When veggies make up a big chunk of your diet, they better taste good. Some people need nothing more than some broccoli and carrots in their raw form, but the rest of us? Well, let’s just say craving greens takes a little more effort. Here are 14 ways you can make your vegetables taste amazing with minimal effort, from the best vegetable seasoning tips to how to cook them to perfection.
1. Roast Them
Is there anything better that roasted vegetables? The answer is no. Even someone who hates veggies will love the crispy, slightly charred taste.
Try this: Roasted Mixed Vegetables
2. Add Balsamic
Balsamic vinegar is such an understated way to give vegetables flavors. It’s low in calories, high in deliciousness, and takes about .5 seconds to work its magic.
Try this: Broiled Balsamic Vegetables With Lemon Parsley Rice
3. Spice ‘Em Up
Herbs and spices do wonders to give your veggies drool-worthy flavor. Garlic pretty much makes even your least favorite greens taste amazing, and we can never get enough paprika, basil, ginger, oregano, rosemary… the list goes on. Experiment until you find a mix that works for you.
Try this: Herb-Roasted Veggie Bowl With Tahini-Kale Sauce
4. Mix Them With Fruit
It might sound weird, but the sweetness of fruit can do wonders when added in with bland veggies.
Try this: Vegan Apple Broccoli Salad
5. Steam Them
Just make sure they’re not mushy. Because no one wants to eat baby food over the age of 3.
Try this: Steamed Artichokes With Fresh Herb Vinaigrette
6. Add a Sauce
The easiest solution to making a veggie dish you’ll go crazy for is by adding a tasty sauce. Make some stir-fry, a curry, or just load up with hot sauce. Just make sure your choice is low-sodium. Or better yet? Make your own.
Try this: Honey Ginger Tofu and Veggie Stir-Fry
7. Add in Nuts of Seeds
Adding in nuts and seeds won’t just add nutritional benefits — they’ll also add flavor and crunch you won’t be able to stop munching on. Want to get extra fancy? Use a nut butter or tahini.
Try this: Abundance Bowls With Almond Butter-Lemon Dressing
8. Sweeten Things Up
We’re not telling you to turn your veggies into candy (although that would be delicious), but by adding a little maple syrup, you can sweeten things up without putting yourself in a sugar coma. Just don’t do it every day.
Try this: Rosemary Maple Balsamic Roasted Vegetables
9. Add Salt
Just not too much! A little bit goes a long way in the flavor department.
Try this: Roasted Root Vegetables
10. Add Breadcrumbs
Aka, coat all your favorite veggies fry-style and bake them into crispy perfection.
Try this: Panko-Crusted Baked Eggplant Fries With Curried Cashew Aioli
11. Add a Little Zest
Spritz some lemon or lime on your veggies for a tangy burst of flavor.
Try this: Crispy Broccoli With Lemon and Garlic
12. Add Some Cheese
Whether that’s your favorite vegetarian or vegan variety, cheese could make a brick taste like a million bucks.
Try this: Life-Changing Vegan Cheese Sauce
13. Add Healthy Fats
Don’t be afraid of fat. By adding some coconut, olive, or avocado oil, you can add an extra boost of fiber and heart-healthy omega-3s to your plate.
Try this: Crispy Potatoes With Garlic Lemon Avocado Aioli
14. Add Hummus
Need we say more? (That’s what we thought.)
Try this: Minted Lentil Veggie Bowl With Soaked Almonds and Hummus Dressing
Now eat up!