Green galore: Brighten up your food with 3 green treats for St. Patrick's Day

It's time to get the "Patty" started. St. Patrick's Day is this Sunday, and we've got the recipes to keep you glowing green all day.

If you're looking for something other than corned beef and cabbage, here are three green treats to make at home this weekend:

Mint Green Dole Whip

This simple but festive whipped treat makes 4 servings in only 15 minutes. And, it's vegan and gluten-free.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas, peeled, cut crosswise into thirds and frozen

• 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, cut into quarters and frozen

• 1 cup green grapes, frozen

• ¾ cup unsweetened cashew milk, chilled

• ½ cup packed baby spinach

• ½ cup packed fresh mint leaves plus additional for garnish

• 1 teaspoon green spirulina powder

• Chocolate bits, coconut whipped topping or blueberries for garnish (optional)

Directions:

• Purée bananas, avocado, grapes, milk, spinach, mint leaves and spirulina in a blender on high until smooth.

• Divide banana mixture into 4 small bowls; garnish if desired

— Recipe from Dole

More: Parade, brunch and booze. Here are 11 ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Des Moines

Pistachio-Cherry Jumbles

These green cookies hit every spot — sweet, savory and they've got a crunch.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cup flour

• 3.4 ounces pistachio pudding mix

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ cup sugar

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup skim milk

• ¾ cup roasted, salted pistachios, chopped

• ⅔ cup dried cherries or cranberries, chopped

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

• In a large bowl, stir flour, pudding mix, sugar, baking powder and salt. Stir in butter, oil, eggs and milk until smooth. Stir in pistachios and cherries.

• Drop rounded teaspoons onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are golden.

— Recipe from Hy-Vee

Plant-Powered Mint Chip Shake

Ingredients:

• 1 cup baby spinach

• 1 large banana

• 1 cup vanilla plant protein milk

• 1 cup ice

• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves

• Vegan whipped cream for garnish (optional)

• Dark chocolate, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

• Add spinach, banana, plant protein milk, ice cubes, mint leaves, and mint extract to a blender and blend until smooth.

• Pour into a tall glass and garnish.

— Recipe from Hy-Vee

Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at vreynarodriguez@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: St. Patrick's Day treats with a green flair