4 Best Springtime Green Foods

Author: Angela Lisle

Spring is upon us, and the produce section of your local market will soon be brimming with sustainable, nutritious, and fresh choices. Whether you are looking for some green-hued options to celebrate the turning of new leaves or wanting to increase the variety in your diet after a bit of a winter drought, we can help. Here are 4 of our favorite green-colored springtime foods and some fun new recipes to work them into your diet. 

1. Avocado

While the avocado is often touted as royalty in the family of healthy fats, you may not realize that avocados are also a wonderful source of fiber and potassium, as well as having a bit of protein. However, remember that this nutrition powerhouse is also more calorie dense than you might expect, so take care with portions when working them into your budget!  

• Fresh Herbed Avocado Salad Recipe 
• Avocado Chocolate Mousse
• Lemon, Garlic & Rosemary Pickled Avocados Recipe 
• Healthy Zucchini Avocado Soup
• Lime Avocado Yogurt Breakfast Parfait
  

2. Asparagus

If you are looking for a vegetable low in calories and fat, yet full of fiber and vitamins (like B1 and K), look no further than a bunch of asparagus. On top of being a nutritional force to be reckoned with, asparagus is easy to prepare, can be eaten raw or cooked, and is often described as “clean” or “earthy” in flavor, making it quite flexible for use in many types of cuisine.

• Chopped Asparagus Salad Recipe
• Spring Pasta with Shaved Asparagus 
• Spring Leek and Asparagus Soup
• Indian Style Asparagus with Lemon and Cumin
• Baked Eggs and Asparagus with Parmesan

3. Peas

Botanically speaking, our next green suggestion is a seed, even though most of us normally use it more like a vegetable in our dishes. More specifically, it’s a legume and closely related to chickpeas, beans, lentils, and peanuts. Fruits and vegetables, regardless of their color, are not typically expected to be high in protein, but all legumes (including the humble pea!) are mighty plant-based sources of protein. They are also high in fiber which not only helps you feel full, but makes them blend down into a creamy consistency without a lot of added fat and calories – making them ideal for dips and spreads. Even better, you can enjoy the pea in dishes either cooked or uncooked, making it quite adaptable as well.

• Quinoa Bowl With Artichokes, Spring Onions and Peas Recipe
• Easy Lemon Mint Pea Dip
• Spring Pea & Basil Soup
• Spring Pea Salad with Strawberries Recipe 
• Healthy Breakfast Casserole with Peas

4. Mint

Perhaps one the most versatile ingredients you may find on our radar in spring is mint. This soothing, cooling herb can not only make your breath more palatable, but it can also help with digestion while adding tons of aromatic flavor to brighten up your menu.

• Mint Chimichurri Recipe 
• Strawberry, Lime, and Mint Infused Water
• Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie 
• Roasted Radish Balsamic Mint Salad
• Pea and Mint Soup

Are you looking for additional inspiration for your journey? Noom has lots of amazing recipes to get your creative juices flowing this spring. Start your 14-day trial today!