Healthy Irish Snacks

You don't have to be Irish to enjoy the appetizing cuisine of the Emerald Isle. Typically, Irish diets are rich in potatoes, oats, cabbage and fish, but, like Americans, Irish people of today enjoy a wide variety of foods intermixed with their ancient staples. You too can easily make healthy Irish snacks a part of your culinary repertoire.

Potato Soup

A mug of potato soup is a comforting, traditional Irish snack. Use potatoes, onions, skim milk, your favorite seasonings and a pat of trans fat-free margarine or butter. For extra nutrition, use unpeeled potatoes and add fresh garlic. This soup provides fiber, protein and vitamin C.

Yogurt With Apples

Season boiled apple slices with lemon juice, your favorite sweetener and a pat of trans fat-free margarine or butter. Layer them in a glass with dollops of low-fat yogurt and top with a handful of walnuts for a delicious Irish snack. This treat provides you with calcium, fiber, healthy nut oil and yogurt cultures that help keep your digestive tract healthy.

Oatcakes

Oatcakes are a common snack food in Ireland. They are made by combining raw oats and boiling water with a small amount of flour, baking soda, salt and butter. For variety, top an oatcake with lightly crushed berries, such as blackberries, raspberries or gooseberries -- all popular in Ireland. Oatcakes provide whole grains and protein, while berries provide vitamin C and antioxidants, which help prevent chronic diseases.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a simple-to-prepare Irish snack. Roast the seeds after basting them lightly with a blend of melted margarine and salt for a crunchy treat. For variety, add cinnamon-sugar or your favorite spice just prior to roasting. Pumpkin seeds are rich in minerals, such as magnesium, iron, manganese, zinc and copper. They also contain healthy oil and fiber.

Brussels Sprouts With Honey

For a substantial snack, roast a small batch of fresh brussels sprouts basted with honey. Both brussels sprouts and honey are beloved, traditional Irish foods that taste scrumptious when combined. This substantial snack contains fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folic acid and antioxidants.