Every year, this Irish holiday makes me feel festive. And I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than with a proper St. Patrick’s Day meal. This annual celebration signifies a bridge from winter into spring, conjuring comfort food cravings mixed with a yearning for fresh and lighter flavors. I mark the Irish holiday in my home by making a few of these perfectly delicious and healthy St. Patrick’s Day recipes.
I won’t need any luck to nourish my body with these wholesome real-food twists on traditional St. Patrick’s Day recipes. In this collection, I’ve included a range of St. Patrick’s Day meal ideas, including appetizers and side dishes, breakfast and dinner recipes, desserts, and drinks.
St. Patrick’s Day Appetizers And Sides
Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Green Garlic-Herb Oil
What could be more Irish than a perfect potato recipe? Well, one with a delicious green drizzle sauce makes it a wee bit more. Trust me when we say these crispy smashed potatoes are one of my favorite St. Patrick’s Day recipes – next level in every way. I describe them as somewhere between a baked potato and a really thick-cut potato chip, with tender insides and crispy edges.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian | Whole30
Garlic Roasted Root Vegetable Fries
I like to upgrade a side of fries by serving this veggie-filled option instead. These root vegetable fries are crispy on the outside, tender in the center, and full of savory flavor. I pair them with my favorite dipping sauce, and they’re always a star of the table.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain-Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Vegetarian | Vegan | Whole30
Crispy Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
A slight twist on Irish potato dishes, these Parmesan potatoes are buttery soft on the inside and crisp on the outside. They bake right on a sheet pan and are done in just about 35 minutes. I’ve served them as both an appetizer or a side dish with all my favorite festive recipes like slow cooker corned beef and Reuben sandwiches.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian
Mashed Potatoes
These stovetop mashed potatoes are an easy side dish perfect for adding to a St. Patrick’s Day menu. Or, make them even more festive by taking inspiration from colcannon, a classic Irish dish and type of mashed potatoes that is popular in Dublin. It’s made by folding in greens (like spinach) plus scallions, cream, and butter. Whether I go that route or just stick to classic mashers, they’re always a favorite side dish.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian
Homemade Biscuits
Jess has been making these easy homemade biscuits for more than three decades and this is the best method for achieving tall, buttery, and flaky biscuits. She serves them warm with butter or jam, uses them to make breakfast sandwiches or biscuits and gravy, or serves them with beef stew. For St. Patrick’s Day, she has even made them a little more festive by making them with buttermilk and stirring in shredded Irish cheddar cheese.
Egg Free | Gluten Free Option | Nut Free | Vegetarian
Deviled Eggs
I don’t think any holiday spread is complete with some deviled eggs. I always like to give my deviled eggs some personality with different mix-ins and toppings. For example, this recipe can be customized to be a St. Patty’s Day appetizer by stirring some pesto into the yolk mixture for a great hint and pop of flavor. Or top each one with a piece of crispy bacon and no one will ever complain.
Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian
Green Goddess Salad
Though it’s not a traditional Irish recipe, I think this monochromatic green salad is a great addition to the holiday. This updated take on green goddess salad features a creamy green vinaigrette made from yogurt, lemon juice, honey, and lots of fresh herbs. It gets tossed with a variety of fresh crispy greens, including shredded cabbage, kale, and microgreens, and tossed with pistachios, peas, and cucumber.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Vegetarian
The Best St. Patrick’s Day Meal Ideas
Crockpot Corned Beef And Cabbage
I love making a traditional corned beef and cabbage using this easy crockpot method which creates delicious slices of savory beef brisket and tender slow-cooked potatoes, carrots, and cabbage, Corned beef brisket is made by brining the brisket in large crystals or “ocrns” of salt, which gives it a more salt flavor and brighter red color that other cuts of beef.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free
Corned Beef Hash
After I’ve made corned beef and cabbage, I always use some of the leftover shredded corned beef to make this delicious and savory breakfast. My husband absolutely loves corned beef hash, so St. Patrick’s Day (or the day after), he can always count on starting his day with this protein- and veggie-rich hash.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free
Classic Cottage Pie
Even if I don’t live in a sweet little cottage in the Irish countryside, I can easily conjure that dreamy feeling when I make this cottage pie recipe. To me, it represents everything cottage life is supposed to be: cozy, simple, and humble. Easier to make than pot pies, but just as comforting, this dinner includes a built-in topping of creamy garlic mashed potatoes that makes every bite so good.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
This hearty beef soup is reminiscent of a Guinness beef stew, but lighter and easier. I simply toss the beef stew meat, root vegetables, diced tomatoes, broth, and seasonings right into my slow cooker. Then I come back at dinnertime, ladle myself a bowl, and round out the St. Patrick’s Day meal with a side of Irish soda bread or sourdough. This recipe also works with hunks of lamb to make a lamb stew.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Vegetable Beef Stew
This recipe makes a really good and hearty Irish stew with either chunks of beef or lamb stew meat. By making it in my pressure cooker, I can get a flavorful stew in a fraction of the time but still tastes like it has been slow-simmered for hours. Don’t have an Instant Pot or other pressure cooker? It can be made in a Dutch oven or slow cooker instead. I like to serve bowls of this stew with easy garlic cheddar drop biscuits on the side.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
In this recipe, I’ve given the classic comfort casserole a fun twist and plant-based makeover with an ultra flavorful filling of veggies and seasoned lentils. In this traditional St. Patrick’s Day recipe, the vegan filling gets topped with delicious seasoned garlic-chive mashed potatoes and baked until it’s all warm and heavenly.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian | Vegan
Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
No St. Patrick’s Day recipe collection would be complete without a really good Shepherd’s Pie. Though the dish has English origins, the Irish version, called pióg an aoire, is said to fill the stomach and warm the soul. My fresh take on tradition swaps in vitamin-rich sweet potatoes in the mash, plenty of veggies, and grass-fed beef hash or ground amb.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Sheet Pan Kielbasa Cabbage and Potatoes
Two Irish staples (cabbage and potatoes) come together in this easy weeknight dinner that has my husband feeling like he just found a four-leaf clover since he loves it so much. Not only because he gets filled up with those good comfort food feels, but also because he doesn’t have a pile of dishes waiting for him afterward. Serve it with a Guinness or Irish whiskey and the included creamy mustard sauce to really capture the spirit.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Kielbasa and Vegetables
Some years I just keep things fresh and easy with my St. Patrick’s Day meal by serving this simple sheet pan dinner. It features kielbasa sausages, pre-made gnocchi, and fresh vegetables like spinach and bell pepper. For an inspired St. Patrick’s Day recipe on busy weeknights, this choice is well-rounded and delicious.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free Option | Grain Free
Creamy Potato Leek Soup with Bacon
Even though it’s not super traditional, this savory soup is one of my favorite St. Patrick’s Day food ideas. It’s incredibly fresh and flavorful for spring, and it’s ready in under an hour. The flavor is reminiscent of creamy mashed potatoes without all the arm work needed to mash potatoes since it gets smooth with the help of a blender. I suggest serving it with a side of Irish soda bread or brown bread rolls for a dinner that’s cozy and comforting.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Slow Cooker Pot Roast
When I just want to take it easy for St. Patrick’s Day but still want dinner to feel special, this simple slow cooker pot roast is always a good option. With tender hunks of slow-cooked beef, carrots, and potatoes, plus a simple gravy sauce, it’s comforting and hits the spot for my whole family.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free
Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
I always like to start a special day by serving a nourishing breakfast so energy levels can stay up for the long run. This high-protein egg bake is festive, thanks to the spinach and green onions, and has the best texture, thanks to the cottage cheese. I serve it with seasonal fruit, toast, or English muffins for an easy and healthy breakfast that can be made ahead.
Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian
The Best St. Patrick’s Day Desserts And Drinks
Mint Chocolate Shamrock Shake
I love this real-food version of a festive shamrock shake. This mint chocolate chip milkshake is made with 100% real and nutritious whole foods, including spinach, avocado, banana, and fresh mint. For St. Patrick’s Day, I much prefer this full-flavor nutritious dessert choice to something like ice cream or cupcakes. To make it fancy, I top it with whipped cream and some green sprinkles.
Dairy Free Option | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Vegan
Cucumber Basil Moscow Mule
Though Moscow mules are more Russian than Irish in origin, I still love this refreshing sipper. I’ve made it more festive and fresh with the additions of cucumber, basil, and fresh ginger. There’s also a mocktail option included in the recipe card so everyone can stay quenched on St. Paddy’s Day!
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Paleo | Vegetarian | Vegan
5-Ingredient Green Smoothie
I like to kick off St. Patrick’s Day by making this nutritious real-food protein smoothie for my family. It’s the perfect shade of green and always gets my kids excited for the holiday. I make it with banana, spinach, avocado, milk, and protein powder. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, this smoothie is satisfying and puts some pep in my step.
Dairy Free Option | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Vegan
Dark Chocolate Mint Cups
Like a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, these perfectly simple and satisfying dark chocolate mint cups are just the thing to end a festive meal. I make them with just three ingredients by enrobing mint flavored coconut butter in silky chocolate. Just watch: These tasty treats disappear as quickly as a leprechaun!
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Vegan
Avocado Brownie Bites
These chocolatey cake-like brownies are baked in a mini muffin pan. I love them as a sweet option when entertaining because they work for almost all special diets, including gluten free, grain free, and dairy free. They’re sweetened naturally with mashed sweet potato and pure honey instead of cane sugar or brown sugar. And I can make them even more festive by topping them with chopped pistachios or a green-tinted white chocolate drizzle.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free Option | Paleo | Vegetarian
Frequently Asked Questions
The most popular meal to serve on St. Paddy’s Day in Ireland is corned beef and cabbage, boxty, and colcannon. And in America, other popular items are green beef, ground beef and cabbage, corned beef hash, Irish coffee with Irish cream, and scones or an Irish soda bread recipe.
Popular green foods consumed on St. Patrick’s Day are green beer, colcannon, cabbage, and shamrock shakes.
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated to commemorate the death of St. Patrick, a patron saint of Ireland. The holiday was originally celebrated with religious feasts and services. However, it became a celebration of Irish culture when Irish immigrants brought the holiday to America.
As they say in Ireland …
May your troubles be less and your blessings be more.
And nothing but happiness come through your door.
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