Annnnnnd Saturday. Thank goodness you are here ❤️
I have a weekend full of green baking and cooking in store for me! Which I’m totally excited about because, I don’t know about you, but when I’m eating green things, I always just feel healthier.
Well, almost always. *shudders*
Kale, spinach, avocado, broccoli, brussels sprouts…there are SO many green ingredients that I totally crave whenever I feel out of sync with my health goals. One too many tortilla chips, one two…too many glasses of wine…you get me.
Green veggies energize me! They give me focus! They make me feel my very best!
So if you’re sucking down a green beer this weekend, try to keep in mind these other naturally green ingredients to help get you back on track. ?
Kale
What’s not to love about kale?! It’s high in vitamins (particularly A and K), high in iron, high in fiber, and high in taste! Another reason why I love kale is that you can prepare it in so many ways – on toast, as chips, in salads, or sautéed. My favoritefavoritefavorite way to enjoy kale is to sauté it with some balsamic vinegar!
Perfect In: Easy Mashed Cauliflower with Kale and Chickpeas, Hummus Kale Toast, Bean, Kale, and Grain Bowl with Mandarin Dressing
Dying to Try: Orange Kale Quinoa Smoothie Bowl via Diary of an Ex Sloth
Broccoli
Mark and I ate about 2 lbs. of roasted broccoli last night for dinner. And I’d gladly do it again tonight. We LOVE broccoli in this house. You can eat it raw, but I believe it’s one of the world’s great wonders when it’s roasted. Just pop it in the oven with a little oil, salt, and pepper at 425 degrees F for 20-30 minutes, or until tender and golden brown!
Perfect In: Roasted Broccoli and Quinoa Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing, Creamy Lemon Hummus Pasta with Vegetables, Thai Peanut Burrito Bowls
Dying to Try: Asian Quinoa Burgers via The Almond Eater
Spinach
Spinach is like kale’s less intense cousin. It likes to chill. It’s down for a quite night in. I almost always prefer a spinach salad over a kale salad because spinach is much less fibrous and it’s way easier to eat. I also prefer it in my smoothies, as it always seems to blend much smoother than kale! If you’re feeling super adventurous, try it in your morning oats!
Perfect In: Green Monster Oatmeal, Healthy Spinach Artichoke Dip, Easy Beans and Greens
Dying to Try: Vegan Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie Bowl via rachLmansfield
Zucchini
Zucchini has seen such a boost in popularity recently! With the invention of the spiralizer, I feel like the uses for zucchini know no bounds! It’s great sautéed with some garlic, it’s fantastic grilled, and it’s even delicious raw – I can’t wait to go zucchini-crazy this summer!
Perfect In: Thai Zucchini Noodle Bowls, Green Machine Power Plate
Dying to Try: Pesto Zucchini Noodles with Burst Tomatoes via Pumpkin & Peanut Butter
Brussels Sprouts
If you fear these orb-shaped veggies, you’ve SERIOUSLY been missing out! I think out of all of the green vegetables listed here, brussels sprouts are my absolute favorite. I’ll eat them roasted. I’ll eat them sautéed. I’ll eat them on a boat. I’ll eat them in a moat. So so good. I adore these babies!
Perfect In: Kale-Stuffed Delicata Squash, Kale & Pinto Beans
Dying to Try: Grain Bowls with Maple Chipotle Brussels and Coconut Roasted Sweet Potatoes via How Sweet Eats
Avocado
I know I know. Technically, avocado is a fruit. But what kind of healthy food blogger would I be without having good ol’ avocado on the list?! I don’t normally buy avocados (hello, expensive), but when I do, I’m always blown away by how much I love them! The cool thing about avocados (yes, avocados are cool), is that you can use them in savory ways – think guacamole, Mexican food, avocado toast, etc. – or in sweet ways – smoothies, puddings, and even ice cream! Is there anything this wünder-fruit can’t do?!
Perfect In: Pineapple Guacamole, Almond Joy Pudding, Better-than-Chipotle Burrito Bowls
Dying to Try: Triple Chocolate Avocado Muffins via Fit Mitten Kitchen
What are some of your favorite ways to use green veggies? Leave some ideas in the comments!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I eat zucchini multiple times..every day! My favorite green veg for sure! And always raw! I’ll probably be one of the first to ever overdose on greens (if that’s possible!)
P.S. that ketchup…hahaha, the bomb! I remember eating that!
Alexa [fooduzzi.com] says
Woah…you’re the zucchini queen! I’m new to raw zucchini, but I’m completely and utterly obsessed right now!
Liz says
Great round up girl!! I adore roasted brussels sprouts, tender massaged kale, and literally any way you want to prepare zucchini— especially in zoodle form ;) Thanks so much for sharing my Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Burst Tomatoes!! Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend!
Alexa [fooduzzi.com] says
Thank you so much, Liz!! I can’t wait to try your version with burst tomatoes <3
Marina @ A Dancer's Live-It says
Ugh so much YES! Greens are great in literally everything!! :) Thanks so much for sharing! <3
Alexa [fooduzzi.com] says
TOTALLY agreed! Have a great day, Marina :)