St. Patrick’s Day brings out our predictable side when it comes to food. You know the lineup: a green smoothie and maybe some edamame if we’re feeling virtuous. But there’s a reason these green staples keep showing up year after year, because they just work.
Spinach Puff Pastry
The vibrant green spinach filling makes these appetizers a natural fit for your St. Patrick’s Day spread. Flaky pastry wraps around a creamy spinach center for bite-sized snacks that work for casual gatherings or dinner parties.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Puff Pastry
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
Fresh green jalapeños stuffed with cream cheese and bacon create a spicy appetizer that brings color to your party table. The air fryer crisps everything up in less time than traditional baking.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
Instant Pot Green Rice
This arroz verde gets its bright green hue from poblano chiles and cilantro blended right into the rice. The Instant Pot handles the cooking while you prep the rest of your meal, and the finished rice pairs well with tacos or burritos.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Green Rice
Matcha Pear Green Smoothie
Between the spinach and matcha powder, this smoothie is about as green as it gets for St. Patrick’s Day morning. Pears and banana keep it naturally sweet while almond milk makes the base nice and creamy.
Get the Recipe: Matcha Pear Green Smoothie
Air Fryer Shishito Peppers
These small green Japanese peppers char up beautifully in the air fryer for a simple side or snack. Most are mild with just an occasional spicy one thrown in to keep things interesting.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shishito Peppers
Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters
Grated zucchini forms the base of these green fritters that cook up crispy in the air fryer. They’re lighter than pan-fried versions but still give you that comfort food satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters
Watergate Salad
This retro pistachio fluff salad has been showing up at potlucks for decades with its distinctive pale green color. Just five ingredients come together quickly, and you can make it ahead so it’s ready when you need it.
Get the Recipe: Watergate Salad
Sauteed Green Beans with Coconut
Fresh green beans get a flavor boost from coconut and Indian spices in this quick side dish. The beans keep their bright green color and stay crisp when you sauté them just right.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Green Beans with Coconut
Lime Jello Salad
The bright green lime jello makes this old-school dessert salad a fitting choice for St. Patrick’s Day gatherings. It’s a make-ahead dish that brings back memories while adding color to your table.
Get the Recipe: Lime Jello Salad
Kale Watermelon Smoothie
Dark green kale blends with watermelon and banana for a dairy-free breakfast smoothie that’s ready in minutes. The watermelon keeps it light and refreshing while the kale adds nutrition.
Get the Recipe: Kale Watermelon Smoothie
Mango Avocado Smoothie
Avocado and spinach give this smoothie its green color while mango adds natural sweetness. The avocado creates a creamy texture and packs in healthy fats without needing any dairy.
Get the Recipe: Mango Avocado Smoothie
Green Smoothie Bowl
This vegan breakfast bowl combines spinach with pineapple, orange and strawberries for a green base you can top however you like. It’s ready in just a few minutes and gives you a full serving of fruit right in the morning.
Get the Recipe: Green Smoothie Bowl
Air Fryer Edamame
These green soybean pods go from freezer to crispy snack in about 10 minutes using the air fryer. They’re high in protein and way easier than boiling a pot of water.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Edamame