While tradition is certainly worthy of appreciation, deviating from the requisite St. Patrick’s Day dishes like corned beef and cabbage can provide a fresh take and enhance the celebratory feeling. Plus, you can make use of ingredients you already have in your kitchen cabinets. You will feel blessed with the luck of the Irish when you try some of the following fun, festive recipes.
Matcha Green Tea Coconut Pancakes
Not only do these flapjacks bear the green shade so many love to incorporate on this holiday, they are also a healthier version of the classic pancakes. Blend coconut flour, matcha powder, buttermilk and egg whites to whip up this fresh spin on a breakfast classic. Get the recipe here.
Green Tomato Mozzarella Stacks
For a recipe that infuses a low-carb, gluten-free version of fried green tomatoes with an especially flavorful caprese salad, all you need are green zebra tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and Green Goddess dressing. And if you would like to branch out, variations of this dish incorporate different types of soft cheese including feta and goat cheese.
Green Falafel
Perfect for guests to nosh on during parties, green falafel is also packed with protein and fiber courtesy of the chickpeas. Plus, they are seasoned with guilt-free cilantro, parsley and garlic. Make sure you have a meat grinder or attachment on hand to prepare this savory snack.
Healthy Green Smoothie
Shamrock Smoothies
When it comes to drinks on St. Patrick’s Day, it is not necessary to limit yourself to green beer. This recipe for Shamrock Smoothies – made by blending green grapes, yogurt, orange juice, honey, bananas and kiwifruit – delivers all of the green you crave without packing the punch of a hangover the next day.
Smoky Cheese and Potato Soup
Classic comfort food, potato soup, gets a makeover for St. Patrick’s Day this year. This soup is flavorful enough to make leprechauns dance. Add your favorite smoked cheese, plus curry and paprika from your kitchen cupboards, to potato soup for a dish that strikes the perfect balance between creamy, savory and spicy.
Currant-Orange Irish Soda Bread
Rev up the taste profile of the holiday staple with the addition of orange peels and currants to add the perfect sweet note. This dish is also a breeze to make, involving just 20 minutes of prep time and about 35 minutes of time in the oven. Plus, one loaf yields 12 servings, enough to feed hungry party guests.
Squash and Sausage Shepherd’s Pie
Sweeten up traditional shepherd’s pie with butternut squash and sweet Italian sausage. And rest assured, the vegetables in this flaky dish are still plentiful, as it incorporates onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, peas and carrots. A bit of grated Parmesan cheese gives it a creamy kick.
Chocolate-Irish Cream Cheesecake
Indulge in a dreamy dessert that is the very definition of decadence. Imagine relishing a symphony of chocolate, cream cheese, sour cream and Irish cream liqueur that puts regular cheesecake to shame. Pair this treat with gourmet coffee to add an extra special touch.
Corn Beef and Cabbage
Corned Beef, Cabbage, Carrots and New Potatoes
A spicy-sweet dressing infused with honey and brown mustard gives this classic St. Patrick’s Day fare a twist. Plus, it will hit the spot with the meat and potato lovers in your family. And the hearty dish is easy to make, taking a total of just 25 minutes from start to finish.
Salmon Potato Cakes
For a nautical spin on potatoes, combine fresh skinless salmon fillets with bread crumbs, chive flavored mashed potatoes, honey-dijon salad dressing and dill to whip up potato cakes perfect for a holiday party or family dinner.
There you have it. All of the aforementioned dishes are proof that you do not need to use the same St. Patrick’s Day recipes every year. Instead, surprise and delight family and friends with creations that inject new life into traditional holiday foods and drinks. They may just perform an Irish jig in celebration.
