3 Tasty and Healthy Green Recipes for St. Patrick's Day

SHAPE magazine

by Tiffany Tse for SHAPE.com

Key lime pie
Key lime pie

Whether you dress up in green or hit up your local watering hole for a pint of brilliantly colored beer, there's nothing like ringing in St. Patrick's Day with some festive cheer. This year, celebrate by cooking up some edible treats that are all SHAPE (and leprechaun)-approved! We rounded up our 3 favorite bright green dishes that serve up plenty of delicious flavor without packing in extra calories.


1. Key lime yogurt pie:
160 calories, 16 grams sugar, 4 grams fat, 26 grams carbohydrates, 5 grams protein

You won't need the luck o' the Irish when you're whipping up this low-cal key lime pie. Thanks to fat-free cream cheese and light yogurt, this no-bake dessert won't max out your daily calorie intake.

Ingredients:
2 tbsp. cold water
1 tbsp. fresh lime juice
1 1/2 tsp. unflavored gelatin
4 oz. fat-free cream cheese, softened
3 containers (6 oz. each) Yoplait Light Thick & Creamy key lime pie yogurt
1/2 c. frozen (thawed) reduced-fat whipped topping
2 tsp. grated lime peel
1 reduced-fat graham cracker crumb crust (6 oz.)

Directions: In 1-quart saucepan, mix water and lime juice. Sprinkle gelatin on lime juice mixture; let stand 1 minute. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until gelatin is dissolved. Cool slightly, about 2 minutes. In medium bowl, beat cream cheese with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add yogurt and lime juice mixture; beat on low speed until well blended. Fold in whipped topping and lime peel. Pour into crust. Refrigerate until set, about 2 hours.

Makes 8 servings.

Recipe provided by Betty Crocker

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Protein shamrock shake
Protein shamrock shake

2. Protein shamrock shake:
180 calories, 5 grams fat, 8 grams carbohydrates, 30 grams protein

Tempted to order McDonald's seasonal Shamrock Shake? Try whipping up this guilt-free version at home. This icy bevvie blends low-fat cottage cheese with protein powder, and every sip is infused with a hint of cool minty flavor. Plus, you can't beat the pretty green hue for the perfect St. Paddy's Day delight!

Ingredients:
1/2c. low-fat cottage cheese (or vanilla yogurt)
1 scoop vanilla or plain protein powder
1/8 tsp. mint extract (or to taste)
2-3 packets stevia or sweetener of choice (or to taste)
5-10 ice cubes (more or less depending on how thick you like it)
4-6 oz. water (alter according to desired thickness)
A few drops of green food coloring, or a handful of spinach to make it green 1-2 tbsp.
Sugar-Free Instant Pistachio Pudding Mix (optional)
Pinch of guar of xanthan gum (optional)

Directions: Put all the base ingredients in the blender, and blend away until desired consistency! Swirl in one drop of red food coloring just before serving, and top with whipped cream and crushed candy cane if desired!

Makes 1 serving.

Recipe provided by Dashing Dish

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Monster green burger
Monster green burger

3. Monster veggie burger:
160 calories, 16 grams sugar, 4 grams fat, 26 grams carbohydrates, 5 grams protein
Veggie burgers often get a bad rap, but this wholesome recipe will change your mind. Made with chick peas, veggies, and just the right amount of seasoning, these patties are loaded with both flavor and good-for-you perks.

Ingredients: 1 15-oz. can Progresso chick peas (garbanzo beans), drained, rinsed
1 egg 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 tsp. smoked paprika
1/2 tsp. ground coriander
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. coarse (kosher or sea) salt
1 c. chopped fresh spinach
1/2 c. shredded carrot
2 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
3/4 c. Progresso panko bread crumbs
2 tbsp. canola oil
Toppings, as desired (avocado halves, cilantro leaves, cucumber slices, tomato slices, sweet pepper strips, lettuce leaves)
Sauces, as desired (spicy mustard, Sriracha, ketchup, citrus vinaigrette)

Directions: In food processor bowl, place chick peas, egg, garlic, smoked paprika, coriander, cumin, and salt. Cover; process with on-and-off pulses about 45 seconds or until nearly smooth. Stir together bean mixture, spinach, carrot, and cilantro until well combined. Stir in bread crumbs. Shape mixture into 4 patties, about 3 1/2 in. in diameter and 1/2 in. thick. In 10-in. nonstick skillet, heat 2 tbsp. canola oil over medium heat until hot. Cook patties in oil 8 to 10 minutes, turning once, until brown and crisp. Serve veggie burgers stacked with toppings and drizzled with sauce.

Makes 4 servings.

Recipe provided by Betty Crocker

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