Eat Your Greens! 17 Green Recipes for St. Patrick’s Day

Everyone’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day! That means you—yes even you, an active South Beach Dieter, can have a party. Here on The Palm, we have many occasion-worthy recipes that are company’s-coming-approved. To get you and your guests in the St. Paddy’s day spirit, we’ve compiled 17 of our tastiest and healthiest green recipes that are perfect to enjoy on March 17th.

Here are 17 green recipes for your St. Patrick’s Day party:

1. Matcha Smoothie Bowl >

Matcha is made from the same plant as green tea. According to Healthline, it has been shown to increase brain function, promote heart health, support weight loss and safeguard the liver. It is also rich in antioxidants and contains caffeine, so this smoothie is a great morning-of-the-party (or maybe the day after) pick-me-up.

2. Deviled Egg Stuffed Avocado >

Creamy. Flavorful. Satisfying. These typically aren’t words used when talking about a “diet” recipe! However, this stuffed avocado is absolutely delicious and would make for an interesting take on deviled eggs—always a crowd-pleasing appetizer. You can even make the filling ahead to save some time.

3. Loin Lamb Chops with Mint Pesto >

Lamb and mutton are very popular meats in Ireland and the British Isles, so this green-tinged recipe is perfect for your St. Patrick’s Day bash. Plan to serve two chops per person and round out the meal with a green side like broccolini, Brussels sprouts or our Sesame Green Beans.

4. Sesame Green Beans >

This pretty side can hold up next to lamb chops or can impress guests as a first salad course. By serving it cold, you can also make it the night before, leaving you more time on party day to cook the entrée, make drinks, chat with your guests and just stay out of the kitchen.

5. Southern Style Burger Bites >

Looking for green recipes that will earn you a big high five from your husband? Meaty, cheesy and tangy (thanks to the pimentos and bread and butter pickles), these sliders are another “you won’t believe you’re on a diet” food. Want to add even more southern flavor? Swap the iceberg leaves for collards.

6. Cucumber Salad with Bulgur and Mint >

Not familiar with bulgur? This super-grain made from cracked, whole-grain kernels of wheat that are parboiled and dried before packaging, says Healthline. It takes 12 minutes to cook the bulgur here—just enough time for you to chop the veggies. A gorgeous salad in less than 15 minutes? Yes, please!

7. Chayote Salad >

A chayote is a type of squash that looks like a large, bumpy avocado or pear. According to TheSpruceEats.com, it has a mild taste and the texture is something like a hard cucumber. No need to peel or cook! Although, if you did want to cook it, chayote can easily work in all of your favorite summer squash recipes. We paid homage to its Mexican roots in this easy salad with Serrano pepper, cilantro and lemon.

8. Salmon Cucumber Cups >

These yummy appetizers are a nod to the Irish flag! Like some of the other green recipes we’ve included in this list, these cups can be made ahead to give you more time to entertain your guests. This recipe makes just two servings, so prepare to triple it if you’re expecting six or more guests.

9. Ginger Chicken Salad Cucumber Cups >

Not a salmon fan? Here’s a great alternative! Our taste-testers felt the zest of the lime and warmth of the ginger added plenty of flavor to these chicken cups. However, feel free to bind the meat with a bit of cream cheese to increase the yummy factor.

10. Spinach and Artichoke Dip >

Another Irish flag in a bowl! This classic dip can be served warm or cold. Cut your cucumber dippers into shamrock shapes and you’ll be entertainer of the year!

11. Homestyle Green Bean Casserole >

Don’t limit this dish to the Thanksgiving or Christmas table. Green bean casserole means comfort any time and Irish food is comforting, above all else. If one of your guests has a nut allergy, just omit the walnuts and increase the amount of breadcrumbs to coat the onions. Take a look around your grocery store for “breadcrumbs” made from chickpeas or pork rinds.

12. Coconut Matcha Chia Pudding >

Pop quiz: What’s matcha? (Pssst: We told you in the beginning of this article!) If you said it comes from the green tea plant, you’re right! If you said it contains caffeine, correct! And if you said it’s healthy, we’ll give you a green star. Filling chia seeds, coconut and matcha come together in this powerhouse pudding for an easy, no-bake dessert.

13. Green Tea Frozen Latte >

It’s nice when recipes have exactly one direction. Gather a few ingredients and…wait for it…blend. Whether it’s your pre-party snack or festive punch, this latte is refreshing and loaded with vitamins and minerals. Indulge in a vanilla protein shake made festive with matcha and spinach. Don’t want to share your favorite shake mix? Feel free to swap in some plain, full-fat Greek yogurt.

14. Fruit Salad with Lime and Mint >

Instead of green velvet cake or chocolatey mint desserts (of which you can never eat just one serving), why not compromise? If you’re in your Maintenance Phase or on our Diabetes plan, you can have dessert in the form of a delicious, fresh fruit salad. Don’t skimp on the mint and lime; they really enhance the flavor of the fruit and add a St. Paddy’s Day feel.

15. Pesto Cilantro Dip >

You can’t go wrong with a pesto party! Paired with some great dippers, this appetizer is sure to be a hit. Have raw bell pepper strips and sliced cucumbers available for you and the veggie lovers. Slice up some toasted bread for the average guest. And why not offer an array of crunchy options? Some sprouted seed crackers, pretzels and pita chips are perfect to dunk in this nutritious dip. Everyone’s happy!

16. 4-Ingredient “Cheesy” Kale Chips >

Don’t let the third ingredient—nutritional yeast—intimidate you. This product has become increasingly popular for those trying to avoid dairy because of its cheesy flavor. The name says it all; nutritional yeast is loaded with nutrients! Kale chips are the perfect vessel in which to try nutritional yeast. Next, sprinkle it your meals or on some air-popped popcorn!

17. Green Rice with Summer Peas >

As we mentioned earlier, Irish food is the definition of comfort. To finish off this list of green recipes, here’s another emerald dish to give you that homey feeling. Rice is filling, familiar and compliments virtually any dish. Whether you serve corned beef, lamb or Irish stew, this side satisfies. Plus, it can be made ahead and reheated before serving or served right at room temperature.