corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, shepherd’s pie, colcannon (mashed potatoes and cabbage), Dublin coddle, boxty (Irish potato pancakes), and barmbrack.
But with short sleeves, bare legs, and bathing suits just around the corner, we thought you might appreciate some healthier, calorie-friendly options for your St. Patrick’s Day feast.
Here are 25 healthy St. Patrick’s Day recipes we’ve curated just for you!
You can browse the list or use the links below to quickly find a recipe you’ll love.
Delicious and Fun Breakfast Recipes to Start Your St. Patrick’s Day Festivities
Green Smoothie
Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, you’ll love the tropical citrusy flavor of this green smoothie that gets its festive green color from spinach and kale. This nutrient-dense smoothie will fill you up and give you lots of energy without weighing you down.
Click here to get the recipe from My Well Balanced Life --->
Photo by Susan of diamondsfordessert.com
Lucky Four Leaf Clover Shaped Spinach Quiche
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Why not make it fun and festive too? It only takes a couple minutes more to turn an ordinary spinach quiche into a cute four-leaf clover to start your day with a dash of Irish luck!
Click here to get the recipe from Diamonds For Dessert --->
Matcha Green Tea Pancakes
If you like the earthy flavor and antioxidant benefits of green tea, you’ll love these matcha green tea pancakes. Matcha has 137 times the antioxidant power of other green teas for a tasty and fun boost to your morning routine.
Click here to get the recipe from Killing Thyme --->
Irish Bell Pepper Eggs
In more of a mood for something warm, light and quick? Then these Irish bell pepper eggs are just the thing to start your day off right. Pair them with fresh sliced tomatoes and arugula for an extra serving of veggies.
Click here to get the recipe from Bountiful Baskets --->
Photo by Perry Santanachote
Green Eggs and Ham
You’ll love how quick, easy, and portable these spinach green eggs and ham breakfast muffins are. Loaded with iron, fiber, and plenty of protein, these tasty breakfast muffins are the perfect option for busy families on the go!
Click here to get this recipe from Daily Burn --->
Snacks and Appetizers
Avocado Deviled Eggs
All the creamy goodness of traditional deviled eggs without the saturated fat! These healthier deviled eggs get their green color and creamy texture from avocados which are a great source of healthy fats, fiber, and nutrients.
Click here to get this recipe from PreventionRD --->
Photo by Christin McKamey
Green Tea and Chocolate Energy Balls
The perfect grab and go snack! These matcha green tea energy balls are loaded with protein and antioxidants and super easy to make. Along with their sweet, nutty flavor, you’ll love that they’re dairy-free, gluten-free, and have no artificial sweeteners.
Click here to get the recipe from Veggie Chick --->
Photo by Taste of Home
Crab Cucumber Bites
These elegant appetizers are deceptively easy and cost-effective to make! Just three cucumbers makes 48 festive appetizer bites. And at only 16 calories per appetizer, it’s a tasty treat everyone can enjoy.
Click here to get the recipe from Taste of Home --->
Rainbow Fruit Salad Parfaits
Colorful rainbows of nutrient-rich fruits will add a cheery touch to your St. Patrick’s day festivities while packing a powerful punch of dietary fiber in a sweet, low-calorie treat.
Click here to get the recipe from Thirty Handmade Days --->
Mini Shepherd's Pies
Mini Shepherd’s pies are a more substantial snack or appetizer - perfect for St. Patrick’s Day brunch or lunch. Guests will enjoy this small taste of traditional Irish fare.
Click here to get this recipe from Delish --->
Photo by Carrie’s Experimental Kitchen
Irish Sliders
Irish sliders are a must-have finger food for your St. Patrick’s Day celebration. They’re filled with moist and tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, spicy mustard, and creamy melted cheese in a potato roll and are sure to be a favorite with your guests.
Click here to get the recipe from Carrie's Experimental Kitchen --->
(Healthier) Favorite Irish Main Dishes
Gluten Free Irish Soda Bread
This hearty, rustic soda bread is a dense bread because it is made without yeast. It’s the perfect accompaniment to your St. Patrick’s Day main dish. It’s also high in fiber, vegetarian, gluten free, nut free, and soy free.
Click here to get the recipe from Eating Well --->
Instant Pot Cabbage Soup
A versatile Irish-inspired vegetable soup recipe that can be adapted for vegan diets. It’s full of healthy vegetables and antioxidants simmered in a hearty broth. Enjoy it alone for a light and healthy meal or pair it with Irish Soda Bread and a protein for something more substantial.
Click here to get the recipe from Sweet and Savory Meals --->
Beef and Guinness Stew
This beef stew is a classic Irish recipe that delights meat lovers everywhere. It’s made with root vegetables and beef that’s simmered in a hearty broth until fork tender. The dark Guinness beer and caraway seeds give this stew its robust flavor.
Click here to get the recipe from My Recipes --->
Slow Cooker Beef with Cabbage, Carrots and Potatoes
Sometimes you just want a one pot meal you can set and forget so you can enjoy visiting with guests while whipping up a hearty meal that’s sure to please a crowd. That’s why we know you’ll love this slow cooker beef with cabbage recipe. Enjoy all the classic Irish flavors with less calories, almost no mess, and a lot less fuss than other St. Patrick’s Day favorites.
Click here to get this recipe from My Recipes --->
Photo by Evan Sung for the New York Times
Roast Lamb with Spring Vegetables
What better way to welcome Spring than this delicious rainbow of vegetables and roast lamb? Inspired by favorite Irish ingredients with a healthy twist, this recipe has all the flavor you crave for St. Patrick’s Day gatherings.
Click here to get this recipe from the New York Times --->
Shepherd's Pie with Cauliflower Mash
Kick up the nutritional value and fiber while still enjoying a favorite St. Patrick’s Day recipe. This healthier version of shepherd’s pie uses creamy mashed cauliflower instead of starchy potatoes for a low-carb and calorie-friendly comforting Irish meal.
Click here to get the recipe from All Recipes --->
Creamy Mashed Cauliflower and Kale "Colcannon"
Colcannon is a traditional Irish side dish made with mashed potatoes and cabbage. This creamy mashed cauliflower and kale recipe has all the bold, creamy flavor of traditional colcannon and at only 112 calories per serving (or less than one-quarter of the classic version), you can afford to say “yes” to a second helping.
Click here to get this recipe from Skinny Taste --->
Pistachio Crusted Salmon and Kale Salad
For those who are observing the season of Lent and wanting to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, this colorful pistachio crusted salmon and kale salad recipe is ideal. It is bright, colorful and elevates an everyday salmon dish to special enough for guests.
Click here to get this recipe from Cooking Light --->
Photo by Sandy the Reluctant Entertainer
Irish Pub Salad
Prefer to skip the meat on St. Patrick’s Day? This Irish pub salad recipe provides healthy protein from hard boiled eggs and cheese. It’s a colorful, tangy, bold taste sensation thanks to ingredients like pickled beets, pickled green beans, rice vinegar, Dijon mustard, and tarragon.
Click here to get the recipe from the Reluctant Entertainer --->
Sweet Treats
Chocolate Guinness Brownies
Delight the chocolate lovers in your life with this rich, dense, fudgy brownie recipe. It’s so good no one will ever know it’s vegan and packed with healthy antioxidants!
Click here to get the recipe from Chocolate Covered Katie --->
Vegan Irish Apple Cake
A delicious, dense, moist apple cake that’s a healthier Vegan twist on a traditional Irish dessert. It’s cinnamon apple flavor is reminiscent of homemade apple pie with the denser texture almost like a scone.
Click here to get the recipe from Holy Cow Vegan --->
Photo by Vegan Food and Living
Vegan Rainbow Fruit Tart with Custard Filling
Creamy vegan custard on a crispy pastry base topped with colorful fresh fruits make a quick, easy, and festive dessert for your St. Patrick’s Day feast.
Click here to get this recipe from Vegan Food and Living --->
Vegan Grasshopper Pie
This creamy mint pie in a chocolate cookie crust is a frozen dessert treat for adults only. It gets its creamy mint flavor from Creme de Menthe liqueur.
Click here to get the recipe from Hidden Veggies --->
Rhubarb Crisp
Rhubarb crisp is a sweet and tangy dessert filled with buttery cinnamon goodness. It’s the ultimate Irish comfort food when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
