10 Non-Salad Ways to Enjoy the Nutritional Benefits of Leafy Greens
Salads are generally the easiest and fastest way to ensure that we consume leafy greens and other vegetables. This is largely because cooking vegetables compromises their nutritional integrity. However, it can become quite tedious to always eat your greens in salads, so we have listed other ways for you.
Leafy green vegetables are a part of the most healthy and nutritious vegetables available. They contain a variety of nutrients, including Vitamins A, C, and K, folic acid, iron, calcium, and potassium. To aid the absorption and digestion of the leafy greens in our systems, you may have them with healthy fats like olive or avocado oil. The recommended amount of leafy greens typically depends on your age. Cabbage, spinach, collard greens, mustard greens, and lettuce are some of the most popular leafy greens. As one of the simple ways to enjoy them raw, you can add them to your homemade tortillas to ensure you get your daily dose of these gorgeous vegetables.
Let’s get into some exciting ways to enjoy leafy greens without being in a salad. Perhaps having them prepared and served differently will encourage those who struggle eating vegetables to give them a fair go.
1. Smoothies
Smoothies are a good way to incorporate leafy greens into your diet, especially if this is already part of your lifestyle. If you are just starting or exploring smoothies, ensure that you have a healthy balance of all the nutrients you will need. A couple of baby spinach leaves in your smoothie will make all the difference to the taste and your overall health.
2. Pesto
While the basil pesto is the most popular, you can use different leafy green vegetables instead. Be adventurous – add nuts and herbs or cilantro instead of the usual basil. Change it until you create a flavor profile that speaks to your tastebuds.
3. Raw Wraps
Instead of using a tortilla or other types of wraps, use leafy green vegetables instead. This is a perfect go-to for those who want to enjoy wraps but have gluten sensitivity or individuals who just want to eat healthier. Try out the raw wraps using romaine or collard green leaves; make sure that the flavors you choose complement each other so that the raw wraps are thoroughly enjoyed. You can fill the leafy green leaf with hummus, sundried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese – wrap this tightly like you would a spring roll and enjoy a nifty bite packed full of nutritious and delicious flavors.
4. Chips
A lot of vegetable chips are available on the market, so leafy green chips are not too farfetched. Kale chips are popular, and you can easily purchase a packet online from the Lidl circular or local farmers’ market, or vegan store. Once you have your packet, try this baked kale chips recipe.
5. Saute your leafy greens
Sauteed leafy greens can become a versatile ingredient as you can add them to a veggie or grain bowl, a lasagna, or a casserole. Sauteing them is a very simple method that will not take up too much time or compromise the nutrients we’re much after.
6. Juice them
Juicing extracts the liquids from leafy greens, which works very well as a quick snack or easy beverage to kill cravings. Add some leafy greens, kiwi, cucumber, and strawberry for a bit of sweetness—an excellent way to have them.
7. Soups and stews
You can stir in a handful of leafy greens into a pot of soup or stew a few minutes before you take it off the heat. This will not just add texture and color to your food but also bring a delicious flavor into the mix, making it easy to enjoy the leafy greens.
8. Make Kimchi
Cabbage is considered a leafy green vegetable; therefore, why not make a Kimchi? Kimchi is a traditional Korean fermented cabbage believed to contribute to the overall health we see in the Korean population. It is a delicious staple in their diet, and you can make it yours too.
9. Make some Guac
Instead of fork crushing your avo, pop it in a blender with your preferred condiments and add some leafy greens for an interesting and textural experience. Very smart and delicious idea!
10. Garnishes and Stock
Something as simple as chopping the leafy greens finely and adding them as a garnish is a clever way of getting them in your meal. Also, use the stems and other bits of the leafy greens not included in your meal in making your stock for stews; they lend an earthy flavor.
