50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (2024)

In every list of the healthiest vegetables you can eat, leafy greens, and particularly dark leafy greens always come out on top. They are nutritionally dense, low in calories and fat, full of fibre, protective against chronic disease, and pretty darn cheap. Unfortunately, they can also be boring af.

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (1)

Many people associate leafy greens with thepathetic iceberg lettuce side salad you get at a restaurant or that limp frozenspinach that mom used to defrost in the microwave when you were a kid. It canbe hard to come up with flavourful and interesting ways to incorporate moreleafy greens into your daily meals.

But it doesn’t have to be that way! The 50+recipes listed below will hopefully inspire you to the possibilities of theseversatile vegetables; from hearty vegan salads to pastas, tacos, burgersand stir fry, there are a multitude of creative and delicious ways to add moreleafy greens into your diet!

How much leafy greens should I be eating?

The USDA recommends eating 1 ½ - 2 cups (1 cup = 1 cup cooked or 2 cups raw) of dark green vegetables per week. Lol, who comes up with this stuff? Every plant-based doctor recommends DAILY, no weekly, consumption of leafy greens.

In How Not to Die, Dr. Greger recommends two daily serving sizes of 60 grams of raw greens or 90 grams of cooked greens and Dr. Esselstyn has spoken extensively of the importance of leafy greens in reversing (yes, reversing) heart disease with six fist-sized servings of leafy greens daily.

(If you don’t have heart disease you can eat less, but considering that 9 out of 10 Americans don’t even meet the USDA recommendations for total daily vegetable consumption, you almost certainly need to be eating more leafy greens than you do now!)

I’ve divided the recipes below into the following categories:

  • arugula / rocket
  • Swiss chard
  • kale
  • spinach
  • beet greens
  • collard greens
  • bok choy
  • lettuces
  • microgreens

However, the beauty of leafy greens is that they are often interchangeable in recipes. Don’t like kale? Sub in spinach or Swiss chard. Bought some turnips or radishes? Use the greens, too!

So take a look through the recipes belowand let them inspire you to get creative with your daily dose of leafy greens!

Arugula / Rocket

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (2)

Vegan Arugula Avocado Pesto Pasta - Lively Table

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (3)

Fresh Arugula and Black Bean Tacos (omit feta) - Cookie and Kate

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (4)

Roasted Eggplant Sandwiches with Arugula Walnut Pesto - This Savory Vegan

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (5)

Creamy Vegan Arugula Soup - Detoxinista

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (6)

Vegan Gnocchi with Arugula Pesto - Lauren Caris Cooks

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (7)

Arugula Lentil Salad - Hurry The Food Up

Swiss Chard

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (8)

Swiss Chard Mushroom Enchiladas - Making Thyme for Health

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (9)

Swiss Chard Gratin - From Scratch Fast

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (10)

Swiss Chard Soba Noodle Stir Fry - A Virtual Vegan

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (11)

Restorative Rainbow Chard and Leek Soup - Quite Good Food

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (12)

Swiss Chard with Crisp Apples - Fat Free Vegan

Kale

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (13)

White Bean and Kale Vegan Pot Pie - The Stingy Vegan

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (14)

Kale Quinoa - Veggie Chick

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (15)

Kale Chip Nachos with Black Beans and Sweet Potatoes - Minimalist Baker

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (16)

Kale Falafel (Baked, Not Fried!) - Yup... It's Vegan!

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (17)

Sweet Potato Kale Chili - Wallflower Kitchen

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (18)

Kale Brownies - Chocolate Covered Katie

Spinach

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (19)

Spanish Chickpea Stew - The Stingy Vegan

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (20)

Vegan Spinach Mac & Cheese - Love and Lemons

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (21)

Cheesy Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip - Minimalist Baker

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (22)

Vegan Spinach Blender Pancakes - Vibrant Plate

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (23)

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream - Wallflower Kitchen

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (24)

Vegan Spinach and Mushroom Pasta - Salt and Lavender

Beet Greens

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (25)

Beet Greens Lentil Burgers - Light Orange Bean

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (26)

Borscht with Beets and Beet Greens - Sharon Palmer

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (27)

Sweet Potato and Beet Greens Soup with Farro - Will Cook for Friends

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (28)

Beet Green Pesto - The Roasted Root

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (29)

Beet Pizza with Beet Leaf Pesto - Veggie Desserts

Collard Greens

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (30)

Southern Vegan Collard Greens - Sweet Potato Soul

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (31)

BBQ Black Eyed Pea Collard Rolls - Vanilla and Bean

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (32)

Healthy Vegan Collard Green Wraps - Feasting at Home

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (33)

Vegan Garlic Braised Collard Greens and Cabbage over Creamy Jalapeno Grits - Darius Cooks

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (34)

Vegan Lentil Stew with Sweet Potato and Collard Greens - Parsnips and Pasteries

Bok Choy

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (35)

Vegan Ramen with Creamy Sesame Broth - Cilantro and Citronella

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (36)

Black Pepper Tofu with Bok Choy - Feasting at Home

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (37)

Bok Choy Stir Fry - Love and Lemons

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (38)

Vegan Curry with Bok Choy - Sweet as Honey

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (39)

Garlicky Asparagus, Mushroom and Bok Choy Noodle Bowls - Vanilla and Bean

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (40)

Hot and Sour Soup with Bok Choy - Connoisseurus Veg

Lettuces

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (41)

Green Pizza with Herbed Vegan Cashew Cheese - The Stingy Vegan

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (42)

Grilled Romaine Salad with Corn, Fava Beans and Avocado - Feasting at Home

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (43)

Potato Mache Salad with Fried Capers - Gourmande in the Kitchen

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (44)

Fat-Free Pea and Lettuce Soup - Fuss Free Flavours

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (45)

Quinoa Salad with Apricots, Endive, Brussels Sprouts Leave and Toasted Almonds - She Likes Food

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (46)

Rosemary Garlic Cannellini Agnolotti with Mesclun Pesto - Well and Full

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (47)

Firecracker Vegan Lettuce Wraps - Pinch of Yum

Microgreens

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (48)

Green Goddess Spring Socca - The Full Helping

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (49)

Vegan Microgreens Salad - Garlic Matters

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (50)

Mushroom Potato Watercress Pie - Vegan Food and Living

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (51)

Vegan Alfredo with Watercress and Chives - Pickles & Honey

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (52)

15-Minute Watercress Soup - Wilde Orchard

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (53)

Avocado Hummus Toast with Microgreens - This Savory Vegan

50+ Vegan Leafy Greens Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest green leafy vegetable? ›

Some of the most nutritious greens include spinach, kale, romaine, watercress, and arugula (see "Salad greens by the numbers"). They are rich in a combination of vitamins A, C, and K; several B vitamins (including folate); and potassium.

Can you eat too much leafy greens? ›

Can you eat too much green leafy vegetables? It is possible. Too many green leafy vegetables can lead to an excess of iron in the blood. Excessive blood iron levels can lead to blood clots and even strokes.

How many dark leafy greens per day? ›

The Dietary Guidelines recommend adults get at least 2 ½ cups of vegetables per day with 1 ½ cups coming from dark green vegetables. The dark green category of vegetables may oftentimes be overlooked, as it tends to contain more bitter vegetables such as broccoli or leafy greens.

How to cook leafy greens healthy? ›

Bring a small amount of lightly salted water to boiling in a Dutch oven like this Lodge 6-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven ($80, Amazon). Add the greens. Cover the pan and cook until tender. Chard and beet greens will take 8 to 10 minutes; kale, mustard, turnip, and collard greens will take 15 to 20 minutes.

What leafy green can you eat everyday? ›

Leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach are high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Adding a variety of greens to your diet may help boost brain health and lower your risk of some diseases. Leafy green vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet.

What leafy green is a Superfood? ›

Kale is considered one of the most nutrient-dense super greens, containing over 100% of the daily value of vitamins A and C and 684% of vitamin K's daily value. This super green is also known for helping the body digest bad fats.

Why is it advised not to eat green leafy vegetables at night? ›

One should not eat green vegetables at night due to following reasons: Explanation: The green vegetables are sources of cellulose fibers which will take a long time to digest. During the day the person remains conscious and conducts physical activities so the involuntary actions are also remain active.

How many times a week should you eat green leafy vegetables? ›

So how much greens do you REALLY need? As of 2019, the USDA recommends eating 2-3 cups of vegetables a day and 1½ -2 cups of dark green vegetables a week. (The actual amount varies depending on gender, age and weight.)

Are leafy greens inflammatory? ›

Anti-inflammatory foods

An anti-inflammatory diet should include these foods: tomatoes. olive oil. green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collards.

Are dark leafy greens better raw or cooked? ›

The leafy green is packed with nutrients, but you'll absorb more calcium and iron if you eat it cooked. The reason: Spinach is loaded with oxalic acid, which blocks the absorption of iron and calcium but breaks down under high temperatures.

What vegetable should I eat everyday? ›

Healthy eating means consuming more dark green vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, and other dark leafy greens. Include more red or orange vegetables, such as carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and legumes, in your diet (dry beans and peas).

Do leafy greens burn belly fat? ›

Loaded with fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, leafy greens are a great addition to your daily eating routine because they can support belly fat loss while also helping you maintain a youthful glow.

What can I put on my greens to make them taste better? ›

Onion- Yellow onions will add flavor to the greens. Garlic– Garlic will compliment the flavor of the onion and greens. Red Pepper Flakes– Red Pepper flakes will add some slight heat to the greens. Fully-Cooked Smoked Turkey Leg- This is the best alternative for those who prefer not to use pork.

What is the best way to cook leafy greens like spinach or kale? ›

  1. Boil or Steam: Steam greens in a colander or steamer basket over simmering water. Boil washed and chopped greens in salted water.
  2. Sauté: In a pan over medium-highheat, add 1 Tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add greens and stir often until wilted.
Jun 30, 2023

What are the top 3 healthiest vegetables? ›

What are the most healthful vegetables?
  • Spinach.
  • Kale.
  • Broccoli.
  • Peas.
  • Sweet potatoes.
  • Beets.
  • Carrots.
  • Fermented vegetables.

What is the safest leafy greens to eat? ›

Another strategy: Opt for leafy greens that can be cooked, like spinach or kale. The heat will kill bacteria. This is particularly important for people who are more susceptible to the ill effects of food poisoning, such as those who are immunocompromised, pregnant or elderly.

What is healthier arugula or spinach? ›

The calorie, protein, and fiber content of both vegetables is similar, but the vitamins and minerals tip the scale towards spinach — except for calcium. Spinach has more vitamin A, C, K, folate, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and iron.

What green vegetables have the most antioxidants? ›

Broccoli, spinach, carrots and potatoes are all high in antioxidants, and so are artichokes, cabbage, asparagus, avocados, beetroot, radish, lettuce, sweet potatoes, squash, pumpkin, collard greens and kale.

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