CHARLOTTE, NC - Shamrocks, leprechauns, and all things Irish are top of mind for consumers as they prepare for St. Patrick’s Day on March 17. To help them and retailers ramp up for the big day, Dole Food Company is continuing its “Healthier by Dole” alternative recipe series with fresh-forward options to celebrate the Emerald Isle and National Nutrition Month.
“Our ‘Healthier by Dole’ recipe series is about helping Americans make better meal and snacking choices on those eating occasions when nutrition can be the most challenging. At Dole, we’re out to prove that any holiday celebration can be fun, delicious, and healthy at the same time,” said Melanie Marcus, RD, MA, and Dole’s Nutrition and Health Communications Manager. “From gluten-free and vegetarian versions of the classic Shepherd’s Pie to an Avocado ‘Shamrock’ Smoothie, we’re inviting families to make this year’s St. Patrick’s Day their healthiest, tastiest, and greenest ever.”
The “Healthier by Dole” series features plant-forward recipes and menu substitutions for iconic dishes, a press release explained. Led by Marcus, the program offers shoppers easy-to-make recipes that are high in fruits and veggies as well as in flavor. It also provides a plethora of cross-merchandising and promotional opportunities for retailers.
Dole launched the initiative in February, sharing vegan tailgate options for the Super Bowl. Now, the company is encouraging consumers to adopt a greener menu—literally and figuratively—for their St. Patrick’s Day feasts. In honor of the holiday and National Nutrition Month, Dole had spotlighted 10 entrée, side dish, dessert, and smoothie recipes that offer healthier versions of Irish favorites as well as ways to go gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan.
The recipes include:
- Individual Turkey Sweet-Potato Shepherd’s Pie
- Avocado “Shamrock” Smoothie
- Leprechaun Smoothie Bowl
- Mushroom Lovers Shepherd’s Pie
- Rainbow Smoothie
- Citrus Green Salad
- Fig & Greens Tart
- Multi-Cooker Asparagus Risotto with Spinach-Broccoli Pesto
- Spring Green Shoots
- Green Slimesicles
Do your produce aisles have shoppers ready to dance an Irish jig? If not, use Dole’s green recipes to cross-merchandise and rake in some green for yourself.
