10 (Vegan) Ways to Get Your Greens That Aren’t Salad or Gross

I think, in 2018, we’re all super aware of how important an adequate supply of leafy green vegetables is to our overall health and well-being.  In fact, Dr. Michael Greger from nutritionfacts.org urges us to consume at least 2 servings of leafy greens each day.

Now, you guys know I am an incredibly picky eater stemming from the stage in childhood when my brother and I would basically eat nothing but chicken nuggets and pasta in butter sauce. I mean, it’s gotten better over the years, and going vegan has definitely opened my mind to some vegetable-centric dishes I’ve never enjoyed before (like Indian food! 😍), but leafy greens and I are still not the best of friends.

I think it’s a texture thing. I mean, they’re LEAVES for heaven’s sake. Leaves. I can’t be the only one who is freaked out or sent running by a giant spinach salad, can I?

Anyway, whether it’s you who has the phobia, your children, spouse, or parents, I’m here to share with you a few tricks I’ve learned to sneakily obtain the health benefits of all those leafy greens without having to actually feel like I’m eating leaves.

Let me show ya what I mean…

1. Spinach Crepes with Mushrooms, Basil Pesto, and Tahini Dressing by Rebel Recipes

I think I may have instantly started drooling when I read the title of this recipe – holy WOW! Blending spinach into your pancakes is a great idea, but savory crepes?! COME TO MAMA! Plus that basil pesto just adds extra greens. Now, this is a healthy dish I can totally get my picky-eater butt behind.

2. Creamy Pesto Pasta Bake from From My Bowl

Did you know leafy green herbs like basil and mint count as greens servings? THAT’S RIGHT, THEY DO. And since learning this, pesto has become one of my all-time favorite ways to get my greens. In this fantabulous-looking Creamy Pesto Pasta Bake, you can get a huge serving of greens while eating a creamy pasta comfort dish. I mean, can it get any better than that?!

3. Creamy Spinach Blender Soup by Plant Power Couple

SOUP! I love, love LOVE blended soups. They are truly a pick-eater’s dream come true and kinda like the smoothies of the dinner world because you can pack a ton of veggies in there but never know because all you taste is some creamy warm delicious comforting soup. Along with spinach, this one packs a mega protein punch with some red lentils and extra creaminess from the cashews. It’s kinda like a cream of spinach soup but blended.

4. Chickpea Spinach Pie by Vegan Richa

Okay, so this one isn’t exactly hiding the texture of the greens, BUT I’ll eat just about anything if it comes in pie form…especially if it also involves puff pastry dough. Leafy greens who? All I see here is a little slice of heaven. 😍

And speaking of heaven…

5. Green Monster Veggie Burger by Vegan Heaven

Okay, just LOOK at that photo and tell me you don’t want to immediately devour this beautiful veggie burger. WOW. I love the idea of getting your greens in a veggie burger because, not only is the texture hidden, but you can get really fun and creative with your favorite toppings too.

6. Chipotle Mac n Cheese with Greens by Fragrant Vanilla

Here’s another trick I’ve picked up over the years – throw some greens into your favorite comfort food. This Chipotle Mac n Cheese recipe from Fragrant Vanilla seems to be following that same principle, and I am alllllll about it. There’s nothing in this world that cannot be solved by dousing it in a luxurious vegan cheese sauce, right?

7. Avocado Pesto Barley Risotto by Plant Power Couple

I love this dish so much; it’s something we make regularly in the winter months at this house, but it would even be great cold (I’m all about cold foods this time of year). Risotto can be a difficult and time-consuming business, but this recipe makes it super easy by using a creamy sauce made with avocados and a TON of greens. Plus, the leftovers are great when fried or baked into little risotto cakes. 🙌🏻

8. Mint Chocolate Smoothie Bowl by Healthy and Psyched

I’m sure you all know the magic that is the green smoothie, but let’s take our stealthiness to the next level with this killer Mint Chocolate Smoothie Bowl recipe! Look how gorgeous this is, and not a leafy green in sight (aside from the garnish), when it’s secretly packed with ’em.

9. Vegan Lasagna by Sunnyside Hanne

THIS LASAGNA, YOU GUYS. I’m quickly becoming obsessed with the recipes on Sunnyside Hanne, and this unbelievably beautiful lasagna is no exception – filled with 2 packed cups of basil, so you know it packs a major flavor punch. This would be a fantastic dish to make for guests, and lasagna is such a great way to sneak in some veggies  you’d otherwise avoid.

10. Grasshopper Pie by Pretty Pies

Last, but not least, I thought we’d throw a dessert option in there for all the sweet-tooth readers, grasshopper pie! It may LOOK green, but I have a feeling one bite will have you forgetting all the nutrients and reveling in the glory that is an incredible dessert. The filling is packed with spinach, sweetened with maple syrup, and flavored with mint extract. It sits in this beautiful chocolate pie crust which just perfectly brings the whole thing together. We have GOT to try this!

So, there you have it! 10 ways to get your greens that aren’t salad or gross!

I really hope this list inspired you to get a little creative when it comes to those veggies we don’t necessarily love but know are important to get regularly.

This list is a great start, but I’d also love to hear from you guys! What tricks and tips do you use to hide those sneaky veggies you don’t like? Let us know in the comments or tag us in your photos on Instagram (we’re @theplantpowercouple with the ‘the’).

Together, we can make a more deliciously nutritious world. Rock on, Plant Power People!