10 Irresistible Green Food Recipes That Will Boost Your Energy and Health Instantly!

Are you looking for ways to incorporate more leafy greens into your diet? Many people find it challenging to consume enough vegetables daily. However, with the right recipes, it can be both easy and enjoyable. Learn to love leafy greens with hearty recipes starring spinach, kale, Swiss chard, collards and more. Move aside boring salads! These recipes are fast, easy, and perfect for meal prep.

Why Eat Leafy Greens?

If there’s one food I don’t have a problem encouraging you to eat daily, it’s leafy greens. While I know green veggies are offputting for some people, I genuinely love them and feel more energized and alert when I eat them. Leafy greens are a powerhouse of nutrition, offering numerous health benefits:

Brain Health Booster: Leafy greens are packed with nutrients that support brain health and cognitive function.
Lower Blood Pressure: Being DASH diet friendly and a good source of potassium, which counteracts excess sodium and helps lower blood pressure. Potassium also helps relax blood vessel walls, which further helps lower blood pressure.
Manage Your Mood: Research has shown that people with low levels of folate in the blood may be more likely to have depression, and high-folate foods and supplementation may make antidepressants more effective.
Protect Your Peepers: Leafy greens are rich sources of lutein and zeaxanthin. These two antioxidants have been shown to reduce the risk of eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.
Build Your Bones: Leafy greens are a plant-based source of calcium and vitamin K, another nutrient that can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
**Cancer Prevention: ** Many leafy greens, including kale, arugula, collard, and mustard, contain glucosinolates. These sulfur-rich (and bitter-tasting) compounds may lower your risk of certain cancers (1) and help ward off intestinal and other infections.

Important Considerations

If you’re on a blood thinner: Large amounts of leafy greens may interfere with blood thinners like warfarin (7) (i.e., Coumadin, Jantoven) due to their high vitamin K content. You can still eat leafy greens, however, your medicine dose may need to be adjusted if you eat large amounts.
If you have thyroid disease: You may have read that cruciferous vegetables, including some leafy greens such as arugula, bok choy, collard greens, kale, and watercress, release a compound called goitrin. This can interfere with thyroid hormone synthesis, but this is only a concern in the presence of iodine deficiency. Lightly cooking cruciferous veggies decreases their goitrogenic effect, so you can still include them in your diet.

Delicious Green Food Recipes

Soups and Stews

Bok Choy Soup: Perfectly crisp bok choy soup is light, yet full of flavor.
Zuppa Toscana: There are a million copycat recipes out there for your favorite Tuscan soup, Zuppa Toscana.
Hearty Lentil Stew: This hearty lentil stew is perfect for a chilly winter evening.
Turkey Carcass Soup: On winter evenings, we like nothing better than a piping hot bowl of soup. This one uses the turkey carcass to make a flavorful stock for the soup. 1 cup: 105 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 568mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein.
Navy Bean Soup: This navy bean soup is heartwarming comfort food at its best. It's my signature soup that I make for my family and friends. The bright red and green of the peppers and spinach give it a suitably seasonal look. 1-1/2 cups: 230 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 1171mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 10g fiber), 15g protein.
Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup: I'm originally from Minnesota, where wild rice grows in abundance and is very popular in recipes. This creamy chicken wild rice soup has been part of our Christmas Eve menu for years. To save time, I cook the chicken and wild rice and cut up the vegetables the day before. 1 cup: 154 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 807mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
Swiss Chard Soup: This hearty soup combines nutritious Swiss chard with other garden favorites. Its light broth is surprisingly rich in flavor, and the grated Parmesan packs an additional punch. 1 cup: 94 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 452mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
Green Pea Soup: And not a sauce, but this vegan pea soup is vibrant green, so healthy, delicious, and easily made ahead of time!

Salads

Green Goddess Salad: A refreshing and vibrant salad that's sure to please.
Kale Quinoa Salad: Here's a holiday side dish you can feel good about serving. Kale packs a mighty punch of vitamins, while quinoa delivers a hearty serving of protein. Best of all, the flavor of this kale quinoa salad can't be beat! 2/3 cup: 190 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 164mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
Tangy Spring Salad: My parents and in-laws are retired and like to spend winters in Florida. This tangy spring salad welcomes the snowbirds back for our Easter celebration! 1-1/3 cups: 192 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 140mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
Farmers Market Salad: I whipped up lunch with fresh produce from the farmers market, and the result was amazing.
Spinach Salad with Raspberries: I created a bright spinach salad with raspberries for a big family dinner. Even those who don't normally like spinach change their minds after the first bite. 1-1/2 cups: 171 calories, 13g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
Kale Salad: I love making meals that wow everyone. The flavor and nutrition in this kale salad set it apart from other 30-minute creations. 1-1/4 cups: 113 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
Watermelon Salad: Summer is the perfect time to toss up this watermelon salad. You'd never expect it, but spinach is awesome here. Eat it and feel cool on even the hottest days. 1 cup: 84 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 288mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
Red, White, and Green Salad: My red, white and green salad is inspired by the Italian flag. Top it with shaved Parmesan. 1 cup: 340 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 915mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 9g fiber), 15g protein.
Thanksgiving Spinach Salad: If you want something new to try for your Thanksgiving menu, toss this salad together. Fresh spinach leaves are tossed with toasted almonds and dried cranberries and drizzled with poppy seed dressing. It's likely to become a holiday tradition at your house, too. 1 cup: 121 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 19mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
Super Market Slaw: This colorful slaw recipe is chock-full of tasty mix-ins that will keep your family full throughout the busy day. Along with the green broccoli and edamame, there's also chicken, corn, feta, and a creamy green pesto dressing!
Tabbouleh: If you've never had this Middle Eastern staple, think of this as a love letter to fresh herbs in the form of a salad. Parsley, mint, and green onions add a pop of freshness in every bite.

Pasta Dishes

Pasta Salad: Is there anything better than a comforting pasta salad recipe?
Pasta with Shrimp and Pistachio Pesto: A delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Pasta Bake: When I invite people to dinner, many have started requesting this pasta bake ahead of time because it's that good. Plus, the manicotti is stuffed before it's cooked, making it even more convenient. 2 stuffed manicotti shells: 363 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 822mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 22g protein.
Pasta Primavera with Peas and Mint: This simple, creamy spring pasta is so versatile. While the peas, snap peas, and fresh mint add plenty of green color, you can also toss in some chopped asparagus or even broccoli for some more emerald hue.

Main Courses

Smoky Grilled Pizza: This smoky grilled pizza scores big with me for two reasons: It encourages my husband and son to eat greens, and it showcases fresh produce.
Salmon with Garlicky Beans and Spinach: My husband, Oscar, is a Southerner at heart. This salmon with garlicky beans and spinach won him over at first bite. 1 fillet with 1/2 cup spinach mixture : 317 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 577mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein.
Salmon with Kale: We make this main dish and side together, and adjust the heat from the red pepper flakes depending on who's at the table. 1 fillet with 1 cup kale mixture: 359 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 645mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 6g fiber), 39g protein.
Skillet Chicken with Spinach: With two young boys constantly on-the-go, I’m always looking for ways to simplify meals. This recipe uses just one skillet, making it a cinch to prepare dinner for a hungry family in half an hour. 1 chicken breast half with 3/4 cup sauce: 348 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 729mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 41g protein.
Chicken Thigh with Spinach: What could be better than an entree that comes with its own creamy vegetable side? This healthy supper goes together in no time flat and makes an eye-catching presentation. 1 chicken thigh with 1/4 cup spinach mixture: 223 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 360mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
Beef Stir-Fry: Think of this stir-fry as your chance to play with heat and spice. I balance the savory beef with coconut milk and a spritz of lime. 3/4 cup: 312 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 641mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein.
Spinach and Artichoke Pizza: This tasty pizza is so easy to prepare. My family, including my young daughter, loves it. What an easy way to make a delicious, veggie-filled meal!
Italian Pie: For a hearty pie with a lovely Italian flavor, try this recipe. Spinach has never tasted so good! 1 slice: 241 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 645mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein.
Enchiladas Verde: "Verde" literally means green in Spanish, so it's no wonder these enchiladas are blanketed in a bright green sauce. Making it from scratch is as easy as roasting the tomatillos, onion, and serrano chilis in the oven, then tossing it with the rest of the ingredients into a blender.

Side Dishes

Red Kuri Squash with Kale: A healthy recipe for red kuri squash, tossed with shredded kale and a delicious lemon tahini sauce. Serve with this cornbread or corn muffins and hot sauce for a true down home meal.
Sauteed Swiss Chard: I like to make this sauteed Swiss chard a main dish by serving it with pasta, but it’s also a tasty side dish all on its own. My boys love it and ask for it often. 2/3 cup: 159 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
Collard Greens: Collard greens are a staple vegetable of southern cuisine. This side dish is often made with smoked or salt-cured meats, such as ham hocks, pork or fatback. 3/4 cup: 157 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 651mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein.
Garlic Green Beans: If quick and easy is what you're looking for this St. Paddy's Day, this green bean dish comes together in just 15 minutes! They would make the perfect side dish for your corned beef, too.
Cabbage and Sausage: Nothing says St. Patrick's Day quite like cabbage! It's both green and traditional to the Emerald Isle. The tender veggie is even better when cooked with smoky sausage. Serve it with a classic Irish bread on the side.
Roasted Squash: A long time family favorite and recently recreated as a Mardi Gras side dish, roasted squash is a great, healthy dish for St. Patrick’s day.
Swiss Chard with Garlic and Red Onion: Chard, a member of the beet family, is prized for its green leaves and colorful stalks. Stir up these good-for-you greens with garlic and red onion. 1/2 cup: 115 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 631mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.

Breakfast and Snacks

Healthy Banana Spinach Muffins: Healthy banana spinach muffins are loaded with healthy ingredients and make a kid-friendly treat! Pack these in lunches or bring them to your next St.
Green Smoothie: Since I started making this green smoothie recipe for breakfast every day, I honestly feel better! 1 cup: 121 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 22mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
Egg Toast with Kale and Avocado: Step up your breakfast with this tasty egg toast topped with sauteed kale and mashed avocado.
Italian Omelet: My family is all about brunchy meals like this gorgeous Italian omelet. Lucky for us, it’s loaded with ingredients we tend to have at the ready. 1 piece: 176 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 174mg cholesterol, 451mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein.
Spinach Quesadillas: My family gave these cheesy quesadillas oohs and aahs. Remove the spinach from the heat as soon as it wilts so it keeps a little bit of crunch. 3 wedges: 281 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 585mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 14g protein.
Avocado Dip: This dip is a like a creamy cousin to guacamole. It's fresh, and, of course, green! It gets its color and flavor from avocados blended with basil, green onions, garlic, and citrus.

Desserts and Drinks

Mint Chocolate Cookie Ice Cream Pie: A delightful dessert with a refreshing minty flavor.
Lucky Charms Bars: These sweet cereal treats are made with Lucky Charms so they're magical delicious already. But dip them in melted green candy coating and decorate them with gold sprinkles, and they become the luckiest way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day!
Grasshopper Pie: What's green, minty, and chocolaty all at once? Grasshopper pie! It's a little slice of (slightly boozy) heaven that doesn't even require you to turn on the oven.
Ice Cream Sandwich Cake: When you cut into this ice cream cake, you'll see layers of green thanks to the mint chocolate chip ice cream and minty Oreo cookies. You'll also see your friends and family coming back for seconds!
Key Lime Cupcakes: Don't tell anyone, but these cupcakes are made with a boxed mix! Ree doctors it up by adding a key lime curd and a key lime cream cheese frosting! You can zest some lime on top for even more green color.
Appletini: Vodka isn't necessarily an Irish drink, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy it on St. Paddy's Day! Since this drink has a pretty green hue and a sweet-tart apple flavor, it's perfect for any type of celebration.
Mint Julep: A big bunch of fresh mint will make this classic bourbon cocktail festive and green! Not to mention, there's mint muddled with simple syrup in the drink itself for loads of flavor.
Matcha Cookies: A subtle green but delectable dessert is matcha cookies. It’s a matcha and pistachio shortbread that’s elegant and memorable.

Other

Spinach Casserole: Spinach is an obvious choice when making green foods, but this recipe might just surprise you. It's cheesy and comforting, yet still full of vitamins and minerals.
Asparagus Quiche: This quiche just screams "springtime!" It's loaded with tender asparagus, green onion, fresh dill, and crumbled feta. The best part is you can make it ahead for an easy meal any time of day.
Gnocchi Alfredo with Peas: Now here's a different way to get your potatoes and a lot of green! Frozen peas and packaged gnocchi make it so easy to throw together, too. Dinner will be on the table in 20 minutes.

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