Kale Yeah!

If you've been around with us for a while, you know that one of our mottos is, "with kale, you can't fail!" In case you're still wondering why we think kale is absolutely plant-tastic, here are a few things you need to know about this nutrient-rich leafy green to give you a little help using it to entertain and decorate your tablescape this fall.

From a health perspective, kale is HIGH in nutrients— think beta-carotene and other powerful antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and minerals. It is also super low in calories, which makes it one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. In addition, kale helps to lower bad cholesterol levels and protect against cancer, not to mention promoting eye health and aiding weight loss.

This seasonal veggie also comes in different varieties, with leaves that go from green to purple, and shapes that range from smooth to curly. This leafy diversity also reflects in all the delicious ways you can eat it: Yes, you can have kale raw in salads and smoothies, but it can also be consumed blanched, steamed, sautéed, boiled, braised, roasted, or baked in a multitude of creative recipes. It's no wonder the first Wednesday in October has been chosen as National Kale Day, an annual celebration of kale's health benefits and culinary versatility.

Now that you know why kale is pretty much our definition of a superfood, brace yourselves because we’ve got meal prep recommendations to help you get the most of one of our all-time favorite seasonal greens!

Stir it!

We might be biased, but we think everything tastes better with leafy greens! If you need some inspiration to make healthier treats for your next tailgate or Halloween party, it doesn't get much easier than combining ready-to-eat kale with your main recipe ingredients.

Try it with:  Jack-O-Guac and Spooktacular Halloween Treats!

Massage it!

As a cruciferous vegetable of the cabbage family, kale is tough and fibrous, which can make it difficult to chew. That's where massaging it might come in handy! By rubbing a little oil or lemon juice on chopped kale leaves for a couple of minutes until they are glossy and tender, you can make them more pleasing to the eye and easier to eat and digest. Bonus: They’ll also get infused with flavor.

Try it with:  Hallows' Eve Kale Bites

 Layer it!

We eat with our eyes too, and we get it — kale doesn't always meet everyone's eye candy standards. In addition to massaging its leaves, we recommend combining them with some of your favorite fruits to help spice things up. We don't know about you, but we'll be indulging our palate with lots of apples, pomegranates, figs, plums, grapes, pears, pineapples, cherries, and bananas this month.

Try it with:  Kale Cottage Cheese Crunch!

Bake it!

It's an understatement to say that baked kale chips are a staple for us during the cooler months of the year, but you can also get creative and incorporate it into more complex baked recipes, including pies. Set the oven at a minimum of 340°F, and let the baking fun begin! 

Try it with:  Kale Boo Bars!

 Microwave it!

If you struggle with finding the time and energy to put into your homemade meals and end up with your greens going bad, microwaving them might do the trick.

Try it with:  Tricky Kale Cake

From a kale lover to another, we hope you find some time to relax in the kitchen and celebrate the good times as you channel your spooky side and create these fun and tasty kale recipes for Halloween and beyond. Be sure to share your creations with us on Facebook and Instagram, and follow us on Pinterest for all the extra cooking motivation you need to make spooktacular treats for yourself and your loved ones this month!

Healthy Cooking for Two or Just You

When cooking for one or two, it can seem like a complete hassle. The mess alone is more overwhelming than it should be. Your fresh veggies tend to go bad before you can eat them all, and you consequently start passing up on bulk deals in fear of throwing away food you can’t consume in time. The lack of time, energy, and not knowing what to cook create major obstacles that feel like only a professional chef can overcome.

Trust us, we’ve been there. We know what it’s like to find yourself spending less and less time shopping for groceries, and more time eating heavily processed takeout or settling for sugar-high cereals.

If you’re not head over heels about cooking right now, and you hate that you hate cooking, the good news is that you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a couple of tips and paired them with a few recipes to help you feel inspired.

Your freezer is your new BFF

We’ve said this before, and we’ll say it again: Freeze your veggies! There are numerous ways to do it.

Blanch and freeze. Simply put the greens in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then remove and place in ice water to chill for 3 minutes. Next, transfer the greens into freezer bags and place them onto a baking sheet so the greens freeze flat. Pro tip: write the current day’s date on the bags so that you know how old they are in the future.

Blend and freeze. Simply add water to your greens and blend as fine as possible. Then, use silicon ice trays or silicone muffin trays to freeze blocks of greens. Once frozen, pop them out and place them into a freezer bag. You can use one or two each time you make a smoothie.

Just put the bag in the freezer. If you’ve got the space, go for it! Most leafy greens won’t freeze well this way for long, but nonetheless, it’s a great short-term solution.

Be sure to also prepare any whole grains ahead of time and…freeze! Brown rice, couscous, barley, and quinoa can all be easily heated up without losing quality. In search of healthy dessert options? Don’t overlook frozen fruits! They’re typically picked at the season’s peak when they’re their ripest, and without added ingredients like sugar, they maintain their nutritional value while helping you cut down on meal-prep times during the week.

One-Pan Wonders

Look for an all-in-one bowl or a pan recipe that helps you significantly cut down on cooking times. If the original recipe serves two, double, or triple the ingredients, and freeze the surplus for some easy weeknight meals.

Homemade burgers are one of our go-to strategies for spending less time in the kitchen. Jumpstart your meal prepping for the week while making the most of your freezer and fully satisfying your taste buds all at once. With these Salmon Collard Burgers, for instance, all you need to do is combine accessible ingredients like canned salmon, collard greens, onions, and lemon juice in a medium bowl, refrigerate for 15 minutes, and then use your hands to mold 2-4 burger patties. Cook half of it and freeze the rest for when you want a healthy dinner option, but can’t bring yourself to the cutting board.

Leftovers? There are none

Cooked too much rice? No problem, use it in a fried rice meal such as our Very Veggie Unfried Rice by adding some chopped-up veggies.

Extra meat? Throw it on a salad like our Kale Salad with Blackened Salmon for some extra protein!

Shredded too many greens? Prep them in pasta such as our Pantry Pasta for a quick meal the next day.

Regardless, we understand that getting out of a cooking rut can seem impossible at times, and even more so when the weeks are busy. So start by simplifying your meals to take away some of the mess and stress. Stock your kitchen with basic necessities, and some greens of course, and follow along with us on our blog and Pinterest for all the cooking motivation you need!

Summer Grilling Made Easy

Summer is almost here! Summertime means you'll usually find us in the backyard grilling. Why do you ask? Because grilling is good for our health! 

Grilled meats have a lower calorific content compared to other dry-heat options, and that's because some of their fat naturally drips off the racks during grilling. Because food cooks faster on the high heat of the grill, it also retains more of its natural moisture, which means you won't need to add as much butter or oil to achieve that juicy result you likely already love. Plus, your after-dinner cleanup will never be the same! Yes, in addition to its health benefits, grilling significantly cuts down on your kitchen cleanup time. Bonus: A distinct smoky flavor and some mouthwatering grill marks are always a winning combination! 

We could go on about why grilling is the healthiest backyard party starter or how it's the coolest way to set up a quick, Instagram-worthy weeknight meal, but we'll cut to the chase and share a few easy grilling recipes to help both experienced and novice grill masters enjoy some charred goodness all summer long!

Kale + Baby Portabella Grilled “Cheese”

We don't know about you but say kale, portabella mushrooms, and grilled cheese, and we're sold already. Whether you're on a plant-based diet or like to spice up your homemade meals with new-to-you ingredients once in a while, this crispy and creamy sandwich is sure to fully satisfy your taste buds.

This delicious meal only takes 20 minutes to cook! Give it a try: Learn more.

Grilled Squash Bruschetta

If squash is your favorite summer veggie, then this one is for you. Complement it with red pepper slices, Mediterranean olives, fresh parsley, baguette, and your favorite seasonings for a yummy masterpiece.

Try this dish and call your friends over ASAP because you’re going to want to share the goodness!

Grilled Corn and Veggie Toss

The key ingredients you need to bring this recipe to life might just be hiding in your fridge and pantry already, including corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, and lime juice. Topped with avocado just before serving over tortilla chips or scoops, we have a hunch this will become your go-to veggie toss!

It’s the perfect dish for your next gathering, check it out here!

Fettuccini with Collard Greens Pesto and Grilled Shrimp

Say 'hello' to a new way to eat pasta this summer! Marinate shrimp in a bowl with simple pantry ingredients, and grill on each side for 2-3 minutes. Go ahead and grill some tomatoes as well, and combine your charred ingredients with pesto and your choice of noodles for a taste of summer magic.

You can’t beat this quick and easy 10-minute meal! Learn more here.

Grilled Veggies and BBQ Steak

Corn, filet steaks, squash, and all that good stuff in less than 20 minutes of prep time! Let your steak stand in barbeque sauce for at least 10 minutes and toss some of the mix on your squash for a truly magical result. Butter and salt are great, but sometimes all you need to experience dinner perfection is a bottle of BBQ sauce.

Got the grill fired up? Give this meal a try!

Remember that you don't need to have a professional grill to try these delicious recipes at home. Get started with a grill pan, and work your way up to built-in pieces for your outdoor or indoor kitchen. Don’t forget we also offer hundreds of recipes on our website that are waiting for you to try! However, you grill, be sure to tag us on Instagram (@naturesgreens) and Facebook (@WPRawl) to share your creations with us this summer!

5 Ways to Eat More Leafy Greens

These kitchen tricks will make preparing leafy greens SO much easier

If you're reading this, there's a strong chance you already know leafy greens are GOOD for you. But in case you or someone in your life (ahem) need a little reminder, kale, collards, turnips, and mustard greens are generally very low in calories. What they lack in calorific content, they make up for in terms of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It's no wonder then that a diet rich in these nutrient-dense leafy greens helps to reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, high-blood pressure, and mental decline, among other numerous health benefits. The healthy living journey starts with adding these life-saving ingredients to more of your meals, and attaining that goal is easier than you think with some smart meal prep tips.

Get Some Serious Salads

Salads are the easiest way to incorporate several servings of fruits and veggies into your diet. Be careful, however, as they are not necessarily synonymous with "health food." By avoiding anything fried, cooling it on the cheese, ditching the croutons, and dialing back the dressing, you have a better shot at ensuring that the salads you eat are, in fact, nutritious. Because eating salad once or twice a month isn't going to cut it, we've made it easy for you to get your weekly salad fix with our curated selection of salad recipes you can make from scratch in no time.

Learn more: Everything you need to find delicious salads for any occasion in one place!

Wrap it with Collards

Collards are the new wrap. Period. If you keep the collard stems on, they remain sturdy enough to work pretty much like a tortilla and hold your favorite sandwich or burrito fillings. They can also be stored in the refrigerator to make it easy to put together a quick lunch or dinner meal. Make it a combo by overlapping two to three leaves for a larger wrap, and get ready to crush your green-eating goals.

Try it: Protein Collard Wraps, 140 calories per serving, and only 30 minutes of prep time.

Blanch Like a Pro

Some nutrient-dense greens, including mustard greens, kale, and turnip greens, can have a slightly bitter flavor that doesn't appeal to every taste. We get it. But brace yourself for a true knowledge bomb: Most of that bitterness melts away when you wilt your greens in boiling water for a couple minutes, drain, and run cold tap water over them to cool quickly and fix their bright green color. You can then season or sauté your blanched greens, and enjoy them as a side or mix them straight into your dishes.

Try it: Sesame Ginger Collard Wrap, ready in less than 20 minutes!

Prepare to Be Inspired

A little bit of preparation goes a long way towards eating more wholesome, nutrient-dense foods. When you're prepping for the week ahead, get creative and consider replacing some traditional carbs with leafy greens you already have on-hand. In the unlikely scenario you won't use up all your greens before they expire, freeze them (fresh or blanched) in batches for a longer shelf life and some easy creations later in the week. Think quicker stir-fries, pastas, and soups that taste good. Really good.

Learn more: How to Use a 1 lb. Bag of Kale Before It Expires!

Smoothie Away

Smoothies are another great way to work more leafy greens into your diet, reduce food waste, AND get the little ones on board too. They are versatile enough to be enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert option. Plus, they come together super quickly, and we promise they will work some serious magic on both your brain and bod.

Just the tip: You can reduce the amount of liquids in any green smoothie recipe and pour your extra-thick creation into a bowl with sliced fruits, seeds, grains, and any other solid foods you like.

Cook Your Meals to be MORE Productive

The modern world of work has heightened pressure for increased productivity on unprecedented levels. In order to stay in their jobs and achieve some level of work-life balance, it's common sense and standard time-management advice that busy professionals from all walks of life must come up with strategies to get more done in less time. As a by-product of this, the modern busy person tends to outsource most things domestic, including buying groceries and cooking food.

While the convenience of occasional delivery services and takeouts is undeniable, choosing to supply your own food-related needs can actually work as a productivity hack for a number of reasons. First, no one can be efficient and focused 24/7, which means making time to go to the store and cook your own meals will give you a chance to move your body, get some fresh air, and generally create a buffer of time and space to help you gain perspective on all of the work tasks on your plate. Second, meal prep doesn't have to be synonymous with wasted time: you can listen to an audiobook or podcast, make a phone call and, of course, hone your culinary skills as you cook. What is more, with the gained control over all ingredients that go into your dishes, you'll likely be eating healthier food, saving money, and feeling more energized to optimize the remainder of your day.

To help busy professionals get started on "insourcing" their meals, we have put together a collection of easy recipes with six ingredients or less by a variety of healthy living experts of nationwide recognition, including Once Upon A Pumpkin, Jayme Williams, Cynthia Sass and Every Day Learn and Play. Tag along and get a taste of how to incorporate wholesome ingredients into meals and snacks that you can prepare in no time!

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Good Mo'ning Sunshine Kale Smoothie

This smoothie is the perfect way to start your day! Simply combine kale, water, pineapple, apple, strawberries, and whole flax seed, and blend until well incorporated. The result is a low-calorie, high-fiber drink that is easy to digest, supports vision, promotes blood clotting, lowers cholesterol levels, and boosts immune health. Quick breakfast dreams do come true with the right choice of ingredients!

Kale Veggie Black Bean Tacos

You can get these easy, lunch-friendly tacos prepared with only five essential ingredients, namely Tuscan kale, corn tortillas, canned black beans, bell pepper, and butternut squash. Heat your tortillas on a skillet and top them with fresh kale and the remaining veggies and grains after sauteing them on a pan with a little bit of oil or roasting them in the oven. If you're feeling inspired, top your masterpiece off with avocado slices, pumpkin seeds, and/or crumbled feta cheese.

Sweet Greens Smoothie

Your after-lunch sweet snack cravings are satisfied with this super easy smoothie! Combine lime, mango, fresh orange juice, collard greens, and grapes in a blender, and voilà, enjoy a fresh drink for nutritious hydration during the day. Best served cold! Is your mouth watering yet?

5 Ingredient Sausage, White Bean and Collard Soup

This nutritious soup serves four and only requires 20 minutes of combined prep and cook time. All you need to do is: brown smoked sausage on an Instant Pot;  add collard greens, chicken bone broth, canned white beans, and paleo herb seasoning; and cook covered on high. The result? A rich-tasting family meal with only 290 calories per serving.

Low Cal Key Lime Pie

Keep the momentum and make your own kale key lime pie for dessert. You need kale, honey, yogurt, graham cracker crust and a few more ingredients to bring this recipe to life. The preparation is also quick and simple and can be stored in the freezer to enjoy all week.

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Doing your own shopping/cooking is one of many mindset shifts that can make your day feel more balanced and satisfying instead of stealing your time. Start small with quick recipes like the ones we've curated above, and work your way up to the variety of other wholesome options featured on our website. With a solid foundation of healthy eating habits, you will end up with more time and energy to get things done in your professional life.

Celebrating Good Food & Good Times

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Despite our holiday celebrations looking different this December than in years past, there are still holiday traditions to observe, gifts to give and receive, sweet memories to make with your family, and of course, scrumptious holiday treats and meals to make and enjoy. We might be biased, but all of the delicious holiday food might be our favorite part of the season. Coming together in the kitchen with family to bake traditional favorites or gathering around the table to share a special meal together is what the season is all about for us.

Pro Tip: invite your children and your family into the kitchen with you to cook this holiday season! Not only will you foster a love of cooking homemade meals with family, you’ll also find new traditions to celebrate in a year where many of your family’s beloved favorites might be cancelled or held virtually. Make it a special cooking date and Zoom with grandparents, aunts and uncles, or close family friends and prepare the same recipe together. It won’t be the same as being able to cook together in person, but it’ll help you connect with those you love the most throughout the holiday season.

 Here are a few recipe ideas to get you started in the kitchen!

 Holiday Party

Headed out to a socially-distanced holiday party this year? Don’t go empty handed! Give our Spicy Collard Dip a try this year. You can even make it super safe for everyone by serving the dip in mini individual cups with a side of sliced vegetables for dipping so that everyone has their own dip and they do not need to worry about sharing with others.

Cookies for Santa

Surprise Santa with a healthy, nutritional cookie when he stops by your family’s house on Christmas Eve. Our Chocolate Cherry Kale Cookies are so easy to make and so delicious that you’ll want to make an extra batch (or two!) for your family to enjoy throughout the season. 

Christmas Morning

Christmas morning—especially with little ones running around—can be extremely hectic. Make your Christmas morning easier by preparing breakfast ahead of time and popping it in the oven when you head downstairs to see what Santa left and to open presents. Spend some time on Christmas even making our Superfood Lemon Blueberry Scones and serve them on Christmas morning with your favorite nut butter or jelly!

New Year’s Day

Did you know? Collards are a traditional food prepared on New Year’s Day because it’s said that eating collards will ensure that you have a strong financial future in the coming year. We’re here for any reason to eat collards! Our website is filled with great recipes that feature collards, CLICK HERE to find a recipe. Which recipe are you going to try out for your New Year’s Day meal?

From all of us at WP Rawl, we hope that you and your family have a wonderful, safe, and healthy holiday season!

Unique Ways to Gather with Family & Friends this Holiday Season

The end of the year is rapidly approaching, and with it, the holiday season! If there’s one thing we know heading into the holidays this year… it’s that they’re going to look unlike any other holiday that we’ve ever experienced. As we missing out on traditional favorites like parades, tree lightings, holiday parties, and more, we’re all looking for ways to keep some of our traditions alive (even if they look a little bit different). One thing that’s universal during the holiday season: gathering with family and friends over a savory meal.

Around here, we’re definitely not giving up our holiday dinners! We just know that we’ll be taking extra measures to social distance and looking for ways to keep our family and friends healthy throughout the holiday season as we still manage to gather together.

If it’s warm enough where you live on Thanksgiving Day, host a backyard dinner where you’re able to spread out more and enjoy the fresh air

• Host an intimate dinner with all of the trimmings and your favorite dishes for just your immediate family, but have a FaceTime or Zoom call set up with the rest of your family to be able to enjoy the meal together.

• Drop off your favorite Thanksgiving recipe—prepared and with heating instructions if necessary—at a friend’s house or a grandparent’s house so they can still enjoy one of your traditional dishes at their at-home Thanksgiving

• Get your kids involved with the meal planning and allow them to help you prepare the meal this year—with more intimate dinners, you have more opportunity to focus on just your family and creating new memories together

 After you decide how you’re going to gather to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, it’s time to set the menu for the day! Introduce a new recipe to the mix this year. Our website is full of healthy, nutritious, and delicious recipes that you add flavor to any Thanksgiving menu. We have a few that are particularly Thanksgiving-themed that we think you and your family should try out this year:

 Crispy Collard Greens & Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Put a fun twist on your traditional mac and cheese this year by adding in some collard greens and some fresh butternut squash to it. Find the recipe here.

Savory Turkey and Turnip Greens Over Yams

Hosting an intimate dinner at your home with just you and your significant other, or just your immediate family? Consider trying our Savory Turkey and Turnip Greens Over Yams as your main course on Thanksgiving! You get your traditional Thanksgiving favorites of turkey and yams, but in an entire new way. It’s perfect for smaller meals and can easily be doubled or tripled if needed for extra guests! Find the recipe here!

Turkey and Collard Cassoulets

Another way to incorporate turkey into your Thanksgiving meal this year in a new way is with our Turkey and Collard Cassoulets. These mini casseroles are perfect single servings and are so tasty! They include fresh veggies, collards, and cooked turkey, and can be prepared in individual ramekins or in a big dish all together, however you prefer. Find the recipe here!

How are you celebrating the holidays with your family this year? Whether you’re gathering around the table together or hosting your family virtually this year, one thing’s for sure: food and the holidays always bring us together regardless of whatever else is going on in the world! 

We would love to see your holiday dishes! Tag us on social media and we will share your posts. (Instagram, Facebook)

9 Stay-at-Home Leafy Green Recipes

We’re all in this together.

No matter where you are in the world right now (April 2020), you are most likely spending a lot more time at home due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Being at home more means more at-home cooking and eating.

Whether or not you are used to cooking and eating fresh leafy greens at home, each of these recipes is simple to follow and full of macro and micronutrients that will fill you up and may give your body added immune defense support!

1. Citrusy Kale Salad by Ashley C. (@ashcuoco)

Vinaigrette

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1 teaspoon course Dijon mustard

• 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar

• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons orange juice

• pinch finely grated lemon and orange zest

• 1 tablespoon honey

• salt and freshly ground pepper

Salad

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

• 1/2 cup orange juice

• 8 ounces curly Nature's Greens kale leaves ribs removed, torn into small pieces

• 1 navel orange peeled and sliced

• 4 mandarin oranges peeled and pulled apart into wedges

• 1 grapefruit peeled and sliced

• 1/2 cup sliced and toasted almonds

• goat cheese crumble for topping (optional)

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2. Butternut Squash, Collard Green, and Chickpea Soup by Andy M. (@beautifuleatsandthings)

Ingredients

• 5 cups Nature’s Greens Collard Greens

• 1 (15.5 oz can) chickpeas drained

• 1 (15.5 oz can) small white beans drained

• 1 butternut squash chopped

• 2 and ½ cups sliced mushrooms

• 1 onion chopped

• 3 cloves garlic minced

• 1 tsp fresh rosemary minced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 cups water

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning

• Salt/pepper to taste

  Instructions

• In a large pot, over med-high heat, add olive oil, onions, garlic, and rosemary. Cook until fragrant and until onions are translucent.

• Reduce heat to low, and add water and the rest of the ingredients. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes or until collard greens are tender.

• Season with salt/pepper to taste and serve.

• Enjoy!

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3. Collard Green Power Salad by Andrea W. (@chickpeachick_)

Ingredients

• 4 cups Nature's Greens® Kale

• 2 cups Nature's Greens® Shredded Collard Greens

• 1-2 tbsp avocado oil, for massaging

• 1/2 avocado, cut into chunks

• 1 egg

• 1 can chickpeas

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon paprika

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

For the dressing: (Serves: 2-3)

• 1/2 cup cashews, soaked in water for at least 2 hours

• 1/3 cup water

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil

• 1/2 lemon, juiced

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• 1/2 tablespoon onion powder

Instructions

1. Boil a small pot of water, and preheat oven to 400F (or set air fryer if using for chickpeas)

2. Place kale and collard greens in a bowl. Top with avocado oil, and massage oil into the kale and greens, kneading it like bread

3. Slice an avocado, cut it into desirable sized chunks, and place on top of kale and collard greens mix

4. Poke a small hole in the egg and place in the pot of boiling water. Reduce temperature to medium heat, cover, and cook for 5 min (less or more depending on how hard-boiled you like the egg)

5. Drain can of chickpeas and place in oven or air fryer, along with the remaining spices. Cook/air fry for 15 min

6. Blend all the dressing ingredients in a blender (I do medium setting on mine)

7. Toss greens and avocado in dressing, and top with chickpeas and egg. Enjoy!

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4. Crunchy Chickpea and Sweet Potato Kale Salad by Amy W. (@amywilichowski)

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 1 cup cubed sweet potato (about 1/2″ cubes)

• 1 can (about 15 oz.) chickpeas, strained and rinsed

• 2 cups Nature's Greens® Tuscan Kale

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon capers (optional)

For the Dressing

• 1/4 cup tahini

• 2 tablespoon unsweetened nut milk

• 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoon water

• Juice of one lemon

• 2 small minced garlic cloves

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

For the Salad

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2. Toss the chickpeas and sweet potato with the olive oil, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and salt.

3. Bake on a parchment-lined or greased baking sheet for 40 minutes, tossing after 20 minutes.

4. In a medium stovetop skillet pan heating on low-medium heat, heat the kale and capers with the cooked sweet potatoes and chickpeas until everything is warm, about 2-3 minutes.

For the Dressing

1. Combine all dressing ingredients in a blender and blend on medium-high for 2-3 minutes or until smooth.

2. Toss the salad with your desired amount of dressing and enjoy!

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5. Lentil Stew by Gina F. (@healthylittlevittles)

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils (rinsed very well)

• 1 cup green lentils (rinsed very well)

• 2 cups zucchini (chopped)

• 2 large tomatoes (chopped)

• 4 stalks celery (diced)

• 3-4 cups mustard greens (I used Nature's Greens)

• 2 cups petit purple potatoes (diced), or other petit potatoes

• 1 can chickpeas, drained

• 32 ounces vegetable broth

• 1 can (13.6 oz) coconut milk

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon salt, more to taste if desired

• 1/2 teaspoon pepper, more to taste if desired

Garnishes

• vegan parmesan cheese

• hemp seeds

Instructions

1. Drain and rise your lentils in a fine mesh strainer according to package directions, usually until the water runs clear.

2. Turn on your slow cooker and add the vegetable broth.

3. Next add the lentils.

4. Dice the zucchini, tomatoes, celery, and potatoes
   **NOTE: if you like crisper veggies, you can set aside half the zucchini, tomatoes and celery and sautee them in a skillet with olive oil and add to the stew upon serving

5. Add the vegetables to the slow cooker, along with the chickpeas, mustard greens, coconut milk, and all the spices. Stir to combine.

6. Cook on high for 4-6 hours.

7. Serve garnished with vegan parmesan cheese and hemp seeds.

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6. Korean Chicken and Kale Rice Bowl by Holly S. (@holly_tasteandsee)

Instructions

Korean Chicken:

• 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 pound ground lean chicken

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 inch fresh ginger, finely grated

• 6 green onions, thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp red chili sauce (I used Gochujang)

• 1/4 cup low sodium tamari sauce (or low sodium soy sauce)

Bowl Ingredients:

• 3 cups Nature’s Greens® Kale

• 2 teaspoons sesame oil 

• Pinch of salt and pepper 

• Cooked rice – white or brown

• 6 runny eggs (or cooked to your preferred doneness)

• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat a medium nonstick skillet over high heat. Add the grapeseed and sesame oil and ground chicken. Use a spatula to break the meat up into small pieces, and brown for 5 minutes, until the meat is cooked through.

2. Add the garlic, ginger and green onions to the pan and cook for 1 minute.

3. Add the chili sauce and soy/tamari sauce to the pan, and simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, until the meat and sauce come together.

4. Fry eggs to your preferred doneness.

5. Serve the chicken in bowls with the kale and rice, topped with a runny egg. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions and devour!

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7. Sweet Potato Peanut Butter Kale Smoothie by Lauren D. (@laurenslovelykitchen)

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

• 1 ripe banana, frozen

• 1/2 cup @naturesgreens kale

• 1/2 cup baked sweet potato, frozen 

• 1/2 cup frozen riced cauliflower

• 1 TB creamy peanut butter

• 1/4 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a high speed blender and blend till smooth.

2. Add more almond milk if needed. Serve with your favorite toppings.

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8. Lemon Garlic Turnip Greens by Lindsey J. (@nutritiontofit)

Ingredients

• 16 oz bag Nature’s Greens® Turnip Greens

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil

• 2 cloves garlic

• 2 tablespoon lemon juice (or more to taste)

• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat a large cast iron skillet (or other heavy skillet) over medium-high heat.

2. While the skillet is getting hot, quickly chop the turnip greens into smaller pieces if desired. I like to take a handful of greens at a time and run a knife through like I'm creating ribbons of turnip greens. Mince garlic and set aside.

3. Once the skillet is hot, add oil and let oil get hot (takes about 30 seconds).

4. Add turnip greens to hot skillet and oil and cook quickly, stirring every 30-60 seconds. After 3-4 minutes as turnip greens have quickly been cooking down, add minced garlic and cook another minute or two, stirring occasionally.

5. Add lemon juice at the end of cooking. If you're meal prepping the turnip greens and want them to retain a brighter, prettier green color, wait to add lemon juice just prior to serving and eating. (You can add some lemon wedges to your meal prep containers and squeeze over fresh at the moment).

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9. Mustard Greens and Butternut Squash Egg Bake by Cherlyn R. (@wildlywholesome)

Ingredients

• 8 eggs

• 2 cups chopped Nature’s Greens leafy greens

• 2 cups cubed butternut squash

• 2 tbs avocado oil

• ½ tsp sea salt

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ¼ tsp thyme

• ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare a 1-1 ½ qt. baking dish by spraying or coating in avocado oil. Preheat oven to 400 degrees fahrenheit.

2. On a lined baking sheet, layer on the butternut squash with 1 tablespoon oil and a pinch of salt.

3. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are tender. While the squash is roasting, heat a skillet with ½ tablespoon oil on medium low heat.

4. Add in the 2 cups of chopped greens and a pinch of salt. Sautée for 5 minutes or until slightly wilted.

5. Once the squash is done and tender, reduce the oven temperature to 350.

6. Whisk the eggs with the garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.

7. Pour the whisked eggs into the prepared baking dish with the roasted squash and sautéed greens.

8. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until there is no jiggle in the middle.