10 Unique and Delicious Ways to Add More Veggies to Your Meals

Eating a variety of vegetables is essential for a healthy and balanced diet. However, it's not always easy to get your daily dose of greens, especially if you're not a big fan of that taste or you get tired of eating the same ones over and over again. If you want to add more veggies to your meals without sacrificing taste, here are ten unique and delicious ideas to try:

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Maple Glaze

Brussels sprouts might not be everyone's favorite vegetable, but they can be surprisingly delicious when roasted with bacon and a sweet maple glaze. Simply cut the brussels sprouts in half, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and cook them in the oven for about 20-25 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the bacon and make the glaze with maple syrup, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Once the brussels sprouts are cooked, drizzle the glaze over them and sprinkle the bacon on top. Enjoy!

2. Sweet Potato Toast with Avocado and Tomato

If you're looking for a healthy and filling breakfast or snack, sweet potato toast is a great option. Simply slice a sweet potato into 1/4-inch-thick slices, toast them in the toaster or oven until tender, and top them with mashed avocado, sliced tomato, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. You can also add some red pepper flakes, herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.

3. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Tomatoes

If you're trying to cut down on refined carbs or looking for a low-calorie alternative to pasta, zucchini noodles are a great option. To make them, use a spiralizer or a julienne peeler to create long, thin strips from a zucchini. Then, sauté the zucchini noodles in a pan with some olive oil, garlic, and cherry tomatoes until tender. Finally, toss them with homemade pesto or store-bought pesto and enjoy!

4. Cauliflower Pizza Crust with Your Favorite Vegetables

Pizza is a classic comfort food, but it can also be loaded with calories and unhealthy ingredients. If you want a healthier alternative, try making a cauliflower pizza crust instead of a traditional one. To make it, pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice, then microwave or steam them until tender and squeeze out any excess water. Mix the cauliflower rice with eggs, cheese, and seasonings, and bake it in the oven until golden and crispy. Finally, top the crust with your favorite vegetables, cheese, and tomato sauce, and bake for a few more minutes until everything is melted and bubbly.

5. Chickpea and Spinach Curry

Curry is a flavorful and comforting dish that can be easily customized to fit your taste preferences and dietary needs. For a vegetarian option that's high in protein and fiber, try making a chickpea and spinach curry. Start by sautéing onion, garlic, and ginger in a pan with some oil, then add canned chickpeas and diced tomatoes. Finally, add a generous amount of spinach and curry powder, and let everything simmer for a few minutes. Serve over rice or with naan bread for a filling and satisfying meal.

6. Broccoli Slaw with Apples and Almonds

Slaw doesn't have to be boring or bland. In fact, you can make a delicious and healthy slaw with broccoli, apples, almonds, and a tangy dressing. Simply shred broccoli into small pieces, chop an apple into small cubes, and mix them in a bowl with toasted almonds and a dressing made of Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. This slaw is great as a side dish or a light meal on its own.

7. Baked Stuffed Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes, from salads to pasta sauces. For a fun and creative way to eat them, try making baked stuffed tomatoes. Cut the tops off plum tomatoes and scoop out the flesh, then stuff them with a mixture of cooked quinoa, chopped vegetables (like zucchini, onion, and bell pepper), and feta cheese. Drizzle the stuffed tomatoes with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and bake in the oven for about 25 minutes.

8. Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

Beets are a nutrient-dense vegetable that are also naturally sweet and delicious. To make a beet and goat cheese salad, cook the beets (either by boiling, roasting, or steaming them) until tender, then slice them into thin rounds. Arrange the beet slices on a bed of greens, like arugula or spinach, and crumble some goat cheese on top. Drizzle the salad with a simple vinaigrette made of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey, and enjoy the burst of flavors.

9. Butternut Squash Soup with Apples and Sage

Soup is a comforting and warming dish that can be made with many vegetables and spices. For a fall-inspired and flavorful soup, try making butternut squash soup with apples and sage. Simply roast a butternut squash, an apple, and a few cloves of garlic in the oven until tender, then blend them in a food processor with some vegetable broth, fresh sage, and salt. Heat the soup in a pot until hot, and serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or croutons on top.

10. Carrot Fries with Curry Ketchup

Fries are a classic snack or side dish that are usually fried and loaded with unhealthy fats. If you want a healthier alternative that's still crispy and tasty, try making carrot fries with curry ketchup. Simply cut carrots into thin strips, toss them with some olive oil, salt, and curry powder, and bake them in the oven until golden brown and crispy. Meanwhile, make the curry ketchup by mixing ketchup, curry powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Dip the carrot fries in the ketchup and enjoy the delicious flavors.