It doesn’t matter what diet you believe in – paleo, primal, vegetarian, vegan, low carb, high carb, low fat, high fat, there is one thing we can all agree on:
We should all be eating more vegetables!
Mostly vegetables, actually.
In fact, I really believe that if your diet is about 70% vegetables and fruits, then the other 30% can be pretty much whatever you want (as long as it’s real food) and you’ll be good.
But I know that many of us – me included – tend to get ourselves into a veggie rut. We end up eating the same salads and cooking the same vegetables the same way, over and over again.
And it gets boring.
So, I asked some of the best food bloggers in the world (yup, that’s how I roll) to help me out with this one. With their help I’m bringing you 10 of their most mouth-watering recipes that feature veggies as the star:
Fried Zucchini with Cool Dill Dip from Paleo Newbie. First, who doesn’t love fried everything? And second, maybe not right now, but next summer, when your fridge, cupboards, drawers and bathtubs are overflowing with zucchinis, you’re going to thank me for this one.
Creamy Broccoili Salad from Jessie Lane Wellness. Speaking of ruts, I tend to just automatically steam my broccoli or toss it in a stir fry. Sometimes I forget how great broccoli is raw. I love a good broccoli salad and I can’t wait to try this one (oh, and it’s dairy and mayo-free!).
Roasted Herb and Garlic Butternut Squash from The Paleo Fix. If this doesn’t scream “Christmas dinner side dish” then I don’t know what does. This one might even make it onto my table this December 25.
Garlicky Collard Greens from the Curious Coconut. When we talk about working more veggies into our diet, finding new ways to get more greens in might be the biggest hill to climb. A lot of people find these dark leafy greens bitter and tough. But they’re so good for you!! Something tells me this recipe might be just the ticket to make more people fall in love with these nutrient powerhouses.
Creamy Artichoke Spinach Dip (without the junk) from Plant Powered Kitchen. I LOVE a creamy artichoke dip, but the ones on the menu at the sports bar are not your friend. I haven’t tried this recipe yet but I have 100% faith in my friend and celebrated cookbook author, Dreena Burton. This will be amazing! And good for you 😉
Oven Baked Sweet Potato Chips from Oh Snap Let’s Eat! You had me at “chips.” And sweet potato chips? Sign me up! These are so easy to make and sometimes you can even get the kids to give up the crap chips if you offer these instead (sometimes).
Spanish Eggplant Dip from Lexie’s Clean Kitchen. I have to admit that I have never been able to really embrace eggplant. But this dip looks so amazing and the flavours sound so mouthwatering that I just had to include it in the list. Maybe this dip will be my gateway drug to a whole new world of eggplant love.
Winter Veggies in Spiced Coconut Milk from Phoenix Helix. “Blah, blah, blah Coconut Milk.” That’s what I heard. Basically you put anything in coconut milk and I’m there. This dish sounds warm and comforting – what a perfect way to get more veggies into your diet?
Oven Roasted Cabbage Wedges from Peace + Love + Low Carb. Didn’t you hear? Cabbage is the new kale. I’ve always loved cabbage and it’s never really gotten the respect it deserves for all the health properties it brings to the table. This looks like such an elegant (yet super easy) way to prepare it. Again, Christmas dinner side dish anyone?
Creamy Cauliflower Fauxtatoes from Real Food RN. Cauliflower would absolutely be in my top 3 favourite vegetables list…if anyone ever asked me to prepare such a list. I love this idea of using cauliflower instead of potatoes to create a healthier version of everyone’s favourite vegetable dish!
There you have it! Now go and make at least ONE of these. No more excuses!
