10+ Green Recipes for Deliciously Healthy Meals

Green recipes are a fantastic way to incorporate more healthy and delicious foods into your meals.

These recipes often highlight vegetables and other plant-based ingredients that can boost your nutrition and flavor.

Whether you’re looking for simple sides or main dishes, cooking with greens can add variety and color to your plate.

Cooking with greens not only offers great taste but also promotes a healthier lifestyle.

You can easily find a range of green recipes that fit your tastes and dietary needs, making it enjoyable to explore new flavors while nurturing your body.

1) Southern Style Collard Greens

Southern style collard greens are a delicious and healthy side dish. They are packed with flavor and are easy to make. You will love how savory and satisfying they are.

Start with fresh collard greens, which should be washed and chopped.

You can use bacon fat, oil, or lard to sauté onions and garlic for added taste.

Next, add a smoked meat like ham hock or turkey wings for a rich flavor.

Combine everything with broth, and let it simmer until the greens are tender.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs fresh collard greens
• 2 tablespoons bacon fat or vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 ham hock or smoked turkey wing
• 2 garlic cloves, smashed
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and chop the collard greens.
2. In a pot, heat the bacon fat over medium heat.
3. Sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
4. Add the smoked meat and broth.
5. Stir in the collard greens.
6. Simmer for about 45 minutes until the greens are tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

2) Quick Lemon Collard Greens

Quick lemon collard greens are a tasty and healthy side dish. They are simple to make and full of flavor.

To start, you need to prepare your collard greens. Wash them well, then slice them into thin ribbons.

Heat some olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.

Once the oil is hot, add the collard greens. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender.

Then, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for a zesty flavor.

You can also add garlic for extra taste if you like. Serve these greens warm as a delicious side with any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch of collard greens
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Optional: 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and slice collard greens into thin ribbons.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
3. Add collard greens and sauté for 5-7 minutes.
4. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked greens.
5. Add garlic if using, and serve warm.

3) Mustard Greens in Tomato Sauce

Mustard greens in tomato sauce make a delicious and healthy dish. This recipe combines the peppery flavor of mustard greens with the sweetness of tomatoes.

To start, gather fresh mustard greens, diced tomatoes, onions, and some garlic. You can use canned tomatoes for convenience too.

In a pan, sauté the onions and garlic until they are soft. Then, add the diced tomatoes and let them cook down a bit.

After that, stir in the mustard greens until they wilt.

Season your dish with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes over low heat. This brings out the flavors and makes everything tender.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch fresh mustard greens
• 1 can (16 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a pan on medium heat.
2. Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until soft.
3. Add diced tomatoes and cook for a few minutes.
4. Stir in mustard greens and cook until wilted.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Cover and simmer on low for 20 minutes.

4) Spinach and Mushroom Stroganoff

Spinach and Mushroom Stroganoff is a delicious and creamy dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

This recipe is not only vegetarian but also packs in plenty of flavors. The combination of mushrooms and spinach creates a satisfying meal.

To start, you’ll sauté onions and garlic in butter. Then, add the mushrooms and cook until they become tender.

Stir in fresh spinach until it’s wilted.

Next, you will create a creamy sauce using vegetable broth, your choice of milk or cream, and seasonings like paprika and nutmeg.

Serve this stroganoff over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

• 1 large onion
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 lb mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• ½ cup milk or cream

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in butter over medium heat.
2. Add mushrooms and cook until tender.
3. Stir in spinach until wilted.
4. Mix in broth, milk, paprika, and nutmeg.
5. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

5) Kale and Apple Salad

This Kale and Apple Salad is a crisp and refreshing option. The combination of kale and sweet apples makes it both tasty and nutritious.

To start, gather some ingredients. You’ll need kale, apples, and a simple dressing. Lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt bring everything together.

Wash the kale and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Slice the apple thinly and toss them both in a large bowl.

Drizzle your dressing over the salad and mix well.

Let it sit for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to blend and the kale to soften slightly. Enjoy your healthy salad as a side or a light meal!

Ingredients

• 4 cups kale, chopped
• 1 apple, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and chop the kale.
2. Slice the apple.
3. In a large bowl, combine kale and apple.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
5. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss.
6. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

6) Savory Chard and Chickpea Stew

This savory stew is a warm, comforting dish that’s packed with flavor. Swiss chard and chickpeas are rich in nutrients and work well together. You’ll enjoy this healthy meal any time of the year.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a bit of olive oil. Then add chopped chard, rinsed chickpeas, and spices like cumin and paprika for extra flavor.

You can serve this stew on its own or with a side of crusty bread. It’s easy to make and sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

• 2 cups dry chickpeas or 3 cans of chickpeas, rinsed
• 1 large bunch Swiss chard, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse and soak dry chickpeas overnight.
2. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
3. Add diced onion and minced garlic; cook until soft.
4. Stir in chopped chard; cook until wilted.
5. Add chickpeas and spices; mix well.
6. Pour in water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.
7. Adjust seasoning and serve warm.

7) Vegan Kale Pesto Pasta

Vegan Kale Pesto Pasta is a quick and tasty meal that you can whip up in no time. The dish features creamy kale pesto that blends wonderfully with pasta.

To make this dish, start by cooking your favorite pasta until it’s al dente.

While the pasta cooks, prepare the kale pesto. Blend fresh kale with nuts, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil for a burst of flavor.

Once the pasta is ready, mix it with the pesto. You can also add a few cherry tomatoes or sautéed vegetables for an extra touch.

This meal is nutritious and satisfying, perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 320 g (11.3 oz) penne pasta
• 3 cups fresh kale, chopped
• 1/4 cup nuts (like walnuts or pine nuts)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water and cook the pasta until al dente.
2. In a blender, combine kale, nuts, garlic, and lemon juice.
3. Slowly add olive oil while blending until smooth.
4. Drain the pasta and mix it with the kale pesto.
5. Add salt to taste and serve.

8) Collard Green Wraps with Hummus

Collard green wraps are a healthy and tasty way to enjoy a meal. They are easy to make and perfect for a light lunch or snack.

Start with fresh collard green leaves. You can fill them with your favorite hummus and a mix of colorful veggies.

For a delicious twist, try adding carrots, avocado, and shredded cabbage. You can also include some protein like crispy tofu.

These wraps are great for meal prep. You can make several wraps and store them in the fridge for quick snacks or lunches during the week.

Ingredients

• 2 collard green leaves
• 3-4 tablespoons hummus
• ½ cup grated carrots
• ½ avocado, sliced
• ½ cup shredded purple cabbage
• Crispy tofu (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Lay the collard green leaves flat.
2. Spread hummus evenly on each leaf.
3. Add carrots, avocado, and purple cabbage.
4. If using, add crispy tofu.
5. Roll the leaves tightly and enjoy!

9) Swiss Chard and Cheese Frittata

A Swiss chard and cheese frittata is a tasty and healthy dish that you can enjoy for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This recipe is simple and lets you use fresh ingredients.

You will need fresh Swiss chard, which adds a vibrant flavor and nutrients. Combine it with eggs and your choice of cheese for a creamy texture.

This dish cooks well in a skillet on the stovetop and can also finish baking in the oven. It’s a great way to start the day or a filling lunch option.

Ingredients

• 6-8 Swiss chard leaves and stems
• 8 large eggs
• 1 cup shredded cheese (like feta or goat cheese)
• 1 green onion, sliced
• 3 teaspoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• Pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Sauté the Swiss chard and green onion until soft.
4. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the egg mixture over the greens in the skillet.
6. Sprinkle cheese on top and cook until edges set.
7. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes.
8. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

10) Sautéed Spinach with Garlic

Sautéed spinach with garlic is a simple and delicious side dish. It cooks quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

You will enjoy the blend of fresh spinach with the rich flavor of garlic.

To make this dish, begin by heating olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.

Then, toss in fresh spinach and stir until it wilts.

Season with salt and pepper to taste for added flavor. This dish pairs well with many main courses.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups fresh spinach
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
3. Add spinach and stir until wilted.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.