Sandi Gauvin
No need to invest in green beer and unhealthily dyed sugary snacks. Bring the spirit of green to your Paddy’s Day with these (healthy) recipe ideas.
We tend to equate Paddy’s Day with a rollicking good time: parades, shamrocks, and everything green—think green beer! But there’s no need to quaff scary-looking, and unhealthy, green stuff to show your allegiance—that’s just a bunch o’ malarkey. Try these seven healthy options for a tip o’ the hat to St. Patrick you won’t regret the next day.
Who was St. Patrick anyway?
According to historians, St. Patrick started out as Maewyn Succat in Britain in about 385 AD. A non-observant Catholic when he arrived in Ireland as a kidnapped slave, he reportedly found solace in prayer.
After six years of enslavement, he escaped to Gaul, changed his name to Patricius, and found his calling: to convert the pagans of Ireland to Christianity. Patricius died on March 17, 461, the date forever celebrated as St. Patrick’s Day.
Are you wearin’ the green on St. Patrick’s Day?
Though we may not be Irish or of Irish heritage, there are nearly 4 million Canadians who are—and we like to keep them company on St. Patrick’s Day! In case drinking green beer’s not your thing, we thought of a few healthier options that might just tickle your fancy.
Smashed Avocado and Eggy Toast
Try smashing some avocado onto a slice of toast for a yummy—green—start to your Paddy’s Day celebrations. Rich in protein and healthy fats, avocados have an impressive nutrient profile. Studies show that avocados may support cardiovascular health. Adding an egg—poached, scrambled, or a sliced hard-boiled egg—adds even more nutritious fuel to your day!
Whip up a green avocado smoothie if you want something quick and easy. Smoothies are more than a convenience food; and they can be a tasty, balanced meal, even when time isn’t an issue. This is a smooth choice that’ll help you start your Paddy’s Day off with a healthy bounce in your step.
Blast some edamame and peas for a delicious power-packed hummus dip that really delivers—and comes loaded with protein and healthy antioxidants. Team them with Paddy Day green veggies like celery, green peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and, of course, cucumbers.
And speaking of cucumbers—they’re endlessly versatile for salads, sandwiches, or appies. These delicious cucumber cupcakes are the perfect cool appetizer if you’re planning to entertain. They’re also fun for leprechaun parties!
Spring Green Salad with Honey-Lime Vinaigrette
Toss a leprechaun salad—loaded with greens, such as arugula, cabbage, chard, kale, romaine, escarole, spinach, snap peas, zucchini ... the list is endless. Our healthy spring salad not only delivers delicious greens, but it also blankets them in a deliciously—green—honey dressing.
Nosh on some of these tasty snackers with your fellow Paddy Day revellers. Just like potato chips, you can’t stop with just one! But unlike potato chips, these yummy (and addictive!) kale chips also deliver a low-calorie nutritious snack.
Sweeten the pot (o’ gold) with these vibrant green—and luscious—cupcakes. Imagine a sinfully delicious dessert that also packs some serious nutrition. Made with rolled oats, sweetened with dates, and crowned with creamy avocado and lime, you may have to fight off a leprechaun or three for these!
Finally, raise a toast—and warm up—after your St. Paddy’s Day shenanigans with a cup of your favourite green tea! Sláinte!
Nancy Hillis
Michelle von Hahn
Alexa Everett
Laura Bolt