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Healthy St Patrick's Day Recipes

St. Patrick’s Day is traditionally celebrated with a lot of food dye, some green beer and sugar-laden treats. Even I was shocked to see that a popular fast-food chains’ medium sized Shamrock Shake has 730 calories and 97 grams of sugar!! 97 grams of sugar. To put that in perspective, according to the WHO Sugars Intake Guideline, people should limit sugar intake to less than 5% of total daily calorie intake, which is approximately 26 g per day.


Let’s make this St Patty’s holiday extra special by skipping these traditions and instead, incorporating festive, but healthy foods, including our very own version of a Shamrock Shake, loaded with spinach and banana as opposed to heaps of sugar.


Nutritious Shamrock Smoothie



Everyone loves a green smoothie, and this may be the next best one on the block! It’s refreshingly minty and is the perfect drink for this holiday.


Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup ice

  • 1 frozen banana

  • ½ cup Greek yoghurt or coconut yoghurt

  • ½ cup nut milk

  • 1 cup baby spinach

  • 6 fresh mint leaves

  • 1 tsp ground flax

  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Optional: Maple Syrup


Instructions

  1. Add all the ingredients to the blender and blend until smooth.

  2. Depending on preference, add a touch of maple syrup for natural sweetness.

  3. Serve with a fresh mint leaf.


Green Hummus



I always love a delicious homemade hummus and it’s so easy to make this dish festive by adding some natural ingredients like spinach which will make it green. As for the homemade crunchy tortilla chips, it’s a must try for your St Patty’s party.


Ingredients

  • 1 can chickpeas

  • 4 tbsp water

  • 2 tbsp tahini

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • Juice of 1 lemon

  • Handful spinach

  • Handful parsley

  • 1 clove garlic

  • 1 tsp cumin

  • ½ tsp salt

  • Whole grain tortilla

  • Olive oil

  • Seasoning salt


Instructions

  1. Add all the ingredients to a food processor and blend until combined and smooth.

  2. Add more water if you prefer it to be thinner and season with more salt or pepper depending on taste. Cool for an hour and top with chopped parsley and walnuts before serving.

  3. For the crispy tortillas cut a whole grain tortilla wrap, drizzle with olive oil and seasoning salt. Place in the oven at 350F for about 5-10 minutes and bake to preference. Keep an eye on it to ensure it’s doesn’t burn.


Leprechaun’s soup



Not so much a party food, but who wouldn’t love a light creamy soup for a more relaxed day!?


Ingredients

  • 2 tbs butter

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 1 large leek, sliced

  • 2 russet potatoes, peeled and diced

  • 6-8 celery stalks, diced

  • 2 cups vegetable broth

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Optional toppings: 1-2 celery stalks, coconut milk


Instructions

  1. Add the butter to a large pot and turn heat on medium.

  2. Add the garlic and sauté for a few minutes.

  3. Add leek and russet potatoes and sauté for a few more minutes.

  4. Add the diced celery, stir well and cook for a few more minutes.

  5. Add the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer covered for about 20-25 minutes.

  6. Once the potatoes are soft, use an immersion blender to blend – or careful transfer to blender on portions and blend until smooth.

  7. Add salt and pepper to taste and cook for about 5 more minutes.

  8. In the meantime, you can sauté diced celery in a touch of butter.

  9. Serve the soup with the sauteed celery and a drizzle of coconut milk if using.


Matcha Energy Bites



These matcha energy balls are sure to stick around beyond St Patrick’s day! They are a healthy, energizing snack and super easy to make.


Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp oats

  • 1 tbsp shredded coconut

  • 1 tbsp vanilla protein powder

  • 1 tbsp chia

  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey

  • 1 tbsp almond butter

  • About 20 cashews

  • ½ tsp matcha powder


Instructions

  1. Add all the ingredients to a food processor and pulse until a mouldable dough is formed. If it is too dry, you can add a touch of water until it’s the right consistency.

  2. Shape into balls as they are, or you can also roll them in extra shredded coconut – although the green may not be as visible then. For mine I did half and half.

  3. You can store the energy balls in the fridge for up to 1 week or you can freeze them.


Fruit Skewers with Protein Dip



I love fruit as a healthy sweet treat and this high protein dip makes it perfect for a St Patrick’s Day celebration.


Ingredients

  • Selection of fruit – kiwi, green grapes, green apples, honeydew

  • 1 cup Greek or coconut yoghurt

  • 1 tbsp vanilla protein powder

  • Optional: 1/2 tsp matcha powder for colour


Instructions