There are tons of fun food ideas to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day without artificial colors or food dyes. Whether you’re looking for a delicious entree, a refreshing drink, or a sweet dessert, we’ve got you covered with St. Patrick’s Day food ideas!
From rainbows and shamrocks to leprechauns, it’s easy to indulge and turn any food into holiday-appropriate colors. But there is another way….. These naturally colored, uncolored St. Patrick’s Day foods make St. Patrick’s Day for kids a little extra festive without the downside of food coloring. .
food coloring and children
Food dyes have been a long-standing concern, especially for parents concerned about their effects on their children’s health. There is some evidence to suggest that there is.
- Hyperactivity: Several studies have shown that food dyes may contribute to hyperactive behavior in children, especially those already predisposed to hyperactivity.
- Allergic reactions: Food dyes are known to cause allergic reactions in some children, ranging from mild symptoms such as hives to more serious reactions such as anaphylaxis.
- Behavioral Problems: Some children may experience behavioral problems such as sensitivities and mood swings after consuming foods containing food dyes.
- Learning and Cognitive Impairment: There is some evidence to suggest that food dyes can impair cognitive function and learning in children, especially when consumed in large amounts over a long period of time.
I think it’s important to remember that not all children are affected by food dyes in the same way, and some children are not affected at all.
Uncolored St. Patrick’s Day Food
sweet spinach pancakes
Bright green pancakes made with whole wheat flour and fresh spinach! Make kids love vegetables at breakfast without the fuss.
best green smoothie
After trying dozens of recipes, I finally adjusted this green smoothie recipe to perfection.This smoothie is deliciously creamy, nutritious and 100% kid-friendly. He’s one of his favorite ways to fill those nutritional gaps.
green goddess hummus
Bright, fresh and smooth, this hummus was inspired by the much-talked-about Green Goddess Salad. The flavor is a great dip for crackers, vegetables, and bread.
Healthy Spinach Artichoke Fondue
A healthy spinach artichoke fondue with a healthy ladle of apples, celery and broccoli makes for a delicious celebratory dinner night with the family!
breakfast egg bar
These egg bars are a delicious and healthy way to introduce your child to two green vegetables. Perfect for St. Patrick’s when they expect to eat green food!
sweet spinach muffins
These kid’s favorite Sweet Spinach Muffins are chock full of spinach, creamy banana, cinnamon and honey and are so soft, fluffy and moist they’re perfect for babies, toddlers, kids and even adults! Also perfect for!
Oven-baked asparagus
A sweet brown sugar glaze takes this baked asparagus recipe to the next level.
broccoli salad
Broccoli Salad is savory bacon pieces, crunchy sunflower seeds, crunchy craisins, cheddar cheese and fresh crunchy broccoli in a sweet and tangy homemade dressing without mayonnaise!
broccoli mashed potatoes
Fresh broccoli adds flavor and nutrition to creamy mashed potatoes. This flavor in one pot!
mini shepherd’s pie
We’ve put a healthy twist on the classic Shepherd’s Pie and made it bite-sized for kids. Topped with broccoli mashed potatoes, enjoy a very festive St. Patrick’s Dinner.
vegetable deviled eggs
Use vegetables instead of food coloring to turn your delicious deviled eggs green!
green spinach eggs
Celebrate eating green with green eggs for breakfast! You can also use clover-shaped molds to make it more festive.
6 super healthy green ice cream recipes for kids
Surprise your kids with these vibrant and fun frozen treats made with frozen fruits and leafy greens. Green produce like spinach, kiwi, avocado and kale bring nutrition and color to these healthy desserts. Grab a spoon and dig in!Leafy greens are the ultimate superfood and most children don’t get enough of them.
Green Julius Recipe
Add vegetables in addition to the healthy orange Julius! This bubbly ‘Green Julius’ is sweet, citrusy and creamy. Stuffed with Greek yogurt and spinach for a healthy boost. No more sweetened Orange Julius.
Pot o’ Gold Stuffed Peppers
Filled with bright golden-yellow peppers, full of whole-grain brown rice, lean turkey and kid-friendly spices, it’s the perfect healthy, festive dinner.
Shamrock Shake: A Healthy Transformation
This delicious mint smoothie is packed with nutrients, yet a satisfying sweet tooth alternative to the traditional sugary shamrock shake!
Super easy homemade pesto pasta
Incredibly easy to make with just 5 ingredients, you’ll have a delicious pesto pasta dinner in less than 30 minutes.
Healthy Irish Potato Bites for Kids
Kids will love the healthy Irish potato bites topped with spinach and baked! This is the protein-packed meal they ask for again and again.
Crockpot Rainbow Risotto {with peppers}
Rainbow Pepper Pizza Recipe
Add bell peppers to this homemade pizza recipe for a rainbow of colors!
Rainbow Oatmeal Bar Recipe
Make your child’s breakfast a little more fun by giving them a choice of fruit for breakfast. The great thing about fruits and vegetables is their color! Today I ate a Rainbow’s amazing girlfriend Kia said of her own daughter:
Bento Ideas: Mini Rainbow Sandwiches
When looking for lunch box ideas, consider fruits and vegetables first. Eating a rainbow is something we talk about a lot in our house!All the beautiful natural colors of fruits and vegetables provide a variety of phytochemicals and antioxidants needed for optimal health! From Fruits and Veggie More Matters: “Eat Fruits and Vegetables.
rainbow fruit kebab
Rainbow fruit kabobs are a great source of vitamins and minerals for adults and children alike and make fruit eating fun and festive.
Rainbow green bean salad recipe how to make
Enjoy some color with this vibrant salad that combines raw and lightly steamed vegetables with a simple lemon dressing.
Natalie Monson
I am a registered dietitian, mother of four, a food lover and a strong promoter of healthy habits. Here you’ll find delicious, fruit- and veg-rich recipes, tips to help your kids eat better and more intuitively, and tons of resources to feed your family.
Learn more about Natalie
