47 St. Patrick’s Day Food Ideas: Green Foods for a Festive Party

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Cady Cohen, Heather Matley

You don’t need to visit Ireland to satisfy your cravings — you can enjoy green food for St. Patrick’s Day in the comfort of your home. Host your very own Irish celebration with St. Patrick's Day food like stuffed cabbage or broccoli tots. We also added a few green desserts that will leave your guests feeling like they found their pot of gold. 

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Green foods for St. Patrick's Day

Feel the luck of the Irish with these green foods for St. Patrick’s Day.

1. Mint pea soup

mint pea soup

Whip up a large pot of gold (minus the color) by adding some mint to this pea soup. This comfort food dinner idea is easy to make, and the green color from the peas and mint is a festive touch.

2. Basil pesto pasta

Plate of basil pesto pasta

It doesn’t get much easier than this tasty dish. All you need for this lucky recipe is a box of pasta and pesto sauce. Don’t forget to top your pesto pasta with fresh basil to complete your green food for St. Patrick’s Day.

3. Green smoothie

green smoothie

You can still enjoy green food for St. Patrick’s Day on the go with this smoothie recipe. Add some spinach and kale to create a healthy, delicious smoothie that will fuel your St. Patrick’s Day!

4. Parmesan and pea risotto

Parmesan and pea risotto

Add peas for a touch of green to make this Parmesan risotto recipe something really special. The smoothness of the cream and flavor of the Parmesan will have you wishing you were lucky enough to eat this meal every day.

5. Green eggs and ham frittata

green eggs and ham for st. patrick's day

There’s no better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than with Dr. Seuss’ very own green eggs recipe (just add ham). Instead of food coloring, create a green hue with spinach and fresh herbs.

6. Stuffed cabbage rolls

Plate of stuffed cabbage rolls

This green food recipe involves meat and vegetables stuffed inside cabbage leaves. The way the ingredients are layered in the stuffed cabbage complements each texture and flavor. Make this dish at your next St. Patrick’s Day party for everyone to enjoy.

7. Creamed spinach casserole

creamed spinach casserole

Embrace the rich green color of spinach with this creamy spinach casserole. If you have leftover spinach, you can also add creamed spinach to any meal to ensure you’re getting your daily dose of vegetables.

8. Thai chicken green curry

Bowl of Thai chicken chicken curry

Bring some heat to your St. Patrick’s Day celebration with this Thai chicken green curry. Serve your chicken with rice or pasta to complete your festive meal. Don’t forget to squeeze a lime on top to brighten up the dish.

9. Spinach quiche

spinach quiche

It’s easy to turn a meal green when you use spinach. Test out your cooking skills with this spinach quiche recipe and add the bold flavor of the mushrooms for a meal that won’t disappoint!

Green St. Patrick’s Day snacks

You don’t need an entire meal to partake in the festivities. Enjoy these small but mighty green St. Patrick’s Day snacks.

10. Creamy spinach dip

creamy spinach dip

When you mix spinach with cream cheese, Parmesan and mozzarella, you create the most delicious creamy spinach dip. You won’t believe this delicious low-calorie snack is packed with so many vegetables. Serve with crostini, crackers and vegetables for dipping.

11. Matcha popcorn

matcha popcorn

Snack on the go with this matcha popcorn recipe. With only three ingredients, making an Irish-inspired popcorn snack is easy.

12. Arugula avocado toast

arugula avocado toast on serving plate

Boost the color of your classic avocado toast recipe this St. Patrick’s Day by adding a handful of arugula on top. Kick things up a notch with sriracha or garlic aioli for a burst of flavor.

13. Spicy jalapeño poppers

spicy jalapeno poppers

For a bit of a spicy kick this St. Patrick’s Day, try this jalapeño poppers recipe. It will be the surprise hit of your party!

14. Ahi poke bowls with cucumber

Ahi poke bowls with cucumber

These ahi poke bowls are packed with flavor, brilliant green colors and tons of nutritious ingredients. They’re perfect as an appetizer or before the main dish at your next party.

15. Garlic aioli dip

garlic aioli dip

Forget finding gold — you just found the most delicious garlic aioli dip! Perfect for fresh veggies or as a spread on your favorite sandwich.

16. Spinach grilled cheese

Spinach grilled cheese

Sure, you can make grilled cheese any day of the week, but what about green grilled cheese? Add a cup of spinach to this fan-favorite recipe for a dose of veggies.

17. Avocado hummus

Avocado hummus

What happens when you blend chickpeas with avocados? You create a delicious hummus dip perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. Serve with sliced fresh vegetables and pita to complete your green snack.

18. Zucchini tots

zucchini tots

Swap potatoes for zucchini to create this green food for St. Patrick’s Day. The best part about this snack is that it’s also keto-friendly. Don’t forget ketchup for dipping your zucchini tots!

St. Patrick’s Day potluck ideas

Bring a sprinkle of green to your potluck with these ideas for St. Patrick’s Day.

19. Pistachio cream puffs

pistachio cream puffs

Your St. Patrick’s Day potluck just got sweeter with these pistachio cream puffs. One bite of these pistachio-flavored cream puffs will make your guests feel like they hit the jackpot.

20. Chunky guacamole

chunky guacamole

You can’t attend a St. Patrick’s Day potluck without a big ol’ bowl of guacamole. Pair your dip with sliced veggies, pretzels and tortilla chips.

21. Green goddess salad

Green goddess salad for St. Patrick's Day

Salads are the perfect dish to bring to any potluck since they are easy to make and help balance out the more indulgent dishes at the table. All you have to do for this recipe is drizzle green goddess dressing over crispy greens with chopped veggies.

22. Spinach muffin tin frittatas

spinach muffin tin frittatas

Elevate your breakfast potluck with muffin tin frittatas packed with spinach and green peppers. Partygoers will love these bite-sized frittatas with tasty cheese, spinach and bold, sour cream-enhanced flavors.

23. Savory pea salad

savory pea salad

This pea salad recipe is as green as it is delicious! The blend of peas, tomatoes, onions and cucumbers creates a crisp and refreshing blend that goes great with almost any dressing.

24. Broccoli pasta salad

broccoli pasta salad in a large bowl

Take your potluck pasta salad to the next level with broccoli stalks and florets. While most people throw away broccoli leftovers, this pasta salad calls for all parts. Add your favorite seasonings for an extra burst of flavor.

25. Super green potato salad

super green potato salad

Transform your potato salad into green food for St. Patrick’s Day without any dyes or artificial ingredients. Your potluck guests will love the bright green color of the arugula and the creamy texture of the potatoes as they devour each bite.

26. Cucumber sandwiches

cucumber sandwiches

Cucumber sandwiches are excellent appetizers for any celebration due to their single-bite size. Top your sandwiches with parsley for an extra-green snack your guests will enjoy.

27. Zesty pork green chili

zesty green chili

Share this spicy and flavorful pork green chili at your next St. Patrick’s Day potluck and prepare to have it be the talk of the party. Serve it on its own or as a sauce for veggies.

28. Falafel wraps

falafel wrap

Kick the green up a notch with these falafel wraps. Spread on some hummus or tahini sauce for even more incredible flavor.

29. Green bean casserole

green bean casserole

Green bean casserole is a favorite at Thanksgiving, so why not bring it to every event? Don’t want to add the crispy fried onions? Try kale chips instead.

Green desserts for St. Patrick’s Day

Even leprechauns enjoy a bit of sweetness on St. Patrick’s Day. Here are a few green dessert ideas to try this year.

30. Shamrock cookies

shamrock cookies for st. patrick's day

Shamrock cookies are a classic green dessert for St. Patrick’s Day. This shortbread cookie recipe is easy to follow and is a great kid’s activity. These cookies come out incredibly cute every time for your Irish celebration.

31. Mint chocolate chip brownies

mint chocolate chip brownies

There is something so delectable about mint, and who can resist brownies? Add mint chips to this brownie recipe for a green, sweet and surprising treat!

32. Shamrock crispy bars

rice crispy bars

Elevate your crispy bars by turning them into clovers with green frosting and sprinkles. Your guests will feel the luck of the Irish with every bite!

33. Smooth matcha latte

matcha latte

This delicious matcha latte will put a pep in your step and a smile on your face. With just a few ingredients, including matcha powder, milk and sweetener, you’ll have a green drink you can enjoy any time. 

34. Green gelatin shots

green jello shots

These boozy gelatin shots are great for parties, and the festive green color will put a smile on everyone’s face. Serve with whipped cream for added fun!

35. Avocado popsicles

avocado popsicles

Did you know you can turn avocados into popsicles? This keto-friendly recipe is yummy and perfect for any St. Patrick’s Day party.

36. Matcha Swiss rolls

matcha swiss rolls

Swiss rolls are a staple dessert from many generations ago, featuring a creamy center and spongy cake. Add a pop of green to this Swiss roll recipe with matcha powder instead of artificial flavors or dyes.

37. Mint julep

mint julep

While it’s usually thought of as a summer drink, mint juleps are great all year round! Try this mint julep recipe at your St. Patrick’s Day party.

38. Pistachio angel food cake

pistachio angel food cake

Nothing is off-limits when it comes to St. Patrick’s Day desserts, as long as they’re green. This angel food cake recipe goes great with pistachio frosting!

39. Green tea shots

green tea shots

Whether you’re adding vodka or keeping these green tea shots alcohol-free, the refreshing combination of lime, green tea and agave will have everyone talking. The green color makes it perfect for the holiday, too.

40. Avocado cheesecake

avocado cheesecake

Transform your classic cream cheese cheesecake recipe into green food for St. Patrick’s Day with the help of avocados. One bite of this avocado cheesecake is never enough!

41. Key lime pie

key lime pie

Key lime pie is a traditional dessert that deserves all the praise for every refreshing bite. Use a premade pie crust or make key lime pie mousse for all occasions.

42. Green velvet cupcakes

green velvet cupcakes

You can never go wrong with green velvet cupcakes if you’re unsure what to make for St. Patrick’s Day. Just swap out the red food coloring for green and enjoy with your favorite cream cheese frosting!

43. Sweet Japanese matcha mochi

sweet japanese matcha mochi

If you want an exciting dessert to cap off your St. Patrick’s Day dinner, try these chewy, sweet matcha mochi. You’ll love the subtle sweetness and beautiful green color!

St. Patrick’s Day drink ideas

Let’s raise a glass with these festive green drinks that are perfect for any St. Patrick’s Day celebration. From refreshing mocktails to classic cocktails and, of course, green beer — we’ve got the beverage to complement your St. Patrick’s Day food. 

44. Green beer

Large glass of green beer for St. Patrick's Day

A traditional St. Patrick’s Day drink is green beer. This festive drink is easy to make — all you need is your favorite lager and green food coloring. Add one to two drops at a time until you reach your desired shade.

45. Shamrock lime margaritas

Lime margarita with salt on the rim

Put an Irish twist on the classic margarita using lime to create the green hue. This lime margarita is a sweet yet tangy cocktail that is perfect for all occasions, especially St. Patty’s Day. Don’t forget to salt the rim and garnish with a lime.

46. Appletini

Appletini with apple slices

Add a hint of tart and tang to your celebration with this appletini recipe. The blend of apple liqueur, vodka and lemon-lime soda makes for a delicious explosion of flavor. Garnish your glasses with apple slices for a finishing touch.

47. Green sparkling water

A glass of sparkling green water

Opt for green sparkling water for a refreshing St. Patrick’s Day mocktail. This simple yet delicious drink can be customized for all tastebuds. Add a few drops of green food coloring into your favorite sparkling water. For extra flavor, squeeze lime, add mint or add sliced apples or cucumbers. 

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Printable St. Patrick’s Day food gift bag tags

Take your St. Patrick’s Day party to the next level with these printable food gift bag tags.

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Green food for St. Patrick’s Day FAQ

Hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party is fun but can also be overwhelming. Here are answers to commonly asked questions about green food and this special holiday.

What food is eaten on St. Patrick's Day?

Irish food like corned beef and cabbage is commonly eaten on St. Patrick’s Day. You can also opt for something green, like avocado toast or falafel bites, to participate in the celebrations.

What are some green snacks?

Matcha popcorn and zucchini tots are green snacks you’ll never want to stop eating. You can also make a green smoothie full of vegetables that’s perfect for enjoying on the go.

What do you serve at a St. Patrick's Day party?

Finger foods and desserts are great to serve at a St. Patrick’s Day party. You can never go wrong with guacamole or shamrock cookies.

What food and drinks are green?

You can make any food or drink with food coloring. You can also choose green-colored ingredients to mix into classic dishes to transform the color. Opt for leafy greens like spinach or kale or fruits like apples or grapes. You can also use matcha (powdered green tea) to intensify green hues.

Final thoughts on green food

Now that you’re a specialist on green food for St. Patrick’s Day, it’s time to prepare for the upcoming festivities. Avocados, matcha and spinach can transform the color of your favorite food into a festive meal.

St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, and you don’t want the leprechauns to pinch you for not eating something green. Save time with same-day groceries with Instacart and buy your green ingredients without the hassle of leaving your home. You can also buy premade St. Patrick’s Day desserts and food to cut down on time.

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Course:

Recipes

Cuisine:

Irish and American

Difficulty:

Easy

47 St. Patrick’s Day Food Ideas: Green Food Recipes

Recipe byCady Cohen, Heather Matley

Try one of these green foods for St. Patrick's Day at your upcoming celebration.

Cady Cohen

Cady Cohen

Author

Cady Cohen is a culinary writer at Instacart who empowers home cooks to navigate the exciting world of food with confidence. She has worked in digital media for over seven years covering food, health, and wellness. From handy conversion charts and recipe calculators to in-depth cooking guides, Cady's work makes grocery shopping a breeze and empowers you to make informed choices about what you put on your plate.

Heather Matley

Heather Matley

Editor

Heather Matley is an editor at Instacart whose passion for food and cooking has inspired her work on everything from grocery guides to recipe development. With over eight years of experience in editing, content creation, and search engine optimization, she strives to empower readers with the most effective tools, guides, and ideas to transform their home cooking.

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