St. Patrick’s Day is observed annually on March 17th. It celebrates all things Irish culture and commemorates the patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick. 

Many traditions have formed thanks to this religious celebration, such as lavish parades, wearing green, and pinching anyone who isn’t wearing green. 

As with most festivities, food is a big part of them. While you may think you are stuck eating the usual green cupcakes, beer, and anything else with green food dye, you can actually enjoy many of your favorite Latino foods. 

Empanadas

Empanadas are great Latino finger food. You can make mini versions to keep your guests preoccupied while they wait for the main meal.

While nearly every Latin American country has its own way of making empanadas, the foundation is the same: a pastry turnover with a wide variety of meat and vegetable fillings. 

You will need corn flour for the pastry, onions, peppers, tomatoes, and your favorite seasonings to add flavor to your meat or choice. A popular filling is usually chicken or beef. 

Potato Salad

It wouldn’t be St. Patrick’s Day without potatoes, right? Lucky for you, Latinos are pros at making all types of potato salads, which have led to them becoming staple dishes throughout the region. 

The Puerto Rican-style potato salad calls for potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, red onions, green/red peppers, and salt and pepper to taste. Some variations also add diced apples, giving it that perfect sweet and salty combination. This potato salad is a great side dish to make for any celebration. 

Arroz Verde

Of course, we can’t forget to add some green foods for the occasion. Arroz Verde, or Mexican green rice, is made with cilantro, spinach, garlic, white onions, and chile. If you prefer that your rice is on the creamier side, you may add cubes of caldo de pollo, which are bouillon cubes packed with flavor. 

Pozole Verde

Pozole Verde is a traditional Mexican soup made with tomatillos, chiles, chicken, hominy, cilantro, avocado, and red onions. The combo of tangy, flavorful ingredients makes for an unforgettable dish, sure to be a hit at any party. It is typically served during celebrations such as New Year’s Eve, birthdays, and Independence Day. 

Ceviche

For lovers of all things seafood, ceviche is a quick and easy Peruvian dish that will surely wow everyone during your St. Patrick’s Day celebration. It is made with raw fish marinated in lime juice, onions, cilantro, tomatoes, and salt.

The citric juices are what “cook” the fish.

People love to pair ceviche with tostadas, tortilla chips, or rice. 

Tres Leches Cake

Who’s ready for dessert? No celebration would be complete without indulging in sweet, sugary goodness. Tres Leches cake is a sponge cake soaked in condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy whipping cream. You start by making a plain sheet cake, and once baked and cooled, you poke holes through the cake and combine these three types of milk. 

To top it off, you can add merengue and strawberries, making this a light and airy treat.