Healthy, Kid-Approved St. Patrick’s Day Treats
Shanthi Appelo, MS, RD
| 2 min read
St. Patrick's Day is a time for celebration, fun and - of course - green. While the day is known for parades, shamrocks and leprechauns, it’s also an opportunity to get creative in the kitchen with little ones. According to WalletHub, 31% of Americans plan to make a festive meal for dinner on St. Patrick’s Day.
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day as a family is a great way to break the routine and make the day-to-day exciting. Creating colorful, creative snacks is a good way to foster a love for healthy eating while making memories.
St. Patrick’s Day doesn’t have to be about the traditional foods—like heavy corned beef or potatoes. Here are two easy-to-make, nutritious ideas:
Whole Grain Rainbow Waffles
These are both visually on-theme with St. Patrick’s Day and packed with nutrients, making them a perfect breakfast or snack for the day.
Whole wheat waffles provide fiber, helping to support digestive health, while the fruits’ natural coloring adds an antioxidant and vitamin C punch. This colorful, fun dish contributes to kids feeling energized throughout the day with healthy, wholesome ingredients.
Toast the whole wheat waffles and make a rainbow out of blueberries, diced strawberries, pineapple and kiwi. Add a little dollop of whipped cream to represent clouds at each side of the rainbow.
Shamrock Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
These refreshing, bite-sized sandwiches are a perfect addition to the St. Patrick’s Day spread. They are easy to prepare and offer some nutrients. Simply toast the bread and spread hummus or light cream cheese. Then, using a knife or heart shaped cookie cutters, cut hearts out of cucumber slices and place in a shamrock shape with a half-moon as the stem.
Cucumbers are an excellent source of hydration and provide a small dose of essential nutrients like Vitamin K and potassium. Whole grain bread adds fiber, which is important for gut health and keeping kids full longer. Hummus offers a protein-packed, plant-based spread that complements the fresh cucumbers.
