10+ Green Recipes for a Sustainable Kitchen

Green recipes are a fantastic way to enjoy delicious meals while also boosting your health.

Eating more greens can help you feel energized and provide essential nutrients your body needs.

These recipes can be simple and quick, making it easy to add more vegetables to your daily meals.

You don’t need to be a chef to create tasty green dishes.

Whether you’re looking for tasty salads, comforting soups, or hearty side dishes, you can find a variety of ways to incorporate fresh greens into your cooking.

1) Southern Style Collard Greens

Southern style collard greens are a classic dish that’s full of flavor. You’ll enjoy the combination of tender greens and a tasty broth. They are a perfect side for many meals.

To make them, start with fresh collard greens. You can simmer them with ingredients like smoked meat or spices for added depth. The cooking process softens the greens, making them both tender and flavorful.

Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs fresh collard greens
• 1 ½ lbs smoked turkey wings or a ham hock
• 2 tablespoons bacon fat or vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, smashed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups chicken broth
• ¼ cup vinegar

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the collard greens thoroughly and chop them.
2. In a large pot, heat the bacon fat over medium heat.
3. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until soft.
4. Stir in the smoked meat and broth.
5. Add the collard greens, salt, and pepper.
6. Cover and simmer for about 45 minutes at 350°F (175°C), until tender.
7. Stir in vinegar before serving.

2) Savory Spinach and Pine Nut Pasta

Savory Spinach and Pine Nut Pasta is a delicious and quick meal. This dish combines fresh spinach, toasted pine nuts, and garlic for a burst of flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights.

To make this pasta, start by cooking your favorite pasta according to package instructions.

While it’s cooking, heat olive oil in a skillet. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

Next, toss in fresh spinach and let it wilt. Stir in the toasted pine nuts for a crunchy texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve the pasta with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
5. Stir in toasted pine nuts.
6. Combine pasta with the spinach mixture.
7. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

3) Kale and White Bean Soup

Kale and white bean soup is a warming dish that’s perfect for chilly days. This soup is not only hearty but also packed with nutrients. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be ready in under 30 minutes.

You start by sautéing onion and garlic in a pot. Then, add chopped kale and white beans. Pour in vegetable broth and let it simmer. Season with herbs to enhance the flavor.

This soup is comforting and simple. You can enjoy it on its own or with bread.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chopped kale
• 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: herbs like thyme or rosemary

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
3. Stir in kale and cook until wilted.
4. Add white beans and vegetable broth; bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Serve warm.

4) Mustard Greens with Bacon and Onions

Mustard greens are a delicious and nutritious leafy green. When cooked with bacon and onions, they become a flavorful side dish. The smokiness of the bacon pairs well with the peppery taste of mustard greens.

Start by sautéing chopped onions in a pan until they’re soft. Then, add the bacon and cook until it’s crispy. Next, toss in the mustard greens and stir until they wilt.

This dish cooks quickly, making it a great choice for a weeknight meal. You will enjoy the combination of flavors and the vibrant green color on your plate.

Ingredients

• 1 lb mustard greens
• 2 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy.
3. Add the diced onion and cook until soft.
4. Stir in the mustard greens.
5. Cook until the greens are wilted.
6. Season with salt and pepper if desired.

5) Vegan Chard Stir-Fry with Garlic

This vegan chard stir-fry is a simple and tasty dish. It features fresh Swiss chard and garlic, making it a great option for a quick meal. You can whip this up in just 15 minutes!

Start by washing the chard and chopping it into smaller pieces. You’ll want to sauté the garlic until it’s fragrant, then add the chard. Stir-fry everything together until the chard wilts.

You can enjoy this dish on its own or as a side with grains or noodles. It’s healthy, vibrant, and delicious!

Ingredients

• 1 bunch of Swiss chard
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and chop the Swiss chard.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C).
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add chopped chard and stir-fry until wilted.
5. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

6) Smoky Swiss Chard and Lentil Stew

This hearty Smoky Swiss Chard and Lentil Stew is perfect for a cozy meal. It combines lentils and Swiss chard for a nourishing dish. The smokiness adds a unique flavor that elevates this recipe.

You’ll love how simple it is to prepare. Just sauté some onions and garlic, then add your lentils and greens. The stew is both filling and packed with nutrients.

Serve it warm, and enjoy it as a comforting dinner option.

Ingredients

• 2 cups green lentils
• 3 packed cups Swiss chard, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups water
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Smoked paprika, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions and garlic; sauté until soft.
3. Stir in lentils, water, and smoked paprika.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.
5. Add chopped Swiss chard and simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste before serving.

7) Spicy Arugula Pesto Pasta

Spicy arugula pesto pasta is a tasty and quick dish. The blend of peppery arugula and spicy jalapeños gives it a vibrant kick. You’ll love how easy it is to make this flavorful meal.

To start, combine fresh arugula, jalapeños, creamy cashews, olive oil, and lemon juice in a food processor. Blend until smooth to create a rich pesto. Toss this with your favorite pasta for a delicious dinner.

You can add more green veggies like peas or spinach to make it even healthier. Sprinkle some parmesan on top for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh arugula
• 1 jalapeño, chopped
• 1/2 cup cashews
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces pasta of your choice

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions.
2. In a food processor, combine arugula, jalapeño, cashews, olive oil, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
3. Toss the pesto with the cooked pasta.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve and enjoy your spicy arugula pesto pasta!

8) Garlic Sautéed Pak Choi

Garlic sautéed pak choi is a simple and tasty dish that brings out the unique flavor of this leafy vegetable. It takes only about 10 minutes to prepare, making it a perfect choice for a quick meal.

Start by washing the pak choi and cutting it into halves or quarters. Prepare your garlic by finely chopping or slicing it. You can also add a touch of chili for some heat.

In a hot pan, add a little oil and sauté the garlic until it’s fragrant. Then, add the pak choi and stir-fry until it’s tender but still crisp. A splash of soy sauce can be added for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups pak choi
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Optional: chili flakes

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and chop the pak choi.
2. Finely chop the garlic.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
4. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
5. Add pak choi and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
6. Drizzle with soy sauce and serve.

9) Collard Green Wraps with Hummus

Collard green wraps with hummus are a tasty and healthy option for lunch or snacks. They are easy to make and packed with nutrients. You can customize them with your favorite veggies.

Start with fresh collard green leaves. Spread your choice of hummus on each leaf. Then, add in some crunchy vegetables like carrots, cucumber, and bell peppers.

Roll the leaves tightly to keep everything inside. These wraps are fun to eat and perfect for meal prep. Serve them cold for a refreshing bite.

Ingredients

• 2 large collard green leaves
• 3-4 tablespoons hummus (any flavor)
• ½ cup grated carrots
• ½ cup sliced cucumber
• ¼ cup bell pepper strips

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash the collard green leaves and pat them dry.
2. Spread hummus on each leaf.
3. Add grated carrots and cucumber slices.
4. Roll the leaves tightly.
5. Cut in half and enjoy!

10) Broccoli Rabe and Sausage Ragout

Broccoli rabe and sausage ragout is a delightful dish packed with flavors. The spicy Italian sausage pairs perfectly with the slightly bitter notes of the broccoli rabe. This combination makes a hearty meal.

You can use lean sausage if you want a lighter option.

The dish comes together quickly, making it great for a weeknight dinner. Toss everything with your favorite pasta for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound spicy Italian sausage (or lean sausage)
• 1 bunch broccoli rabe
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 ounces pasta (like orecchiette)

Cooking Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add broccoli rabe and cook for 3-5 minutes until bright green. Remove and drain.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
4. Add sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes for 1 minute.
6. Toss in broccoli rabe and cooked pasta. Mix well.
7. Season with salt and pepper, then serve!