Introduction
If you’re looking to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with something fresh, healthy, and packed with vibrant green flavors, look no further than this St. Patrick’s Shamrock Spinach & Avocado Power Salad. This nutrient-packed dish is not only colorful but also offers a variety of textures and flavors that are perfect for the occasion. Whether it’s March 17th or any day you’re craving a green, energizing meal, this salad is your go-to recipe.
This dish combines fresh, wholesome ingredients with a creamy green goddess dressing that will leave you feeling satisfied without compromising on taste. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare—perfect for a busy day when you still want to eat healthy. This recipe can also be easily modified to meet your dietary preferences or to add more protein.
What is St. Patrick’s Shamrock Spinach & Avocado Power Salad?
The St. Patrick’s Shamrock Spinach & Avocado Power Salad is a vibrant, fresh salad designed with the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day in mind. It’s loaded with greens, healthy fats, and crunch, all topped with a green goddess-inspired dressing that is as tasty as it is nutritious. It’s a fun, festive, and healthy dish that’s suitable for anyone looking to enjoy a nutrient-rich, plant-based meal. This salad is not only a great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day but also a perfect choice for anyone who wants a quick, refreshing meal that is both filling and healthy.
This salad incorporates many green ingredients, such as spinach, avocado, edamame, and cucumber, which symbolize luck and vitality. The creamy dressing adds an extra layer of richness while keeping the entire dish light and refreshing.
Origin of St. Patrick’s Shamrock Spinach & Avocado Power Salad
While St. Patrick’s Day traditionally calls for heavy meals and hearty stews, there is an increasing trend toward incorporating healthier, lighter options that still carry the festive spirit. This Shamrock Spinach & Avocado Power Salad draws inspiration from traditional Irish dishes while incorporating modern ingredients to create a health-conscious version of the holiday’s food.
The salad features spinach and avocado, two power-packed ingredients that are often associated with vitality and wellness. Avocados, known for their creamy texture and healthy fats, offer a rich source of monounsaturated fat and essential vitamins, while spinach is known for its iron content and high antioxidant levels. The addition of edamame and cucumber further elevates the salad’s green theme and provides a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy dressing. The pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds bring a delightful crunch and add a dose of healthy fats and protein.
Ingredients with Quantities
To create this vibrant, nutrient-packed St. Patrick’s Shamrock Spinach & Avocado Power Salad, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups baby spinach (or mixed greens)
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced or cubed
- ½ cup edamame or green peas (for “lucky” green pops)
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2–3 green onions, sliced
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds, toasted
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Optional: ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
For the Shamrock Dressing (Green Goddess Style):
- ½ ripe avocado
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Splash of water to thin, as needed
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
1. Make the Dressing
- In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, cilantro, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. If needed, add a splash of water to reach a desired pourable consistency.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Set aside.
2. Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the spinach, edamame, cucumber, green onions, and seeds.
- Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Drizzle the prepared Shamrock dressing over the salad, coating everything thoroughly.
- Add the avocado cubes and feta on top.
3. Garnish & Serve
- Garnish with extra seeds and freshly chopped herbs.
- If you want a fun touch, use small cookie cutters to cut cucumber or avocado slices into shamrock shapes.
Variations: Shamrock spinach salad
The St. Patrick’s Shamrock Spinach & Avocado Power Salad can be easily modified to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some ideas to mix things up:
1. Add Protein
To make this salad a full meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. These additions will not only boost the protein content but also make the salad more filling.
2. Swap the Greens
If you’re not a fan of spinach, you can swap it for arugula, kale, or even mixed greens. Each type of green brings a unique flavor and texture to the salad.
3. Change the Cheese
If you’re not keen on feta or goat cheese, you can replace it with parmesan, blue cheese, or skip the cheese altogether for a vegan-friendly version.
4. Add More Veggies
Feel free to add more veggies such as radishes, snap peas, or carrot ribbons for added crunch and color.
5. Customize the Dressing
If you prefer a dairy-free dressing, you can substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based version, such as almond yogurt or coconut yogurt.
FAQs About Green goddess salad
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is perfect for meal prep. To keep the greens fresh, store the salad ingredients and the dressing separately in airtight containers. Assemble and toss everything together when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I use frozen edamame or green peas?
Absolutely! Frozen edamame or green peas work perfectly. Just thaw them before using.
3. What other nuts or seeds can I use?
In addition to pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds, you can also try almonds, walnuts, or chia seeds for different textures and flavors.
4. Is Green goddess salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that your dressing ingredients do not contain any gluten. Double-check that your Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt is also gluten-free.
5. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this salad vegan by omitting the feta cheese or replacing it with a plant-based alternative and using plant-based yogurt for the dressing.
Conclusion: St. Patrick’s Shamrock Spinach & Avocado Power Salad
The St. Patrick’s Shamrock Spinach & Avocado Power Salad is the perfect way to bring some festive green to your meal while maintaining a healthy, nutrient-packed option. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just craving a fresh, vibrant dish, this salad provides the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s packed with healthy fats, antioxidants, and plenty of green goodness, making it not only delicious but nourishing as well.
With its versatile ingredients and simple preparation, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences. Add protein, change up the greens, or switch the cheese for a personalized twist on this green goddess-inspired salad. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a festive gathering, or as a solo treat, this salad will never disappoint. So, enjoy the goodness of green-powered nutrition and let this salad be your go-to for a healthy, vibrant meal!
St. Patrick’s Shamrock Spinach & Avocado Power Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
The St. Patrick’s Shamrock Spinach & Avocado Power Salad is a vibrant, fresh salad designed with the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day in mind. It’s loaded with greens, healthy fats, and crunch, all topped with a green goddess-inspired dressing that is as tasty as it is nutritious. It’s a fun, festive, and healthy dish that’s suitable for anyone looking to enjoy a nutrient-rich, plant-based meal. This salad is not only a great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day but also a perfect choice for anyone who wants a quick, refreshing meal that is both filling and healthy.
Ingredients
For the Salad
4 cups baby spinach (or mixed greens)
1 ripe avocado, sliced or cubed
½ cup edamame or green peas (for “lucky” green pops)
1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
2–3 green onions, sliced
¼ cup pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds, toasted
¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Optional: ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
For the Shamrock Dressing (Green Goddess Style)
½ ripe avocado
½ cup Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh parsley
1 tbsp fresh cilantro
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
½ tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Splash of water to thin, as needed
Instructions
1. Make the Dressing
In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, cilantro, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
Add water a little at a time to reach desired pourable consistency.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine spinach, edamame, cucumber, green onions, and seeds.
Toss gently with dressing, coating evenly.
Add avocado cubes and feta on top.
3. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with extra seeds and chopped herbs.
Optionally, use small cookie cutters to cut cucumber or avocado slices into shamrock shapes for a festive St. Patrick’s Day touch.
Notes
This St. Patrick’s Shamrock Spinach & Avocado Power Salad is fresh, vibrant, and packed with nutrients! For extra flavor and texture, sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds, crumbled feta, or a squeeze of lemon before serving—perfect for a healthy, festive meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 220
Keywords: Green goddess salad, Shamrock spinach salad, Avocado power salad, Healthy St. Patrick’s Day salad
