circumspect dunghill: How to Have a Vegan St. Patty's Day!

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

How to Have a Vegan St. Patty's Day! | Just Go Vegan

Ah? St. Patrick?s Day. A day when we all become a little (or a lot) Irish even if we?re actually not. It?s always been a good excuse to get together with friends, eat traditional Irish grub, and drink green beer. If you are vegan and celebrating St. Patrick?s Day, you can still enjoy all the same food and drinks you?re used to (with the exception of Guinness, but more on that later). Whether you are staying at home or going out to a pub with friends, I?ve come up with a list of delicious St. Patty?s-inspired recipes and ideas for you to choose from this Sunday. Think green food and drinks, Irish soda bread, and potato recipes ? there is even a veganized version of McDonald?s Shamrock Shake! Here?s how to keep it kind this St. Patrick?s Day.

DRINKS

There?s no better day to start your morning off with a green juice or smoothie! These drinks will start your St. Patrick?s Day feeling healthy and energized. Check out our post on making smoothies and juice to start, then head over to Healthy Happy Life for a recipe roundup of green smoothies and green juices. *Tip: If you are juicing anything dark green, especially kale or spinach, save a small amount of juice to use for dyeing your beer green later in the day! It?s a healthier, more delicious option than using store-bought green food colouring.*

glowing morning juice

green mango smoothie

If you do drink alcohol, check out Barnivore to make sure your beer and liquor choices for the day are vegan. Sadly, folks, Guinness is not. There are plenty of other great options for you to choose from though! As always, drink responsibly and get home safe if you go out.

FOOD

There are so many great St. Patty?s Day options to choose from!

spring green bagel-wich

lemon avocado toast + nutty basil pesto

vegan Irish soda bread

green vermicelli noodle bowl with tofu

green powerhouse pesto plate

potato salad with cilantro & almond pesto

fluffy mashed potatoes + savory mushroom gravy

lucky leprechaun dip

If you?re spending a good portion of the day in a pub, you might want to research what food options are available to you. Most pubs that I?ve been to aren?t very vegan-friendly. You might be stuck ordering a plain salad at best. A good idea would be to bring your own salad toppings such as assorted nuts or hemp seeds, or bring your own snacks to keep your belly full (especially important if you?re going to be drinking). Check out our post on easy but essential snacks!