What’s your reason for not eating more vegetables? Is it that you don’t think they taste good?
Steamed broccoli and raw celery aren’t exactly known for their flavor profiles. However, there are plenty of other ways to prepare vegetables that make them much more enjoyable.
Need to shake up your vegetable routine? In this guide, we share five easy (and tasty) vegetable recipes you’ll love adding to your menu.
1. Roasted Potatoes
Potatoes get a bad rap in some circles because they’re higher in carbohydrates and starches than some other vegetables. However, they offer many beneficial nutrients, including vitamin C, which supports the immune system, and potassium, which promotes cardiovascular and nervous system health.
This easy recipe for roasted potatoes is an excellent complement to meat and poultry dishes, and it only requires a few ingredients:
- Six potatoes (Yukon Gold potatoes taste great roasted, but you can also use another variety if you prefer)
- Four tablespoons of olive oil, divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Herbs of choice to taste (rosemary, garlic, parsley, crushed red pepper, and thyme are all excellent options, but don’t be afraid to get creative)
Preheat oven to 400°F. Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Brush the surface with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Then cut them crosswise into small pieces (about ½ inch thick).
Place the potatoes in a large bowl. Add the remaining olive oil, salt, pepper, and other seasonings. Gently mix the potatoes until you’ve evenly coated them with oil and herbs.
Place the potatoes on the baking sheet, about 1-2 inches apart. Place them in the oven and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 35-45 minutes.
2. Cucumber Salad
This cucumber salad is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a refreshing side dish to serve on a hot day.
This recipe contains cucumbers (of course), which contain vitamins K, B, and C, as well as minerals like copper, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorous. It also features red onions, which contain vitamin C and an antioxidant called quercetin, which supports the immune system.
To prepare your cucumber salad, gather your ingredients:
- Two cucumbers
- One red onion, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- One tablespoon sugar
- One teaspoon of sea salt
- One teaspoon of black pepper
Slice the cucumbers into ¼-inch pieces. Add the cucumbers and sliced red onions to a bowl, then toss to combine.
Whisk apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. Pour the mixture over the cucumbers and onions. Toss until they’re thoroughly combined.
Store the salad in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it.
3. Lemon Parmesan Broccoli
Broccoli is a fantastic source of vitamin C, fiber, calcium, iron, potassium, zinc, and B vitamins.
Lemon parmesan roasted broccoli provides all the health benefits of broccoli with a little extra flavor. It also tastes delicious with meat, poultry, fish, and even pasta dishes.
To make this roasted broccoli, gather the following ingredients:
- 24 ounces of broccoli florets (about 1½ pounds)
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
- Two cloves of garlic, minced
- ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- Two tablespoons of lemon juice (about one lemon’s worth)
- Two whole lemons, cut into wedges
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper, then set it aside.
Combine the broccoli in a large bowl with olive oil, salt and pepper, garlic, lemon juice, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Toss until the broccoli is coated in the oil, juice, seasonings, and cheese.
Lay the broccoli on the baking sheet in a single layer. Place the lemon wedges on the sheet in between the broccoli florets.
Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the broccoli is tender. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the rest of the parmesan cheese over the broccoli. Squeeze the lemon wedges over the broccoli as well if you prefer a more robust lemon flavor.
4. Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots
There are plenty of ways to make carrots tasty without dunking them in ranch dressing. To enjoy the health benefits of carrots -- they’re a good source of vitamin A and also contain vitamin C and calcium -- a different way, try these slow cooker glazed carrots.
For this recipe, you’ll need the following:
- ½ cup apple cider
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 pounds carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cut into slices
- One tablespoon cornstarch mixed with one tablespoon water
Add cider, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper (if desired) to the crockpot. Whisk to combine. Add carrots and toss them until you’ve thoroughly coated them. Top with the sliced butter.
Cover the slow cooker and cook the carrots on high for three hours. Remove the carrots and set them aside on a platter. Add the cornstarch/water mixture to the remaining liquid. Cover and cook for about 15-30 minutes until the glaze thickens.
You can either pour the glaze over the carrots before serving or offer it on the side so people can add the amount of glaze they prefer.
5. Kale Chips
Move over potato chips, and make room for kale chips. If you want to enjoy a crunchy snack that’s lower in calories and higher in nutrients than regular chips, kale chips -- which contain vitamins A, C, B6, B9, and K -- are an excellent alternative.
To make these tasty kale chips, you’ll need these ingredients:
- One large bundle of curly kale
- 1-2 tablespoons of melted coconut or avocado oil
- Seasonings of choice (sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin powder, chili powder, and nutritional yeast are all excellent choices)
Preheat the oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Rinse and dry the kale thoroughly. Tear it into small pieces and discard large stems.
Add the remaining kale to a bowl. Drizzle oil over the top and add your seasonings. Mix with your hands to evenly coat the kale.
Spread the kale on a baking sheet (you may need to use two) so the pieces touch as little as possible.
Bake for 15 minutes, then turn the pans and toss the kale lightly. Bake for 5-10 more minutes, until the kale is crispy and slightly golden brown.
Remove the kale from the oven and let it cool.
Need More Help Eating Your Vegetables?
If you need help adding more vegetables to your diet, these five recipes are all simple and delicious options. They make great side dishes and work with a variety of meals.
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