Make these fun and festive green snacks for St. Patrick’s Day while also benefitting from the nutritious ingredients!
A similar version of this article originally ran on Fox News Health.
For most people, St. Patrick’s Day is not generally deemed the healthiest day of the year. But when it comes to food, think outside the green food dye box used to make cupcakes, cookies and green beer. Instead, try using these five super healthy green foods to make some festive green snacks for your St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
5 Simple Green Snacks
- Spiced Green Apples
- Pistachio Kiwi Parfait
- Leafy Green Smoothie
- Candy Green Grapes
- Avocado Deviled Eggs
1. Spiced Green Apples
To make warm cinnamon apples, slice a tart green apple and toss with cinnamon and nutmeg. Then cook apple mixture in a saucepan over medium-heat with a little butter until apples are tender. As an added bonus, cinnamon has also been shown to promote heart health and weight management.
Health Benefits of Apples
Research shows daily consumption of apples (one or two per day) can lower your risk of heart disease and help you maintain a healthy weight. Apples are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants for good health.
2. Pistachio Kiwi Parfait
Layer Greek yogurt with sliced kiwis and chopped pistachios for a healthy green treat that works anytime of the day. Yogurt parfaits are fun for any age and you can get creative with extra toppings like homemade granola or seeds for a more filling snack.
Health Benefits of Pistachios
Naturally green from the antioxidant lutein, pistachios are one of the lowest calorie lowest fat snack nuts so you can enjoy 30 pistachios for about 100 calories. Plus, pistachios are a good source of protein and fiber to help keep your energy levels up and your hunger at bay.
3. Leafy Green Smoothie
For a healthy St. Patrick’s Day treat, make a green smoothie for a natural pop of emerald color. In addition to spinach or kale, add some pineapple, mango or banana for a kick of sweetness.
Benefits of Drinking Green Smoothies
Experts recommends eating 5 to 9 servings of fruit and vegetables each day for optimal health, and a green smoothie is a convenient (and tasty) way to get your dark green leafy vegetables. The average green smoothie contains 3 to 5 servings of fruits and vegetables.
4. Candy Green Grapes
For a frozen St. Patrick’s Day dessert, candy grapes are a real emerald treat. To make candy grapes, wash green grapes, roll them in lime flavored jello powder, let them freeze and enjoy.
Health Benefits of Grapes
Grapes are a super easy and healthy food to include in your diet. A serving of grapes (3/4 cup) contains just 90 calories and provides vitamin K, potassium, and antioxidants for good health. Plus, research shows grape polyphenols may contribute to a healthy heart, and may help defend against a variety of age-related and other illnesses.
5. Avocado Deviled Eggs
For a savory green snack, make avocado deviled eggs. After you make these, you won’t know how you ever made deviled eggs without this mighty fruit! Simply mix in ripe avocado to your normal deviled egg recipe and the filling will turn a pretty green. Garnish with cilantro for some added green appeal.
Health Benefits of Avocado
A nutrient-dense fruit, avocados provide a creamy texture that makes it easy to get more fruit in your diet. They offer nearly 20 vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients for good health. Plus, more than 75 percent of the fat in avocados in the “good” unsaturated type.
Keep the Green Snack Theme Going!
Don’t let the fun with these green snacks stop after St. Patrick’s Day! Use these ideas as inspiration to find new ways to incorporate plant-based color into your other meals and snacks throughout the year – regardless of the holiday!
Enjoy these other green snacks, appetizers, and recipes.
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