Veggies often get a bad rap when it comes to flavor and taste. Maybe it’s a preconceived notion we learn as kids that the healthy stuff is just plain yuck. It’s time to let go of those thoughts because it’s all about the way you slice and dice them up whether it’s in soups, snacks, salads and more!
If you’re looking to slim down by eating veggies, up your intake of nutrients or just overall want to add more veg to your diet, there are creative ways you can dress up and disguise the nutritious stuff into a dazzling dish that’ll make you beg for more!
1. Soups:
Soups have lots of vegetables but also pack a punch of flavor as they create their own tasty broth which is a great way to increase your nutrient intake. The best part is you can make a big batch and eat it all week or just freeze it for later! These soup recipes like my Mom’s Best Comforting Chicken Soup or Middle Eastern Vegetable Soup are great if someone is feeling a little under the weather.
2. Salad:
The secret to making an amazing salad is all about the dressing. Then when a salad is made just right, it can become a satisfying meal that leaves you yearning for seconds All you have to do is add a few simple upgrades and you can transform a bland bed of greens into a robust and craveable salad. One of my best salad creations is my Cauliflower Crunch Salad or my Best Green Salad with Roasted Brussels Sprouts!
3. Juices:
Green juices are a quick way to down the green stuff and load up on nutrients. The drinks are refreshing and cleansing and you can easily reap the benefits. It is a great way to kick-start the morning after you wake up and are ready for a boost. Try out one of my favorite Green Power Juice recipes!
4. Smoothies:
If you’re a big fan of milkshakes, you’re going to love this healthified version that will actually benefit you. It’s a creamy almond banana green smoothie-milkshake recipe. Now before you freak out over vegetables inside of a smoothie, trust me, the bananas and sweet fruit mask any flavors the greens might give. It’s a sweet treat that is actually good for you!
5. Bites/Chips:
Nobody can ever only have one chip when munching on snacks! If you’re more of a savory person, try some of these guilt-free kale chips! You get the same salty crunch and have an endless amount! If you have a dehydrator, I’ve got a few more bites and recipes that you can use to guiltless snacking!
6. Pasta Dish:
Mamma Mia! Italian dishes are actually one of the easiest ways to sneak more vegetables into your dishes without actually noticing a huge difference. All you have to do to do is swap pasta for a pasta-like veggie! I’ve got loads of recipes for noodle replacements to keep your belly satisfied. One of my secrets is spaghetti squash. From spaghetti with tomato and cream rose sauce to my classic beef bolognese dish, no matter how you mix it up, you can go wrong if you start getting in the habit of replacing noodles or carb-rich pasta with the squash.
7. Pad Thai:
The beauty of spaghetti squash is that you can transform it into all different types of dishes from all cultures! Another fan favorite in my household is this pad thai recipe that might even be better than the original! The veggie noodle isn’t as heavy as noodles so it’s a nice way to feel full without feeling heavy.
8. Veggie Noodles:
Spaghetti Squash isn’t the only option as a replacement for noodles. Lady and gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to zucchini noodles (AKA zoodles!) These guys are my favorite sneaky way to get my kids to eat vegetables. I’ve got two great zoodle recipes for you that works great on kids and adults!
9. Pizza:
Having a slice of pizza is like having a slice of heaven. But what if I told you there was a way to eat it and have it be healthy for you? All you have to do is replace the carb-rich crust with some vegetables and bam! You’ve eliminated carbs and are getting you your veggie intake. I have a spaghetti squash pizza recipe that’ll please the whole family! Or try creating personal pizzas with my cauliflower steak pizza!
10. Egg Breakfast:
Breakfast often gets overlooked when thinking about adding in veggies but a great way to up the vegetable intake is with sheet pan eggs! It’s a no muss, no fuss quick way to create breakfast for the fam while incorporating vegetables! Egg frittatas are another go-to of mine, especially on a busy school day morning!
11. Lettuce Wraps or Cups:
If you’re cutting out the carbs or just want to eat more leafy greens, lettuce wraps are the way to go! They are great a tortilla or wrap replacement and you can put just about anything in them! Take your pick because I’ve got chicken cups, sesame salmon wraps and even beef wraps for you!
12. Burgers:
Disguise your veggies by mashing them up and including them into burger patty meat! It blends in really well and hardly anybody notices they are loading up on the good stuff! My salmon and spinach burger recipe has become a major staple in our kitchen!
13. Hash Browns:
If you crave hash browns but don’t love filling your tummy with heavy, starchy potatoes first thing in the morning then you’re in luck with my veggie hash brown recipe. This popular side is super simple to healthify—you just need vegetables! The best part? They are great as a base for dozens of dishes.
14. Muffins:
Now, I know the sound of spinach or kale in bread may sound odd, but I’m sneaky and get all excited when my kids eat greens and don’t even know it. The kale and spinach go completely undetected and these yummies just taste like great green-looking banana muffins. My other favorite recipe is my carrot-banana muffin recipe!
15. Rice:
When I eat rice made with veggies I just get happy. The dish is so light you can probably do a handstand right after and not feel the weight of your meal. The flavors are balanced and pronounced and you get your daily dose of veg! One of my favorites is my Mexican cauliflower rice or broccoli rice pilaf!
16. Veggie Toast:
An easy way to include veggies in daily is with toast! Add in a layer of veggies like cucumber, sprouts and basil and you’ve got a healthy breakfast! Follow along in my tahini vegetable toast!
17. Wings:
Cauliflower is hands down one of my favorite vegetables because it can be jazzed up in a variety of ways. One of the best ways is as a meat substitute for chicken wings! Yup – when prepared just right, it can actually take on a meat-like quality. Just check out these BBQ Cauliflower Wings! Take it a step further with this second Everything Bagel BBQ chicken wings!
18. Jazzed Up Sides:
Serving up vegetables as a side may sound boring but if you prepare them just right they can even take center stage! All you gotta do is just add a little glaze here or a little sauce there to create a nutritious and healthy side dish! One of the most scrumptious sides is my crispy brussels sprouts with sweet and spicy glaze or take it a step further with artichokes and spicy mayo!
19. Skewers:
A big secret to taking in more veggies is just presenting them as a different dish! Take roasted veggies, for instance, instead of just plating them try serving them as screwers with some cheese and protein! They are versatile and easy to make!
20. Poke Bowls:
Poke bowls are a fun and easy way to creatively serve up protein, veggies, toppings and dressings. Mix and match some of your faves and create it yourself. There are several options for creating your own! Here are a few of my suggestions when putting together your bowl!
