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SALT LAKE CITY — Spring is on its way. Flowers are popping out of the dirt, leaves are budding on the trees and the grass is getting greener. It's time to end your winter hibernation and venture out — with your diet, that is. With spring comes an abundance of vibrant green produce, all contending for a spot on your table.
Green foods are more than just pretty to look at, they boast a powerhouse of nutrition, too. Many green foods are considered "superfoods" (hello kale!) because they have so many health benefits. Filled with vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, phytonutrients and often low in carbohydrates and calories, most green foods are sure to give your diet the extra nourishment you need.
Welcome spring with these 15 healthy, naturally-colored green recipes:
1. Healthy Shamrock Shake
No food dyes here! This healthy shamrock shake is green with spinach and avocado and is naturally sweetened. It's creamy, minty, and gives you three servings of fruit and veggies all in one delicious shake.
2. Creamy Broccoli and Avocado Soup
Avocados are what make this vegan soup so smooth and creamy, while celery and broccoli help make it even greener. This is a tasty, immune-boosting soup perfect for a rainy, spring day.
3. Spring Green Quinoa Bowl
This spring green, quinoa bowl is bursting with nutritious foods. Brussels sprouts, asparagus, arugula and avocado come together atop a bowl of fluffy quinoa and topped with a soft poached egg to satisfy your belly.
4. Powerhouse Kale Salad
Kale and broccoli shine in this green powerhouse salad. Packed with plants and topped with a zesty, citrus vinaigrette, this salad makes for a crunchy and light lunch option.
5. Healthy Avocado Egg Salad
This mayo-free, avocado egg salad is filled with healthy fats and protein. You can put it in a wrap for an easy spring lunch.
6. Green Goddess Buddha Bowl
These plant-based bowls are great for meal-prepping. Arugula, avocados, cucumbers and asparagus give you the green you need, while the creamy, vegan green goddess dressing is the perfect topping.
7. Creamy Lemon Pasta with Spring Veggies
Even a popular comfort food, such as pasta, can be given a nutritious upgrade. This creamy, lemon pasta is paired with some of spring’s best green veggies for an easy and nourishing vegetarian meal.
8. Healthy Green Pancakes
This is a naturally green breakfast, thanks to spinach. These whole wheat pancakes will have you getting your greens in the morning in a fun and tasty way.
9. 8-Ingredient Green Quinoa Salad
This plant-based, 8-ingredient, quinoa salad is filled with fiber, protein, and healthy fats. It's a great option for a sweet and savory lunch or a satisfying side dish.
10. Garlicky Sautéed Baby Kale
Add a punch of flavor to your greens with this garlicky, sauteed baby kale recipe. This side dish is sure to be a nourishing addition to your next meal.
11. Healthy Spring Greens Pizza
Spring vegetables (leeks, snap peas, asparagus and arugula) top this green pizza along with a green pesto and yummy cheese that’s perfect for a healthy pizza night.
12. Roasted Lemon Pepper Asparagus
This recipe takes a classic spring green vegetable with a simple, but delicious seasoning and roasts it to perfection.
13. Gorgeous Green Smoothie Bowl
This green smoothie bowl gets its color from kiwis and baby leafy greens. Make it for breakfast or as a snack for a dose of your daily greens.
14. Creamy Spring Pea Guacamole
Add more greens to your guac with this creamy, spring pea guacamole recipe. Not only is it a great appetizer to dunk veggies and chips in, this dip can be used as a sandwich spread or pizza topping, too.
15. Healthy Pistachio Pesto Sauce
Add color with the green-hued nuts for this easy and healthy pistachio pesto sauce. You can also use it as a topping for fish or chicken, or as a salad dressing. As a bonus, it freezes well so you can pull it out for a flavorful meal booster even on busy days.
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