Best Vegetable Recipes

Mmm is what you will hear when you make these fresh vegetable recipes.

Offering homemade recipes from arugula to spinach.  I have vegetable appetizers, vegetable side dishes, salads (seven layer salad), broccoli recipes, cauliflower recipes and so many more below.

Many root and non-root vegetables that grow underground can be stored through the winter in a root cellar or a cool, dark and dry place to prevent mold and sprouting.

During storage remember leafy vegetables lose moisture and vitamin C rapidly. They should be stored for a short time as possible in a cool place, in a container or plastic bag and used immediately in some kind of easy vegetable recipe.

I didn't know if I should list the tomato under my vegetable recipes or fruit recipes. Did you know that the question of whether a tomato is a fruit or a vegetable found it's way into the United States Supreme Court in 1893?

The court ruled unanimously that a tomato is correctly identified (and taxed) as a vegetable for the 1883 Tariff Law. The court did acknowledge that botanically speaking that a tomato is a fruit. Now my easy vegetable recipes...

Easy Vegetable Recipes

This fresh vegetable recipe is so good, kids won't realize they are eating something that is good for them...

HOMEMADE SEVEN LAYER SALAD RECIPE

1 medium head of lettuce, cleaned and chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup red onion, chopped
1/2 cup green pepper, chopped
1 small pkg of frozen sweet peas
2 cups homemade mayonnaise
1 TBS white sugar
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
12 strips bacon, fried and crumbled (use a rolling pin)

Cook the frozen peas in boiling water for 2 minutes. Do not overcook. Drain and set aside.

In a 9x13 pan you will create layers of vegetables. The first layer is lettuce. You don't want a huge amount because the salad will be dry. Next layer celery, then red onion, green pepper and finally the peas.

In a small bowl mix the mayo and Miracle Whip together and add 1/4 cup water; combine well till smooth and creamy. If it is too thick, add more milk.

Pour over the vegetables and seal the sides with the mayo mixture. Sprinkle the sugar over the mayo mixture. Next add the cheese and finally the bacon on top of that. Chill well before serving. This easy vegetable recipe is well worth making.

ROASTED ROOT VEGETABLES

onions
potatoes
parsnips
acorn squash
carrots
turnips

PREHEAT oven to 425 degrees. 

Just pick your favorite vegetables and peel.  Chop and place in a large bowl.  Drizzle with olive oil and season with sea salt and freshly ground pepper.

Roast for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how you like them.

How to Bake Acorn Squash Whole in the Oven

Can you Bake Acorn Squash Whole in the Oven?

You sure can.  It is hard to try to cut the squash in half when it is raw, so let's make it easier.  Wash the outside of the squash and poke holes in it.  Place on a baking sheet.

PREHEAT oven to 400.  Bake for 60-75 minutes depending on the size of the squash.  A knife inserted into the squash should easily go through the squash with no resistance.  

Cut in half and scoop out the seeds.  Scoop out the flesh or you can eat it in it's skin.  Butter, maple syrup and cinnamon makes it so delicious.  I eat them often from fall to late winter and my favorite meal is squash with homemade meat loaf. Enjoy. 

This fresh vegetable recipe is a "comfort food" on a cold winter day - homemade bread is awesome with this soup.

HOMEMADE VEGETABLE SOUP FROM SCRATCH

2 medium onions, chopped
2 stalks of celery, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 cups beef broth
1-1/2 cups homemade tomato juice
2 medium potatoes, sliced
2 cups diced tomatoes
1 cup fresh green beans, chopped
1 cup fresh corn kernels
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 TBS creole seasoning to taste* (see below)

In a medium pan saute the first 3 ingredients together for a few minutes.

In a large stock pot add the remaining ingredients and the sauteed vegetables; season to taste. Bring to a boil and simmer for 1 hour or until the vegetables are tender.
This recipe is not just for my easy vegetable recipes, use this all the time.

*Creole Seasoning:
2 TBS homemade onion powder
2 TBS homemade garlic powder
2 TBS dried oregano
2 TBS dried basil
1 TBS dried thyme
2 TBS freshly ground peppercorns
1 TBS homemade cayenne pepper
4 TBS paprika
1 tsp celery seed
Place all ingredients in a blender and pulse. Store in an airtight jar.

Each individual vegetable list below has selection guidelines, nutrition, prep and storage tips. Just click on the link.

Arugula Recipes

Arugula Salad, Arugula with Roasted Red Peppers and Portobello Mushrooms with Homemade Greek Salad Dressing, Arugula, Tomato and Corn Salad, Sauteed Arugula with Mushrooms and Onions, Penne Pasta with Arugula and Goat Cheese, Arugula Goat Cheese Pizza, Arugula with Spicy Sausage, Penne Pasta and Homemade Pesto.



Asparagus Recipes

Roasted Asparagus, Baked Asparagus, Prosciutto and Bacon Wrapped Asparagus, Pan-Fried Asparagus, Grilled Asparagus, Steamed Asparagus with Lemon Butter, Asparagus Balsamic Butter Sauce, Microwaved Asparagus, Shrimp and Asparagus, Chicken and Asparagus Casserole, Shrimp and Asparagus Casserole, Asparagus and Baking Powder Biscuit Casserole, Asparagus Soup and Sauteed Asparagus with Garlic.



Beet Greens Recipe

Beet Greens with Garlic and Onion, Beet Greens, Bacon and Onion, Beet Greens, Pancetta and Beans, Beet Greens and Caramelized Onions, Braised Beet Greens and Lemon.



Bok Choy Recipes

Bok Choy Salad with Onions and Almonds, Bok Choy and Ramen Noodle Salad, Chicken and Bok Choy Soup, Bok Choy and Bacon, Spicy Bok Choy with Garlic Sauce, Sesame Bok Choy, Bok Choy with Mushrooms and Tofu, Braised Bok Choy, Bok Choy, Carrot and Apple Slaw, Szechuan Bok Choy.



Broccoli Recipes

Broccoli and Cheese Soup, Cream of Broccoli Soup, Broccoli, Bacon and Cheese Salad, Pan Roasted Broccoli, Fried Broccoli, Broccoli, Bacon and Cashew Salad, Broccoli Slaw, Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad, Broccoli and Blue Cheese Casserole, Broccoli and Rice Casserole, Broccoli and Cheese Casserole, Sesame Broccoli Dish and Broccoli and Cashews in Garlic Butter.



Broccoli Rabe Recipes

Broccoli Rabe Parmesan, Pancetta and Broccoli Rabe, Spicy Broccoli Rabe and Garlic, Broccoli Rabe with Spicy Sausage and Pasta, Broccoli Rabe, Pasta and Chicken, Mahi-Mahi and Broccoli Rabe, Red Wine Spaghetti and Broccoli Rabe.



Cabbage Recipes

Cabbage Rolls, Fried Cabbage, Grilled Cabbage, Sauteed Cabbage, Cabbage and Noodle Saute, Homemade Cole Slaw with Mayonnaise, Homemade Cole Slaw WITHOUT Mayonnaise, Sweet Cabbage Soup, Corned Beef and Cabbage and Hot Chinese Cabbage.



Carrot Recipes

Carrot Cake, Nutty Carrot Bread, Orange-Glazed Carrots, Ranch-Glazed Carrots, Carrot and Cucumbers, Maple Dill Carrots, Carrot Souffle, Roast Carrots, Sweet and Sour Carrots, Carrot Cookies and Carrot Raisin Drop Cookies.



Cauliflower Recipes

Roast Cauliflower with Garlic, Baked Cauliflower, Cauliflower and Cheese Soup, Just Like A Loaded Potato Recipe, Cauliflower Gratin, Cheese and Cauliflower Casserole, Roasted Popcorn Cauliflower, Cheesy Cauliflower and Cream of Cauliflower Soup.



Collard Greens Recipe

Smoked Turkey and Collards, Southern Collard Greens with Ham Hocks, Braised Collard Greens with Ham Hocks, Collard Greens and Bacon, Spicy Collard Greens and Brazilian Collard Greens.



Corn Recipes

Corn on the Cob: roasted, boiled, steamed, microwaved and grilled; Corn in Butter Sauce, Freezer Corn, Corn Dogs, Corn Dog Muffins, Mexican Sweet Corn Cake, Corn Bread, Cornbread Muffins, Scalloped Corn, Corn Pudding, Cornbread Stuffing, Cornbread and Sausage Dressing, Creamed Corn, Slow Cooked Creamed Corn, Corn and Crab Bisque and Corn Fritters.



Cucumber Recipes

Cucumber and Onion Salad, Asian Cucumber Salad, Creamy Cucumber Salad, Homemade Dill Pickles, Bread and Butter Pickles, Cucumber and Mango Salsa, Tzatziki Cucumber Sauce, Sweet Relish and Creamy Cucumber Toasties.



Dandelion Greens Recipes

Dandelion Greens and Salt Pork, Wilted Dandelion Greens and Bacon, Fresh Dandelion Greens Salad, The Best Salad Dressing, Dandelion Greens and Taters, Homemade Dandelion Wine, Dandelion Greens, Cabbage and Tempeh and Sweet & Sour Dandelion Greens.



Endive Recipes

Stuffed Endive Spears, Endive wrapped in Ham and Cheese, Cream of Belgian Endive Soup, Endive Salad, Endive and Smoked Salmon, Apple, Endive and Grape Salad, Mini Finger Endive Appetizers, Endive with Goat Cheese, Figs and Honey Glazed Pecans.



Escarole Recipes

Escarole and Beans, Escarole Casserole, Escarole and Sausage Soup, Fresh Escarole Salad with Parmesan Balsamic Dressing and Stuffed Escarole Pizza.



Garlic Recipes

Roasted Garlic, Garlic Alfredo Sauce, Garlic Prime Rib, Garlic Lovers Chicken, Deep Fried Garlic Chicken, Oven Fried Garlic Chicken, Garlic and Balsamic Vinegar Chicken, Roasted Garlic and Cauliflower, Garlicky Red Potatoes, Creamed Garlic Potatoes, Garlic Bread and Garlic Penne Pasta.



Kale Recipes

Kale and Ham Soup, Kale, Sausage and Potato Soup, Baked Kale "Chips," Kale and Vegetable Hash, Portuguese Kale and Chorizo Soup, Kale with Red Onion and Feta Cheese, Kale Hash with Smoked Sausage, Kale Slaw, Kale and Polenta Lasagna, Linguine with Kale and Sausage.



Mizuna Recipe

Mizuna Sauteed with Chicken, Greens with Ginger Miso Dressing, Mozzarella Mizuna Salad, Grilled Mizuna Mushroom Salad, Chicken Salad with Mizuna and Blue Cheese, Smoked Salmon and Mizuna with Roasted Red Pepper Vinaigrette.



Mustard Greens Recipes

Mustard Greens with Black Eyed Peas, Creamy Mustard Greens and Salmon, Southern Mustard Greens, Mustard Greens and Bacon, Rotini Pasta, Sausage and Mustard Greens and Roasted Sweet Potato with Curried Mustard Greens.



Potato Recipes

Potato Salad, Old Fashioned Mashed Potatoes, Hot German Potato Salad, Loaded Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Cajun Potatoes, Scalloped Potatoes, Cowboy Potato Casserole and Twice Baked Potatoes.


Mashed Potato Patties
Mashed Potato Recipe



Spinach Recipes

Homemade Spinach Dip and Baked Artichoke Spinach Dip.

Here are 5 Simple Steps to Safely Remove Chemicals & Pesticides from Store-Bought Produce:

1. Put your store-bought fruit and veggies in a sink filled with ice-cold water.
2. Squeeze 1/2 a Lemon into the sink.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of Salt.
4. Add a splash of Apple Cider Vinegar.
5. Soak for 15 minutes.

Vegetable Recipes

FRIED GREEN TOMATOES

4 large green tomatoes, sliced 1/8" thick

2 egg whites
1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup panko crumbs (or bread crumbs)
2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp cayenne powder, or to taste (optional)

1 quart oil for frying

Thinly cut the washed green tomatoes into 1/8" thick slices and throw out the ends; set aside on paper towels to drain.

Whip the egg whites and milk together in a shallow bowl.  In another shallow bowl, mix the flour, cornmeal, panko, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder and cayenne together.

Press a tomato slice into the flour mixture and shake gently to remove excess.  Dip into the milk mixture and press again into the flour mixture.  Gently shake off excess and carefully put on a plate to dry (this keeps the breading on while frying).  Do not stack.  Repeat with remaining slices.

Pour enough oil into a heavy skillet that it reaches 1/2 inch deep.  Place over medium heat and heat until it's hot.  To test, add some flour, it will sizzle and cook.  Remove. 

Gently place 4 slices of tomato into the hot oil and cook until the bottom is brown; approximately 2 to 3 minutes.  Turn over and cook the other side another 2 to 3 minutes or until browned.  Place on paper towels or brown paper bag to cool.  Add more oil if needed, to maintain 1/2 inch deep to fry remaining pieces.  If oil is added, make sure you heat it up before frying more.

When you are done frying your tomatoes, you can make a tasty sandwich out of the slices.  Makes two sandwiches.

FRIED GREEN TOMATO SANDWICH

6 fried green tomato slices, recipe above
2 slices pepper jack cheese (or your favorite)
4 slices of sourdough bread (or your favorite)
4 strips of cooked bacon
butter for bread
dipping sauce, recipe below

Discard the oil and wipe the skillet out with a paper towel.  Butter the bread and place the buttered side of the bread down in a skillet.  Top with 3 slices of fried green tomato, then cheese, then two strips of bacon and top with a buttered side up slice of bread.  Repeat with the other sandwich.  Cook until bottom of the sandwich is golden brown and carefully turn over.  Cook the other side until golden brown and enjoy.  Dip sandwich into the sauce. 

FRIED GREEN TOMATOES DIPPING SAUCE

1/4 cup buttermilk ranch dressing
1/4 cup sour cream
2 TBS Franks hot sauce

Mix the above ingredients together and spread over the top of the tomatoes.  I usually double this recipe - it only makes 1/2 cup.

HOMEMADE ITALIAN VEGETABLE SOUP RECIPE

1 lb ground beef
1 cup onion, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
1 cup carrots, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 cups peeled and diced tomatoes
2 cups homemade tomato sauce
1 (19oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
4 cups beef broth
1 TBS dried parsley
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
2 cups cabbage, chopped
1 cup corn
1 cup green beans, sliced
1 cup macaroni

Place the ground beef in a large stock pot and fry until browned; drain. Add the onion, celery, carrots, garlic, tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, water and bouillon cubes. Then season with the parsley, oregano and basil. Simmer for 30 minutes.

Add the cabbage, corn, green beans, and pasta. Bring to a boil and simmer until the vegetables are tender and the pasta is cooked. Add more water if needed. Another easy vegetable recipe is seven layer salad (recipe below). I love it.

HOMEMADE HARVEST SALAD

1/2 cup candied pecans
1 bunch spinach, washed and torn into bite size pieces
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 avocado - peeled, pitted and chopped
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing:
2 TBS red raspberry jam
2 TBS red wine vinegar
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
freshly ground black pepper to taste
kosher salt to taste

In a large bowl, toss together the first 6 ingredients and chill. In a small bowl, mix together the dressing ingredients and chill. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat before serving. This is an excellent easy vegetable recipe; great any time of the year.

Following, please share your easy vegetable recipe (or favorite recipe) with us. I would love to hear from you.

Homemade Soy Sauce

Fresh Fruit Recipes