9 Green Foods for St. Patrick's Day

If you’ve been trying to eat more greens, you’re in luck — St. Paddy’s Day is almost here! But before you reach for the food coloring, try these naturally green recipes the whole family will love.

Green Curry Soup: This St. Paddy’s Day, a pot of green is the real prize, and at only 127 calories, you can savor all the flavor without the guilt. Simmer this Green Curry Soup ahead of time, so you’ll be ready for the big celebration.

Green Vegetable Minestrone: This impressive medley of vegetables, pasta, and plenty of savory flavor is high in vitamin C, low in fat, and tasty enough to make traditional red minestrone green with envy. Prepare ahead of time for an easy one-pot meal you can enjoy all week long.

Green Pizza: Made with broccoli, arugula, and pesto, this healthy pizza is loaded with vitamin C and comes together in just 30 minutes. Add your own twist by switching up your veggies with spinach, kale, or other greens, and add garlic or green chilis for a little kick.

Avocado & Roasted Veggie Lettuce Wraps: Bring more veggies to the party with asparagus, beets, avocado, and fresh greens. (For an extra punch of protein, add grilled chicken or shrimp.) Whether served as an app or main dish, these delicious wraps are a unique addition to any St. Paddy’s Day meal.

Quick Guacamole: A party’s not a party ‘til you’ve got the guac. And there are a lot of healthy alternatives to traditional fried chips. Think raw veggies, shrimp cocktail or whole-grain pita. Make guacamole deviled eggs or spoon your guac into roasted mushroom caps. With a little creativity, you can really jazz up your party platter with healthier options.

Lemon-Garlic Green Beans: Green beans help improve heart health, protect your gut, and boost your immunity. Cook up this easy recipe in just 15 minutes and serve as a side dish or a colorful addition to your soup, stir-fry, or pasta.

Olives: No prep time — it doesn’t get any easier than that! Although olives are higher in sodium, they're low in cholesterol, high in antioxidants, and an excellent source of healthy fats. And at only 59 calories per serving, you’ll have plenty of room for the rest of your feast.

Creamy Pesto Chicken Salad with Greens: Pesto is rich in antioxidants and helps reduce your risk for heart disease. This fresh take on traditional chicken salad is as good as a dish from a quaint café, but it’s convenient enough to grab when you’re on the go.

Green Smoothie: After a day of celebration, this green smoothie is the perfect way to replenish your body with plenty of fruits, veggies, and a whopping 64 mg of vitamin C (107% of the recommended daily intake)! Flaxseeds also contain lots of fiber and nutrients to help you seize the day.

Whether you’re heading out for St. Patrick’s Day or entertaining at home, set yourself up for success by ensuring you have at least one healthy go-to dish. But don’t totally deprive yourself — the key to healthy eating is moderation.