Get ready for some healthy St. Patty’s Day Swaps: Green Smoothie & Sweet Potato Boxty.

These two easy swaps will allow you to eat, drink, and be cheery this holiday, with a nutritious twist. Both are delicious alternatives that you, your family, and your friends will enjoy. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

I love using my Vitamix A2300 Blender, it’s fast, easy to clean, and the perfect size to make all types of smoothies and blended drinks.

Chocolate Peppermint St. Patty's Smoothie
 
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Try swapping this year's green drink with more nutrition and flavor. Chocolate and peppermint have always been a fantastic duo. With the perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of mint, this smoothie will make you want to dance and sing your Irish jingle. Top o’ the morning to the Chocolate Peppermint St. Patty’s Smoothie. You can add more or less milk depending on how thick or thin you like your smoothies. I like mine on the thicker side, so I used about ½ cup. I loved every sip of this smoothie, but my favorite part was when I got to the end. I was pleasantly surprised by the bits of chocolate that sank to the bottom for my last few sips.
Author:
Recipe type: Smoothie
Cuisine: Irish
Serves: 1
Ingredients
  • One small, ripe banana
  • ¾ cup of spinach
  • 4-5 mint leaves
  • 1 tsp chocolate chips
  • ½ tsp cacao powder
  • 2 ice cubes
  • ½ cup milk of your choice
  • 1 Tablespoon chia seeds or hemp seeds
  • Garnish (optional):
  • Cacao nibs
  • Sprig of mint
Instructions
  1. Add all ingredients to a blender. Blend until smooth.
  2. Put in a glass and serve with garnishes (optional).
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 12 ounces Calories: 178 Fat: 4 Saturated fat: 2 Carbohydrates: 33 Sugar: 19 Sodium: 69 Fiber: 4 Protein: 5 Cholesterol: 0

Sweet Potato Boxty
 
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Boxty (pronounced box-tee) is an Irish potato pancake that has the best of both worlds- it is both deliciously fluffy and crispy. This traditional dish is typically made with white potatoes, but I subbed sweet potatoes to get more Vitamin A. Add a touch of crème fraiche when it's ready and you have yourself a crowd-pleasing side dish. Don't get pinched this year... Add some greens by topping with chives or green onions. Enjoy your Sweet Potato Boxty.
Author:
Recipe type: Side Dish
Cuisine: Irish
Serves: 10
Ingredients
  • 3-4 peeled sweet potatoes
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • ½ cup low fat milk
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • ⅓ cup all purpose flour
  • 2 tsp unsalted butter
  • Olive oil spray
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Topping (optional):
  • Crème fraiche
  • Chives or green onions
Instructions

  1. Cut half the sweet potatoes into large cubes and place in a pot of salted, boiled water. Bring to a boil and cook through until the potatoes are soft and can be pierced with a fork. Meanwhile, using a metal cheese grater, grate the remaining half of the potatoes.
  2. Drain the boiled potatoes when cooked, then add the milk and garlic. Mash thoroughly to mashed potato consistency. In a large mixing bowl, add the mashed potatoes, grated potatoes, egg, flour, salt and pepper. Fold until completely incorporated.

  3. In a large non-stick skillet, spray olive oil and melt butter over medium-high heat. Using a spoon, add a golf ball sized amount of the potato mixture to the hot pan, about 3 each.

  4. Use the back of the spoon to flatten the ball so that the mixture spreads about 3 inches in diameter.

  5. Cook for 5 minutes on one side or until crisp and golden brown. Then carefully flip using a spatula. Cook another 5 minutes or until crisp. Transfer to a baking sheet. These can be kept in a 200° F oven to stay warm until batter runs out.

  6. Top sweet potato pancakes with a dollop of crème fraiche and chopped chives or green onions. Serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 2 potato pancakes or 0.3 ounces Calories: 113 Fat: 1 Saturated fat: 1 Carbohydrates: 22 Sugar: 5 Sodium: 66 Fiber: 3 Protein: 3 Cholesterol: 18

For more St. Patrick’s Day Recipes, check out:
5 Shamrock-Shaped Recipes for St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day Healthy Recipe Round-Up From Dietitians
Crock Pot Guinness Corned Beef and Cabbage

By Nikki Karetov, Soon-To-Be Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

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