St. Patrick’s Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick, is a day for celebrating Irish culture throughout the world on March 17th. (1) To help you get into the spirit of the day, I’ve summarized some of the best paleo options on the net for healthy Irish dishes such as corned beef, cabbage, soda bread, colcannon, and shepherd’s (cottage) pie.

Below you’ll find my ultimate list of recipes for breakfast, lunch, breads, dips, snacks, veggies, salads, main dishes and desserts. At the end of the list, you’ll find more of my tips for healthier celebrations. Let me know in the comments if you use any of these recipes for your Irish meal.

Breakfast or Lunch

Shamrock Shake

This naturally green and ultra-creamy shake is full of healthy fats so you can skip fast food versions full of additives and sugar, and make it a year-round favourite.

Ingredients: avocado, ice, spinach, peppermint oil/extract, stevia, cacao nibs (optional)

Click here for Shamrock Shake recipe.

 

Green Eggs

Get your veggies at the start of your day with this colourful and healthy recipe  that’s perfect for St.Patrick’s Day.

Ingredients: organic eggs, kale leaves, sea salt, olive oil

Click here for Green Eggs recipe.

 

Shamrock Eggs with Braised Spinach

Here’s a quick, low-carb, keto and paleo-friendly recipe you’ll love for a delicious St. Patrick’s Day breakfast, or a Meatless Monday. Top the eggs with salsa or grated raw cheddar cheese for more eye-appeal.

Ingredients: free range or organic eggs, large green pepper rings, red onion, fresh baby spinach, organic turkey bacon, ghee or unsalted organic butter, salt, black pepper

Click here for Shamrock Eggs with Braised Spinach recipe.

 

Raw Vegan Paleo Green Quiche

The quiche filling can be made as raw as you like, and is suitable for many dietary requirements.

Ingredients: oats (use almonds to keep it raw), buckwheat flour (use sprouted buckwheat to keep it raw), ground flaxseed, water, dried herbs, sea salt, olive oil, cashew nuts, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, shallot, clove garlic, nutritional yeast, sea salt, turmeric, organic burst wheatgrass (optional), kale

Click here for Raw Vegan Paleo Green Quiche recipe.

 

Kale Mushroom Soup

This delicious, healthy soup makes a great starter course or light meal.

Ingredients: butter, onion, mushrooms, garlic cloves, salt, vegetable or chicken broth, kale leaves, rice vinegar, ground pepper, parmesan (optional)

Click here for Kale Mushroom Soup recipe.

 

Shamrock Breakfast Sandwich

The spicy, sweet, toasty, green and pepper aromas of this sandwich will help you rise and shine on St. Patrick’s Day morning. For a maximized version, substitute the English Muffin with Maximized Grainless Rolls, and Chipotle Mayo instead of Jalapeno Mayo.

Ingredients: vegan sausage patty, chipotle powder, black pepper, seasoned salt, rub of veggie oil (safflower or EVOO),  kale,  truffle infused oil (optional), extra virgin olive oil, raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds), shallot, vegenaise (vegan mayo), dried jalapeno, sweet green juice for color/thinning (or use citrus juice), avocado, English Muffin

Click here for Shamrock Breakfast Sandwich recipe.

 

Breads, Dips & Snacks

Kale Chips

Turn a plain bunch of fresh kale into a crispy, healthy snack that packs a major punch of vitamin K, A, and C.

Ingredients: kale, olive oil, sea salt, organic herbs/spice

Click here for Kale Chips recipe.

 

Gluten Free Irish Soda Bread

The flavour and texture of this recipe is not far off from the traditional Irish soda bread, and gluten-free eaters will appreciate the missing wheat.

Ingredients: gluten-free flour, baking soda, salt, coconut oil, coconut milk, eggs, maple syrup, raisins

Click here for Gluten Free Irish Soda Bread recipe.

 

Lucky Leprechaun Dip

Pair this Spring recipe with your favourite dipping vegetables or try it with Garlic Parmesan Flax Seed Crackers, Savoury Flax Crackers, or Multi-Grain Crackers.

Ingredients: white cannellini beans, kale (frozen or fresh), extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice and zest, black pepper, cayenne, raw cashews, organic tahini, roasted, warm water, flat-leaf parsley, garlic powder or roasted garlic (optional)

Click here for Lucky Leprechaun Dip recipe.

 

Veggies & Salads

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Chillis, parmesan cheese, and lemon juice make these beautiful little cabbages something you will look forward to for at dinner.

Ingredients: brussels sprouts, garlic cloves, red chilli, lemon juice, olive oil, kosher or sea salt, black pepper, parmesan cheese

Click here for Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe.

 

Get Your Greens Salad

What a healthy, green lunch or dinner for St. Patrick’s Day?  This salad is loaded with many green ingredients, and can be topped with your favourite dressing.

Ingredients: spinach, baby kale or a mix, pistachios, broccoli florets, edamame, cucumber, avocado, garlic clove, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, water, salt, black pepper

Click here for Get Your Greens Salad recipe.

 

Sweet Potato & Kale Colcannon

Colcannon is a famous Irish comfort food dish that goes well with sausages and steak, and comes in various combinations of mash potatoes with different vegetables and seasonings.

Ingredients: sweet potatoes, vegetable stock powder or liquid stock, onion, ghee, kale, savoy or white cabbage, sea salt, garlic cloves, lemon zest, nutmeg, black pepper, butter

Click here for Sweet Potato & Kale Colcannon recipe.

 

Mashed NO-Tatoes in Colcannon Style

Create a maximized version of Colcannon by adding handfuls of greenery such as cabbage, kale, spinach and Brussels sprouts to the Mashed No-Tatoes recipe. Inspired by Simply Recipes.

Ingredients: cauliflower, sea salt, black pepper, organic butter, garlic cloves (Optional)

Click here for Mashed No-Tatoes recipe.

 

Vegan Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce

Try different variations of this gluten-free and low-carb alternative to enhance the taste and flavour.

Ingredients: high heat oil (brown rice bran oil or macadamia oil), onion, brown lentils, cooked white rice, cabbage leaves, tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, black pepper

Click here for Vegan Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce recipe.

 

Dublin Vegetables (Mashed Carrot and Parsnip)

The lemony zing of parsnip and sweet flavour of carrots make a great combination in this purée recipe. If you prefer, you can just mash the vegetables instead of blitzing them.

Ingredients: carrot, parsnip, butter, salt, black pepper, nutmeg (optional)

Click here for Dublin Vegetables (Mashed Carrot and Parsnip) recipe.

 

Paleo Reuben Corned Beef Cabbage Rolls

Replace rye bread with cabbage and leave out Swiss cheese for a paleo, dairy-free version of the traditional Reuben of corned beef with sauerkraut, swiss cheese and Russian/Thousand Island dressing. Try out this gluten-free or low-carb alternative Reuben for your next lunch or dinner.

Ingredients: cabbage, cooked corned beef, sauerkraut, swiss cheese (optional) homemade Russian/Thousand Island Dressing (paleo mayonnaise, ketchup, fresh lemon juice, onion, dill pickle, salt, black pepper)

Click here for The Paleo Reuben recipe.

 

Main Dishes

Maximized Shepherd’s Pie

The hearty, classic St. Patrick’s Day meal is easily transformed to fit a Maximized lifestyle by using Mashed NO-tatoes and your choice of ground meat protein.

Ingredients:  coconut oil, onion, grass-fed ground beef (or turkey or lamb), organic celery stalk, frozen organic peas, organic bell pepper, arrowroot powder, iced cold water, organic vegetable stock, dried thyme, dried oregano, ground cloves, sea salt, black pepper

Click here for Maximized Shepherd’s Pie recipe.

 

Paleo Slow-Cooker Irish Stew

This low-carb variation on the traditional Irish stew recipe, generally made of mutton and potatoes, is a great option for a busy day as slow cooking allows for mouth-watering flavours while you can just walk away from the kitchen for hours.

Ingredients: coconut oil, grass-fed beef, sea salt, celeriac, turnips, carrots, onions, garlic cloves, bay leaf, black pepper, thyme, salt, tomato paste, beef stock, arrowroot (optional), fresh parsley leaves (optional)

Click here for Paleo Slow-Cooker Irish Stew recipe.

 

Guinness Lamb Shank

This dark sticky sauce on tender meat almost falling off the bone is great for St. Patrick’s Day festivities.

Ingredients: onions, rapseed or olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, raisins, thick-cut marmalade, tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Guinness or smooth dark ale, lamb shanks, fresh rosemary sprigs, organic chicken stock, fresh mint leaves, cider vinegar

Click here for Guiness Lamb Shank recipe.

 

Desserts

Shamrock Paleo Pecan Shortbread Cookies

Incorporate spinach into the dough instead of traditional green food coloring to turn these cookies green and elevate their status to a Superfood. Inspired by Namely Marly.

Ingredients: blanched almond flour, kosher or sea salt, aluminum free baking soda, raw pecans, organic butter, stevia, pure vanilla

Click here for Paleo Pecan Shortbread Cookies recipe.

 

Homemade Peppermint Patty Cups

These are a quick, healthy verison of peppermint patty colours with a bright green colour that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day.

Ingredients: shredded coconut, mint, coconut oil, dairy-free and gluten-free dark chocolate

Click here for Homemade Peppermint Patty Cups recipe.

 

Raw Key Lime Pistachio Bites

There are only three ingredients and five steps to go for this tasty recipe to be ready!

Ingredients: shelled pistachios, pitted dates, zest and juice of key limes

Click here for Raw Key Lime Pistachio Bites recipe.

 

Chocolate Mint Cream Layer Cake

There are no refined sugars or syrups in this raw cake, but it still tastes sweet and amazing! A perfect option for the Maximized Living Core Nutrition Plan. Inspired by PurelyTwins.com.

Ingredients: walnuts, cocoa powder, chia seeds (or flax meal), date paste, powdered and liquid stevia, avocados, cashews, coconut oil, mint extract, spirulina (optional, helps with green color)

Click here for Chocolate Mint Cream Layer Cake recipe.

 

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream {Vegan}

This recipe makes a wonderful palette cleansing dessert with the added healthy benefits of spinach!

Ingredients: baby leaf spinach, coconut milk, coconut flour, honey or maple syrup, peppermint extract, chocolate chips (replace with cacao nibs or dark chocolate)

Click here for Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream {Vegan} recipe.

 

Frozen Key Lime Pie

This delicious recipe contains no berries, chocolate or other ingredients that aren’t so wonderful after about 3PM, which works well for anyone on the Advanced Nutrition Plan.

Ingredients: lime juice and zest, avocados, full-fat unsweetened coconut milk, almond butter, liquid and powdered stevia, pure vanilla extract, salt, almond meal, unsweetened shredded coconut, organic butter

Click here for Frozen Key Lime Pie recipe.

 

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with healthy habits

As you plan a homemade Irish meal, you can maintain a healthier diet mainly by eliminating consumption of sugar and grains, and eating good fats and healthy protein. Below are more tips to help you do that.

1. Make Natural Green Colouring

If you want your St. Patrick’s Day food and baked goods to look green, avoid store-bought food colouring and create your own using green vegetables like spinach and water (2), or avocado in icing and other sweets. (3) Your best choice is to just add greens such as Kale, Spinach, Cabbage, and Brussels sprouts to your recipe for a healthy boost.

2. Eliminate Grains

Avoid gluten and its accompanying inflammation by using flours that come from sources of fat i.e. nuts, beans, seeds, etc. – I use almond flour, coconut flour, chickpea flour, and others – instead of sources of carbs i.e. grains such as all-purpose, bleached white flour or even whole-wheat flour.

3. Avoid Sugars

In your pantry, you may be surprised to find sugar added to your pasta sauce, lunch meats, canned soups, condiments and even table salt, so read labels carefully. Also keep in mind that organic sugar, maple syrup, honey, and cane juice can have the same negative impact on your body as white sugar, and use stevia whenever possible.

4. Choose Organic Meats & Vegetables

Ideally, you want to find “farm to table” meats i.e. organic, never been frozen, grass fed, farm-raised, and free from antibiotics and other harmful hormones.(4) Fresh, organic vegetables are obviously best for all recipes. Replace white potatoes with cauliflower or sweet potatoes.

5. Cook with Healthy Oils

Healthy Oils include olive oil, avocado oil, raw walnut oil, coconut oil, hemp oil, flax oil, and grape seed oil. Choose which oil to use based on the heat level (high or medium) or temperature, or whether you are baking or frying.

6. Eat Well When You’re Eating Out

Maintain a lean, healthy body from the inside out by educating yourself, so you can enjoy a healthy and delicious St. Patrick’s Day meal at your favourite restaurant or pub. Ask your server to double your serving vegetables instead of the regular portion of starch.

The best way to enjoy your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations (or any holiday celebration) is to eat and drink responsibility. In the words of an Irish toast, here’s to your … “Slainte” (Good Health)!