10 Healthy Green Dinner Ideas for St. Patrick's Day

 Some rights reserved by Pawel Pacholec

Just a few days left and we'll once again hear the sound of bag pipes, see little green leprechauns pinned on pub doors, and smell the  waft of malty dark Guinness. We all know what this means.. it's St. Patrick's Day! So let's join this festive holiday in our own healthy way. That is, to serve healthy green dishes on the dinner table! Check out the following healthy green foods and their recipes.

1. Broccoli
A 5.3 ounce serving of broccoli contains a whopping 220% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. That's more vitamin C compared to all the citrus fruits. It means, you get the powerful effect of this antioxidant in just one serving of this vegetable. But broccoli sounds boring just as it is, so try this Garlic Ginger Broccoli recipe from Gen Y Foodie to make this vegetable fit for your festive palate.

2. Leeks
Leeks taste like a cross between an onion and garlic, which makes them a great addition to the potatoes that are usually served on St. Patrick's Day. One serving of leeks provides 30% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A, which is good for your vision. Many people suffer from vision problems as they get older, so eating a diet rich vitamin A can save you from vision problems later in life. Try this healthy Potato Leek Soup recipe from savvy vegetarian.


3. Spinach
According to The Nutrition Source by Harvard Medical School, the beneficial nutrients in spinach have been shown in research to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, high blood pressure and improve gastrointestinal health. No wonder Popeye loved his spinach so much. Enjoy the healthy goodness of this vegetable in Spinach Risotto with Roquefort recipe by Chef Cary Neff.

4. Kale
Kale is a cousin of spinach, so they basically have the same nutrients that provide the same health benefits.But kale is often a vegetable that is used as a garnish rather than eaten, so try this: Mix some kale with potatoes and leeks and mash them up for a festive green side dish. Or you can try this vegan recipe, "Cheesy" Baked Kale Crisps by Turista Chef Carmen Garcia.

5. Avocados
Aside from making great guacamole, they can also be added to salads, or mashed and used as a spread instead of butter or margarine. According to the California Avocado Commission, avocados contain about 20 essential vitamins and nutrients, and "good fats" that help in the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients from other foods. So, why not make something fun on St. Patty's Day? Like Avocado Pancake! I'm sure the kids will love it.

6. Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts may look like little cabbages, but they are actually in the same family with cauliflower. Research has shown that eating a diet containing cruciferous vegetables such as brussel sprouts helps to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Brussels sprouts are also used as a vitamin-packed alternative to cabbage. Brussels Sprouts with Chestnuts & Sage will be a great addition to your festive table.

7. Asparagus
On a scale, which  measures to see how healthy a food is, asparagus scores a 94 out of a possible 100. It is rich in vitamin K, which is essential for blood coagulation; vitamin A, which aids in vision, and fiber. Here are 2 ways to prepare asparagus for your St. Patrick's Day meal: Roasted Asparagus and Mushroom Quinoa or Maple Glazed Asparagus Recipe.

8. Artichokes
Artichokes are rich in beneficial fiber, as well as being a good source of B-complex vitamins, vitamin C and many other nutrients. However, they become less than healthy when people slather them with melted butter. Instead, try stuffing them with seasoned bread crumbs, drizzling them with olive oil and steaming them. It's a much healthier way to go. Stuffed Artichokes Recipe / Steamed Whole Artichokes Recipe

9. Celery
Celery is is often cooked with corned beef on St. Patrick's Day. Sadly, it is just discarded instead of being eaten. Celery is rich in vitamin K and vitamin A and is a good source of fiber. The other good news is that celery has a large amount of water in it, which means that a serving of celery, which is about two stalks, has a lot of bulk without a lot of calories. Here's how to cook St. Patrick's day corned beef and bring it on the safe and healthier side. If you want, you can also try this Celery and Parsley Salad with Golden Raisins.

10.Collards
Collards' nutrient content is similar to that of kale or spinach. It can be cooked a number of ways for various dishes. However, they can turn out bitter if not cooked right. So here's a Vegetarian Collard Greens Recipe you might want to try.

You can also add some kiwi and green grape kebabs, and these healthy green drinks, as well. I hope you enjoy celebrating good health on St. Patrick's Day!