These St. Patrick's Day recipes for kids will please even the pickiest eaters. Celebrate with rainbow recipes, green foods and more—no corned beef and cabbage required.
35 Kid-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Recipes
Updated on Mar. 19, 2023
Rainbow Cake with Clouds
Some cakes stand on their own without icing. For this bright Rainbow Cake, use a little whipped cream to make fluffy clouds. —Janet Tigchelaar, Jerseyville, Ontario
1/35
2/35
St. Patrick’s Day Popcorn
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone's eyes will be smilin' when they see this green popcorn. The emerald color gives this snack instant St. Patrick's Day appeal. —Karen Weber, Salem, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 139 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 138mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
3/35
Reuben Casserole
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish features corned beef, sauerkraut and other ingredients that make Reuben sandwiches so popular. —Margery Bryan, Moses Lake, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 435 calories, 34g fat (18g saturated fat), 117mg cholesterol, 1274mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein.
4/35
Shamrock Cookies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A handy cookie cutter shapes these sensational sweets. With a hint of mint flavor, these shamrock cookies are especially yummy with cocoa or chocolate milk. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 96 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 68mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
5/35
Leprechaun Lime Drink
Total Time
5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You won't need the help of lucky little elves to ready this refreshing lime concoction. Cheery garnishes can be fixed in a wink to dress up each guest's glass. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 259 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 59mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (51g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
6/35
Rainbow Quiche
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With plenty of veggies and a creamy egg-cheese filling, this tasty quiche gets rave reviews every time I make it! —Lilith Fury, Adena, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 295 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 482mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
7/35
Pistachio Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This fluffy salad is a real treat since it's creamy but not overly sweet. It's easy to mix up, and the flavor gets better the longer it stands. It's perfect for St. Patrick's Day, served in a green bowl. —Pattie Ann Forssberg, Logan, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 236 calories, 9g fat (7g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 140mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
8/35
Shamrock Cutout Pound Cake
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
1 loaf (16 slices)
From the Recipe Creator:
My son Gabriel loves surprises inside cakes, like seeing a shamrock when this cake is sliced. Everyone wants to know how it’s done. — Angela Lively, Spring, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 228 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 181mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
9/35
Garlic-Dill Soda Bread
Total Time
1 hour 45 min
Servings
1 loaf (12 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
It's amazing how bread can be made in a slow cooker, which is why this recipe is awesome—who knew it could be so simple! Let the inviting aroma of dill and cheese fill your kitchen. —Melissa Hansen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge: 209 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 434mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
10/35
Clover Rice Crispy Bars
Total Time
30 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These sweet snacks are like the pot of gold at the end of your family's feast. With their yummy peppermint and marshmallow flavor, they'll make even those without Irish hearts happy. These rice crispy bars will have the cook smiling, too, because they're so easy to assemble. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 156 calories, 5g fat (4g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 71mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
11/35
Leprechaun Lime Punch
Total Time
10 min
Servings
20 servings (5 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This delightful St. Patrick's day punch will add a festive touch to your brunch buffet. Enjoy the lively taste of lime sherbet and other citrus flavors in this leprechaun inspired drink. — Gloria Warczak, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 198 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 41mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (43g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
12/35
Mint Brownies
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
One of the best things about this recipe is that these mint chocolate brownies get moister if you leave them in the refrigerator for a day or two. The problem at our house is that no one can leave them alone for that long! —Helen Baines, Elkton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 brownie: 105 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 63mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
13/35
Lime Gelatin Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a festive dish to light up the buffet? This pretty green gelatin salad is eye-catching and has a delightful, tangy flavor. —Cyndi Fynaardt, Oskaloosa, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 210 calories, 5g fat (4g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 66mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
14/35
Rainbow S’moreo Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Homemade Oreo-style cookies are pretty great on their own, but they're even better when you add graham cracker crumbs to the cookie dough, stuff them with marshmallow creme and roll them in sprinkles. You can change the color of the sprinkles depending on the holiday or occasion. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich cookie: 131 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 64mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
15/35
Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s been a tradition at our house to serve this dish with the other Hungarian specialties my mom learned to make from the women at church. It’s especially good during the summer when the cucumbers are fresh-picked from the garden. —Pamela Eaton, Monclova, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 62 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
16/35
Pistachio Cookies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 6-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This wonderful pistachio cookie recipe is fun to make and everyone will be impressed with how pretty the green coloring is. They're one of my favorite holiday cookies. —Pat Habiger, Spearville, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 54 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 44mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
17/35
Pistachio Bread
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 loaves (12 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I love making many of these special loaves to give away for the holidays. They also freeze well, so it is easy to pull out for unexpected guests. —Judy Fischer, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 169 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 218mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
18/35
Green Flop Jell-O
Total Time
15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Get ready for fluffy lemon-lime goodness. My family calls it "flop Jell-O" because most of the time a clear gelatin layer that tastes like lemon-lime soda falls to the bottom of the dish. Try it with any flavor gelatin! —Michelle Gauer, Spicer, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 159 calories, 7g fat (6g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 62mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
19/35
Rainbow Fruit Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my children were young, I would often dress up fresh fruit in this easy salad. Decades later, my grandchildren and great-grandchildren still love digging in to the fruity layers. The salad goes well with barbecued meats or cold sandwiches. —Jonnie Adams Sisler, Stevensville, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 123 calories, 7g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 31mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
20/35
Chocolate Mint Creams
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe came from an old family friend and is always high on everyone's cookie request list. I make at least six batches for Noel nibbling and give some away as gifts. —Beverly Fehner, Gladstone, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 73 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 53mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
21/35
Homemade Guacamole
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I always judge a Tex-Mex restaurant by its guacamole. And although it's simple to prepare, it can go wrong oh, so easily. I've spent many years perfecting mine, to the point where I think it's better than most restaurants. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 90 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat.
22/35
St. Patrick’s Day Cupcakes
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These St. Patrick’s Day cupcakes go super-quick. The pistachio pudding mix gives them a mild flavor and their pretty pastel color makes them a perfect dessert for this lively holiday. —Kathy Meyer, Almond, Wisconsin. Don’t forget to try our favorite green desserts.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cupcake: 410 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 398mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
23/35
Broccoli-Ham Puff Pancake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We like to use our heirloom cast-iron skillet to make this Sunday special. The golden brown puff pancake with a creamy ham and broccoli filling makes a tasty main dish for brunch.—Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 413 calories, 25g fat (14g saturated fat), 217mg cholesterol, 692mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.
24/35
Nana's Chocolate Cupcakes with Mint Frosting
Total Time
40 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Even though Nana is no longer with us, her treats bring me so much joy every time
I bake them. For a more indulgent version, double the frosting and pile it on high! —Chekota Hunter, Cassville, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 cupcake: 253 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 196mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
25/35
Chocolate Mint Sandwich Cookies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I got this recipe from my daughter years ago. I've taken these chewy filled treats—and the treasured recipe—to many cookie exchanges. —Bertha Bratt, Lynden, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich cookie: 213 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 187mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
26/35
Lemon-Lime Punch
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
This frothy refresher topped with lime sherbet is a longtime family favorite and the best punch I’ve ever had. It’s fast, festive and easy to mix up for a variety of occasions. —Mary Ray, Raccoon, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 146 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 19mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
27/35
Cucumber Party Sandwiches
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my favorite appetizers. We have lots of pig roasts here in Kentucky, and these small sandwiches are perfect to serve while the pig is cooking. —Rebecca Rose, Mount Washington, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 53 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 92mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
28/35
Rainbow Fruit Toast
Total Time
15 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Nothing will brighten up your morning more than one of these colorful and tasty toasts. —Shannon Roum, Taste of Home Food Stylist
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece of toast with cream cheese (calculated without additional toppings): 172 calories, 10g fat (7g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 324mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
29/35
Mint Chocolate-Covered Cookies
Total Time
15 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
At our house, everyone lends a hand to make these easy chocolate-covered cookies. They remind me of Thin Mints. Decorate them with sprinkles to match the occasion. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 113 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
30/35
Over-the-Rainbow Minestrone
Total Time
6 hours 40 min
Servings
10 servings (3-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This vegetarian soup features a rainbow of vegetables. You can use any multicolored pasta in place of the spirals. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 231 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 1015mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 9g protein.
31/35
Thin Mint Milk Shake
Total Time
5 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Save a sleeve of Girl Scout cookies for this creamy milkshake that's fun for kids and adults, too. —Shauna Sever, San Francisco, California
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 363 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (47g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
32/35
Rainbow Spritzer
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Layers of colorful fruit submerged in a fizzy, sweet beverage make this a kid-friendly sipper that gets two thumbs-up. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 91 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 8mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
33/35
Minty Ice Cream Shamrocks
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With a soft, chewy chocolate cookie and festive mint shamrock ice cream, these fun desserts are a sweet delight on St. Patrick's Day. You can cut out the cookie wafers in any shape you choose and use any flavor ice cream. Try heart shapes for Valentine's Day filled with strawberry ice cream. —Beverly Coyde, Gasport, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 ice cream sandwich: 408 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 327mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
34/35
Fluffy Key Lime Pie
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a taste of paradise, try this no-bake Key lime pie recipe. It's low in fat, sugar and fuss. It truly is the best Key lime pie recipe ever! —Frances VanFossan, Warren, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 194 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
35/35
Easy Mint Thins
Total Time
40 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My friends often try to guess the ingredients, but I never tell them how simple they are to make. They taste just like the Girl Scout cookie, and they're perfect for Christmas and bake sales. —Jennifer Setser, Morgantown, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 89 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 34mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
