5 Creative Ways to Use Greens
That aren’t just salads
When we think of greens, salads often come to mind as the go-to option. However, there are numerous ways to incorporate these vitamin and mineral-filled powerhouses into your meals beyond the traditional salad bowl.
Cooking with greens doesn't have to be complicated; in fact, it can be a simple and rewarding way to elevate your meals. With a little creativity and the right techniques, you can transform greens into delicious and nutritious dishes that will impress your taste buds. By venturing beyond salads and exploring the diverse possibilities, you'll discover how greens can enhance the flavors, textures, and overall enjoyment of your meals.
Pestos
Pesto, traditionally made with basil, opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to incorporating different greens. While basil remains a classic choice, various other greens can infuse pesto with unique flavors and added nutritional benefits. Kale, with its robust and slightly bitter taste, lends a hearty and earthy note to pesto. Beet greens, often overlooked, offer a mild and slightly sweet flavor that beautifully complements the richness of nuts and cheese. Parsley, with its bright and fresh taste, adds a vibrant herbal twist to pesto.
Smoothies
chocolate mint and greens smoothie bowl
Blending greens with fruits, yogurt, or plant-based milk creates a harmonious balance of flavors, ensuring a delicious and nourishing sip every time. So, embrace the green goodness, blend up a refreshing smoothie, and give your body the vital nutrients it deserves in a tasty and convenient way.
Adding greens and herbs to your smoothies not only enhances their taste but also provides a plethora of nutritional benefits. Greens such as kale and Swiss chard are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium. These leafy powerhouses contribute antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and promote overall well-being.
Additionally, herbs like mint, parsley, and basil not only lend a refreshing and aromatic flavor to smoothies but also provide additional health benefits. Including these greens and herbs in your smoothies boosts their fiber content, supports immune function, and promotes detoxification.
Sandwiches, Rolls, and Toasts
Lettuce greens can be a fantastic addition to wraps, rice paper rolls, and other toasts. Greens provide freshness, vibrant colors, and a nutritious boost. Whether you use our larger blends as a substitution for bread or layer our greens inside, the crisp textures and unique flavor profiles will elevate a normal sandwich.
Kale, with its robust and slightly bitter taste, pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables, roasted chicken, or creamy spreads. Beet greens, known for their earthy flavor, bring a unique twist to sandwiches when sautéed with garlic or combined with tangy goat cheese.
Soups
When you find yourself with an abundance of greens, using them in soups is a wonderful way to make the most of their freshness and nutritional benefits. Adding extra greens to soups not only enhances the flavor and texture but also boosts the overall healthfulness of the dish. Whether it's kale, Swiss chard, or any other leafy green, they can be incorporated into a variety of soups. Simply chop or tear the greens and add them towards the end of cooking, allowing them to wilt and infuse the soup with their vibrant color and nutrient-rich goodness.
Greens provide an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making your soup not only delicious but also incredibly nourishing. So, whether you're making a hearty vegetable soup, a comforting lentil soup, or a creamy potato soup, don't hesitate to throw in some extra greens to elevate both the nutritional value and taste of your soups.
Dressings
Harness the vibrant flavors and nutritional benefits of greens by incorporating them into homemade dressings. Greens can add depth and freshness to your dressings. Blend a handful of greens with ingredients such as olive oil, lemon juice or vinegar, garlic, and your choice of herbs or spices. The result is a vibrant and nutrient-packed dressing that compliments a variety of salads and dishes. Greens not only enhance the color and taste of dressings but also provide an extra dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. From a zesty herb-infused vinaigrette to a creamy green goddess dressing, experimenting with different combinations of greens in dressings allows you to unleash your creativity and take your salads to a whole new level.
Incorporating greens in ways beyond salads opens up a world of culinary possibilities. From dressings and pesto to smoothies, wraps, and soups, these five creative ideas showcase the versatility and nutritional benefits that greens bring to the table. However, this is just the beginning of the exploration of greens in your kitchen. Don't forget to explore recipes for teas and cocktails that incorporate greens, allowing you to further expand your creativity and taste new flavor combinations. So, embrace the vibrant world of greens and let your imagination run wild as you discover new and exciting ways to enjoy these nutritious powerhouses in your meals, drinks, and beyond.
This Week’s Harvest
This Week’s Harvest is a one-time purchase to taste the season's goodness. It includes vibrant greens, fragrant herbs, crisp microgreens, and hearty root vegetables, all freshly harvested and delivered to your front door.
Taste This Week’s Harvest for yourself, and then let us know your thoughts. Or, come by for a tour. We are always eager to meet the families we feed and to show off exactly where our food came from.
And we can do so all season long.
Area 2 Farms offers different harvest subscription options to meet your family’s needs. Check out the 4-Week and the 10-Week Farm Subscriptions to choose what works best for you.
