According to history.com, St. Patrick’s Day began as a religious feast day in the 17th century and has evolved into a variety of festivals across the globe celebrating Irish culture with parades, special foods, music, dancing, and a whole lot of green. Although I encourage you to explore Irish cuisine over St. Patrick’s Day weekend, I decided to be a little unique this week and capitalize on COLOR! With so many nutrient-dense green, white, and orange (my favorite color) foods to indulge in, who could resist?

Monday

Let’s celebrate the start of this week tavern-style! These Greek-style Burgers are anything but Irish, but they will leave you feeling like you struck gold. Sandwich your burger between two Gluten Free Hamburger Buns, so things don’t get out of hand. (Can you tell I like puns yet?) Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes are the perfect complement to this colorful dish. Finish with your choice of non-starchy vegetables for dipping in the extra Tzatziki Dip!

Tori’s Tips
Vegan? Swap the ground beef for jackfruit, and bind it a can of pureed black beans – pulse the whole thing in a food processor for texture

Level Up: Get extra veggies in by adding a Greek Salad on the side, or some kalamata olives!

Tuesday

My favorite thing about pasta is its ability to carry so many flavors and vegetables… and cheesy goodness… all in one dish! Try this Springtime Asparagus Alfredo with your favorite veggies, such as spinach, kale, bell peppers, and/or halved cherry tomatoes. It’s as simple as that!

Tori’s Tips
Vegan or Dairy Free? no worries! This meal contains ingredients you’ll love!
Level Up Add a fresh green salad with Italian vinaigrette to help cut the richness of the meal.

Wednesday

For Hump-day, try these Grilled Marinated Shrimp Skewers with your veggies of choice and/or a crisp salad. Then allow this Orange Cornmeal Upside-Down Cake to create a sweet, satiating finish.

Tori’s Tips
Vegan or Shellfish Free? no worries! rehydrate or use fresh Oyster mushrooms, try this with green jackfruit, or use tofu instead! If you’re using mushrooms, increase your protein with a side of beans and rice.
Level Up Add a kick with a bit of extra crushed red pepper sprinkled on top after grilling

Thursday

For another great meatless meal, try this Green Vegan Stew. This RD would much rather celebrate St. Patty’s Day with natural green color from veggies instead of the food dye they added to some of the celebratory dishes… (wink, wink… green beer). But hey, all foods fit, so drink up if you wish – just make sure it’s gluten free! Bake some fresh Faux Rye Bread for dipping, to go with this nutrient-packed soup.

Tori’s Tips
Vegan or Dairy Free? Use our dairy free instructions in the Faux Rye bread – we’ve got your back!
Level Up Serve with a fresh salad on the side – I suggest combining sliced leeks, carrot coins, and a touch of maple syrup along with a dash of fresh lemon or orange juice, and salt and freshly cracked pepper.

Friday

Slow Cooker Chicken Paprikash is a meal that you can throw together the day before and thank yourself later! Pair with steamed broccoli and rice for a well-balanced meal.

Tori’s Tips
Vegan or dairy free? Use green jackfruit or tofu in place of the chicken, swap chicken broth out with veggie broth, and swap the sour cream for a dairy free alternative (we like So Delicious)
Level Up Sprinkle with fresh, chopped parsley to add flavor and visual contrast.

BONUS! – This traditional Irish Soda Bread is a great accompaniment to any meal, breakfast, or snack. Bake this any night of the week or enjoy over St. Patrick’s Day weekend! For a breakfast or snack, add any nut or seed butter with a side of milk (dairy or otherwise) to get the right mix of protein, carbohydrates, fat, and fiber to keep you full and energized!