Microgreens have taken the culinary world by storm with their bold flavors and vibrant colors. These tiny greens are harvested at just the right moment, capturing the essence of their parent plants in a concentrated form. As a result, they’ve gained popularity for their versatility and use in both professional and home kitchens. Their stunning visual appeal is only matched by their diverse range of flavors, depending on the variety.
From arugula to broccoli, kale, radish, and sunflower shoots, microgreens can add a pop of color and flavor to everything from salads and sandwiches to pizza toppings, pasta dishes, and stir-fries. With so many varieties to choose from, you’re sure to find one that suits your taste buds.
Tips For Buying The Freshest Microgreens
When it comes to purchasing microgreens, there are several key factors to consider in order to make informed choices and ensure you’re getting the best quality. Firstly, freshness is crucial – look for vibrant colors and crisp leaves, and avoid any that appear wilted or yellowed. It’s also important to inspect your microgreens for signs of pest damage, and choose ones that are free from bugs and other unwanted critters.
For a cleaner taste and reduced exposure to chemicals, opting for organic microgreens is the way to go. Additionally, take the time to read packaging labels carefully, as they will provide valuable information on washing methods, growing practices, and origin. To keep things interesting, don’t be afraid to try different varieties of microgreens – each one can offer a unique flavor and color profile.
When sampling your microgreens, pay attention to their aroma and intensity of flavor, as these can give you an idea of their overall quality. Packaging plays a critical role in preserving the freshness of your microgreens, so choose products that come well-packaged to minimize the risk of damage. If possible, consider buying from local sources – not only will this support sustainable agriculture, but it will also ensure your microgreens are at their freshest and most flavorful.
Finally, when selecting microgreens, prioritize cleanliness by choosing ones displayed in a sanitary environment. And remember, because microgreens have a relatively short shelf life, make sure to ask for storage tips from the vendor and use them promptly.
Best Recipes Using Microgreens
Sweet & Savory Balsamic Microgreens Salad
By blending bold balsamic vinaigrette with the peppery zip of fresh microgreens, this recipe crafts a deliciously revitalizing dish that’s as good for you as it is to eat. Feel free to experiment with various microgreen varieties to revolutionize the flavor profile and add a new dimension to your salad game.
Balsamic Mushrooms Pizza With Caramelized Shallots & Microgreens
Crafting a delectable veggie-based pizza requires attention to detail, particularly when it comes to caramelizing the mushrooms and shallots to perfection. The foundation of this recipe lies in its simple dough, which can be either made from scratch or sourced pre-made. To elevate this dish, focus on tenderizing the aromatics until they’re soft and infused with a deep flavor profile.
Microgreens Pesto
This innovative pesto variation elevates the classic with the bold essence of microgreens. Its adaptability makes it an excellent addition to a variety of dishes, such as pasta, pizza, sandwiches, side dishes, and even served as a condiment. The harmonious blend of flavors is further enriched by its six key ingredients: peppery microgreens, nutty kale, crunchy pepitas, pungent garlic, salty Parmesan, and a squeeze of citrusy lemon juice.
Super Microgreens Salad
For a quick and easy salad preparation, combine your go-to microgreens with an assortment of chopped veggies. The key to this speedy dish lies in its simplicity, as it only requires the addition of a vinaigrette dressing. To make this refreshing mix, you’ll need just a few basic ingredients: a medley of vibrant microgreens, such as a rainbow mix, along with sliced eggs, creamy avocado, crunchy cucumber, and protein-rich chickpeas.
Green Goddess Couscous Bowl
Indulge in this delectable vegan bowl, where the harmonious union of pearl couscous, fresh herbs, and creamy green goddess dressing creates a culinary masterpiece. The subtle nutty flavor of the couscous is elevated by the rich vegetable broth, rendering a delightful combination that will leave you craving for more. A mere handful of ingredients are needed to bring this dish to life: pearl couscous, cilantro, parsley, mint, and a pinch of salt.
As the aromatic herbs mingle with the tender couscous, the green goddess dressing adds a velvety touch, resulting in a truly satisfying vegan bowl.
Avocado Toast With Microgreens
A delightful combination of flavors and textures is brought together in this toast recipe. Ripe avocados are mashed with salt and spread on toasted bread, providing a creamy base for the dish. The addition of balsamic glaze adds a tangy sweetness, while crushed red pepper brings a subtle kick. However, it’s the microgreens that truly elevate this recipe, infusing it with a burst of fresh flavor.
The ingredients, including toasted bread, rainbow microgreens, avocado, balsamic glaze, and red pepper, all work together in harmony to create a truly exceptional snacking experience.
Super Greens Sandwich
Indulge in this delectable sandwich, perfectly balanced to satisfy your craving for greens. The velvety avocado sauce harmonizes with the crispness of the cucumber and provolone cheese, creating a delightful contrast that will leave you wanting more. With its wholesome ingredients – grain bread, fresh baby spinach, and a sprinkle of black pepper – this sandwich is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a nutritious way to incorporate daily greens into your diet.
Sweet Potato Hash Egg Skillet
A quick and delicious breakfast solution, Sweet Potato Hash Egg Skillet is a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy mornings. By cooking the sweet potatoes and onions until tender, and then adding eggs to your desired level of doneness, this recipe offers a satisfying start to the day. The flavors are brought together by a combination of sweet potatoes, yellow onion, garlic clove, smoked paprika, and coriander, making for a truly savory experience.
Breakfast Salad With Microgreens
Transform your morning routine with a fresh take on breakfast – a vibrant salad bowl! Imagine a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, where crunchy microgreens meet creamy avocado, rich eggs, and satisfying everything bagel crisps. This innovative breakfast twist is more than just a meal, it’s an experience that will awaken your senses. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare.
Simply combine Greek yogurt, diced everything bagel, olive oil, refreshing cucumber slices, and juicy cherry tomatoes. Let the symphony of flavors and colors transport you to a brighter morning.
Peach & Goat Cheese Pita Pizza With Microgreens
In just 15 minutes, you can indulge in a flavorful pita pizza that will leave you craving more. The harmonious union of sweet peaches, creamy goat cheese, and peppery microgreens is nothing short of irresistible.
This culinary delight requires only a handful of ingredients: pliable pita pockets, honey-infused goat cheese, milk to bind the flavors together, luscious peaches for added sweetness, a sprinkle of peppery microgreens for an explosion of flavor, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar to bring it all home.
Fancy Slaw
Experience the perfect harmony of textures in this coleslaw recipe, where crispy Chinese cabbage, crunchy snow pea sprouts, and peppery micro greens come together in a refreshing medley. The tangy zing from the lime juice is balanced by a subtle sweetness, making every bite a delight. For this recipe, you’ll need Chinese cabbage, snow pea sprouts, microgreens, coriander, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Blue Cheese Tomato Recipe With Microgreens
Summer’s sweetness is perfectly captured in this effortless yet refined dish, where succulent ripe tomatoes, crumbled blue cheese, tangy balsamic glaze, and peppery microgreens harmonize in a delightful union. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare ahead of time, making it perfect for warm weather gatherings or quick weeknight meals.
The recipe is straightforward, requiring only a few key ingredients: juicy tomatoes, salt, pepper, crumbled blue cheese, balsamic glaze, and microgreens.
With these simple components, you can create a dish that’s as refreshing as a summer breeze.
Arugula Microgreens “Caprese” Toast
This innovative toast brings together the iconic flavors of a Caprese salad in a fresh and exciting way. Arugula microgreens add a peppery depth to the classic combination of juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella. The star-studded cast of ingredients includes succulent tomato, rich fresh mozzarella, pungent arugula microgreens, crispy ciabatta bread, and a drizzle of olive oil that ties everything together.
Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki, a beloved Japanese dish, has gained worldwide popularity for its unique savory flavor profile. This delightful pancake is made with a special batter consisting of flour, eggs, and dashi, which gives it a distinct taste. The filling typically consists of crunchy cabbage and an assortment of other ingredients that add texture and depth to the dish. To achieve the perfect Okonomiyaki, cooking over medium heat is crucial, allowing for even cooking without burning.
When it comes to the ingredients, you’ll need scallions, eggs, shredded cabbage, panko breadcrumbs, sheet nori seaweed sheets, and a dollop of creamy mayo.
Raw Zucchini Salad
Summer’s abundance of zucchini provides the perfect opportunity to craft a refreshing and flavorful salad that harmoniously combines the sweetness of the vegetable with the brightness of citrus and the earthiness of nuts and cheese. This Raw Zucchini Salad recipe is an ideal accompaniment to grilled meats or fish, its simplicity belied by the depth of flavors it delivers.
To bring this dish to life, you’ll need just a few key ingredients: a bounty of zucchini, a squeeze of lemon juice, toasted pine nuts, crumbled feta cheese, and a sprinkling of peppery microgreens.
Roasted Acorn Squash, Microgreens & Quinoa Salad
A symphony of autumn flavors comes together in this delightful salad! Roasted squash is tender and sweet, perfectly complemented by nutty quinoa, peppery microgreens, and a rich tahini dressing that harmoniously brings all the elements together. The key to this dish lies in its thoughtful combination of textures and tastes. And speaking of ingredients, you’ll need: a creamy tahini paste, some extra virgin olive oil, earthy oregano, bright cilantro, and a touch of heat from jalapeno.
Avocado Egg Salad Bagel Sandwich
Savoring the harmonious union of velvety avocado and satisfying hard-boiled eggs, this recipe wraps them in a fresh, toasted bagel for a delightful culinary experience. To elevate the dish, don’t be shy with the herbs as they inject a burst of freshness into each bite. The essential ingredients are: creamy avocado, firm hard-boiled eggs, rich mayo, tangy Dijon mustard, subtle paprika, and fragrant chives and dill.
Peach Riccota Pizza With Spicy Microgreens
The harmonious fusion of peachy sweetness and creamy richness in this Peach Ricotta Pizza recipe is elevated by the subtle yet vibrant crunch of spicy microgreens. The combination of flavors and textures creates a truly unique culinary experience.
To create this masterpiece, you’ll need a blend of active dry yeast, honey, olive oil, all-purpose flour, and of course, ricotta cheese.
Corned Beef Tacos
Experience the luck of the Irish with these vibrant corned beef tacos that bring a burst of color and flavor to any meal. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just looking for a tasty twist, these tacos are sure to delight. To create this festive dish, you’ll need some essential ingredients, including carrots, cabbage, red onion, mayonnaise, brown mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
The micro greens and green onions add a fresh and crunchy texture, making each bite a flavorful celebration.
Green Goddess Spring Socca
A creative spin on the traditional chickpea pancake, this dish boasts a satisfying texture contrast between its crispy exterior and tender interior. The real showstopper is the crowning glory – a vibrant medley of fresh spring greens paired with a rich and creamy green goddess dressing. The simple yet effective combination of ingredients includes chickpea flour, olive oil, water, baby greens, and avocado, all working together in harmony to create a truly delightful culinary experience.
Pesto Flatbread With Microgreens Salad
This harmonious union of flavors and textures is achieved through a simple yet impactful combination of ingredients. Pesto, with its bold and savory character, is perfectly balanced by the zesty lemon vinaigrette dressing and the refreshing crunch of microgreens. The subtle sweetness from the tart apple, creamy avocado, and sweet cherry tomatoes adds depth to this delectable flatbread without overpowering the other flavors.
Smoked Salmon With Microgreen & Herb Salad
Indulge in this sophisticated dish, perfect for elevating any special occasion. The salmon is meticulously cured using a classic blend of sugar, salt, and juniper berries, followed by a slow-smoking process to achieve tender perfection. A crowning touch is added with a rich farm egg yolk, luxurious lumpfish caviar, and a dollop of creamy crème fraiche.
To recreate this masterpiece, you’ll need the following ingredients: salmon fillet, brown sugar, fresh dill, juniper berries, eggs, and of course, the prized lumpfish caviar.
Chicken Salad Tartine Toast
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors with this Chicken Salad Tartine Toast recipe, effortlessly accessible to even the most novice cooks. This scrumptious creation requires merely a few uncomplicated ingredients and a brief 10-minute preparation period to bring it all together.
To craft this tasty treat, you’ll need the following essential components: tender pieces of rotisserie chicken, creamy mayonnaise, fresh parsley, tangy pickle relish, and a hint of capers.
Spring Burrata With Green Goddess Pesto
This delectable recipe strikes an ideal balance between lightness and satisfaction. The showstopping burrata takes center stage, boasting a creamy texture and subtle milky flavor that perfectly complements the dish. The green goddess pesto injects a fresh herbaceous note, while the vibrant microgreens add a burst of color to the plate. The harmonious union of flavors and textures is further elevated by the crunchy freshness of watermelon radishes and the nutty undertones provided by pine nuts.
Wasabi Vegetable Bowls
Get ready to fall in love with these bowls! They’re a nutritional powerhouse packed with an assortment of fresh veggies like broccoli, spinach, and cucumber. But what really takes them to the next level is the addition of a creamy wasabi sauce that adds a delightful kick of heat and spice. With a medley of wholesome ingredients such as brown rice, olive oil, broccoli, garlic, and green onion, these bowls are sure to become a staple in your household.
Watermelon Gazpacho
The refreshing watermelon soup is a creative take on the traditional cold soup, skillfully combining the bold flavors of watermelon, cucumber, and bell peppers. To elevate the dish, pair it with a dollop of sour cream and garnish with some chopped fresh herbs and microgreens for added visual appeal. This vibrant blend is perfect for warm weather or as a light lunch option.
The soup’s ingredients include red bell pepper, red onion, cucumber, garlic cloves, and juicy red tomato, all working together to create a harmonious balance of flavors.
Smoked Trout Salad
The smoked trout salad’s zestful flavor profile is characterized by a harmonious balance of bright and refreshing notes. At its core is a rich and tangy creamy horseradish vinaigrette that masterfully complements the delicate flavors of the fish and accompanying vegetables, while the supporting cast of plain yogurt, walnut oil, white wine vinegar, shallot, and prepared horseradish adds depth and complexity to each bite.
Chipotle Lentil Tacos With Avocado & Microgreens
Indulge your guests’ cravings with these mouthwatering tacos! A flavorful combination of tender black lentils cooked in a smoky chipotle-lime sauce makes for a delightful treat. To elevate the dish further, top it off with creamy avocado, peppery microgreens, and a tangy lime-honey dressing that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
With just six essential ingredients – black lentils, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, adobo sauce, fresh lime juice, and crisp microgreens – this recipe is as easy to make as it is impressive to serve.
Whole Wheat Lemon Roasted Broccoli Pizza
Indulge in a guilt-free pizza experience with this veggie-packed recipe! The star of the show is a rustic whole wheat crust, perfectly complemented by roasted broccoli that’s been elevated with a burst of citrusy lemon zest. For added flavor and texture, the dish incorporates a medley of mouthwatering ingredients, including basil pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and more.
Super Sprout & Mango Green Smoothie
The banana-microgreens smoothie stands out for its star-studded cast of characters. At the center of this wholesome blend are bananas and microgreens, which are joined by other nutritious players, including baby kale, mango, and a splash of filtered water to achieve the perfect consistency.
Microgreens Matcha Cupcakes
Indulge in these innovative cupcakes that have taken the world by storm. The star of the show is their natural sweetness, which comes from the finest ingredients. To add an extra layer of sophistication, they’re topped with a rich matcha frosting and garnished with a sprinkle of microgreens for a pop of color and added crunch.
The cupcake’s foundation is built upon a blend of flour, cocoa powder, coconut sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and brewed coffee – a carefully curated selection that yields a moist and decadent treat.
Chickpea Omelet
Combining the richness of chickpea flour with the vibrancy of vegetables and the warmth of spices, this omelet is a true culinary delight. The foundation of the dish lies in the hearty texture provided by the chickpea flour, which is then elevated by the addition of zucchini, carrots, and other vegetables. These ingredients not only add a burst of flavor but also provide essential nutrients to start your day off right.
Furthermore, the recipe includes a blend of ground flaxseed and water, as well as chickpea flour, carefully selected to create a harmonious balance of taste and texture.
Fresh Mint Ice Cream With Pea Microgreens
Innovative flavors come together in this unique dessert recipe, where the richness of mint ice cream meets the unexpected freshness of pea microgreens. To achieve its silky smoothness, the treat starts with a custard base, providing a perfect balance of textures. The combination may seem unusual, but it’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory elements.
The ingredients in this creative concoction include heavy cream, milk, fresh mint, egg yolks, sugar, and dark chocolate.
Microgreen, Zucchini & Carrot Cake
Indulge in the delightful combination of flavors and textures as you savor this delectable cake, perfectly baked to a golden brown hue. Its versatility knows no bounds – enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or as a satisfying snack whenever the mood strikes. The foundation of this treat lies in a trio of wholesome ingredients: grated zucchini, carrots, and Parmesan cheese, blended seamlessly with eggs.
Meanwhile, a sprinkle of microgreens adds a delightful crunch to each bite, elevating this cake to new heights.
Herb Whipped Goat Cheese Toast
Indulge in the harmonious fusion of rich goat cheese, tangy herbs, and silky egg yolk on toasted bread. The velvety texture is elevated by a pinch of flaky salt, black pepper’s subtle kick, and aleppo pepper’s warm depth, culminating in a symphony of flavors. To craft these toasts, you’ll need a trifecta of creamy delights: goat cheese, Greek yogurt, and the fresh essence of parsley and chives.
Pea Shoot & Mint Spring Pasta
In the midst of spring’s awakening, Pea Shoot & Mint Spring Pasta presents a refreshing twist on traditional pasta dishes. The pea shoots infuse this dish with the essence of the season, complemented by the richness of ricotta cheese. This harmonious blend creates a delightful fusion of flavors that will leave you craving more. The recipe itself is straightforward, calling for Fettucini pasta, olive oil, garlic cloves, asparagus stalks, and peas.
While simplicity may seem understated, it’s this unassuming approach that allows the natural sweetness of the pea shoots to shine through, making every bite a sensory delight.
Beemster Beefaroni With Russian Kale Micro Greens
This delectable pasta dish is elevated by the harmonious union of ground beef, creamy white sauce, and peppery Russian kale microgreens. The Beemster cheese adds a rich and nutty depth to the flavors. With its bold combination of ingredients, this hearty meal is sure to please even the most discerning palate.
The recipe calls for a medley of textures and tastes, featuring Gemelli pasta, butter, all-purpose flour, dry white wine, whole milk, and ground beef.
The latter’s savory flavor melds seamlessly with the tangy notes from the wine, while the milk and butter contribute to a velvety smoothness.
The bottom line
The culinary landscape has undergone a significant transformation with the rise of microgreens, showcasing their remarkable flavor profiles and adaptability. What was once a subtle addition has become a focal point for artistic presentations and nutritional enhancements. As the world of cuisine continues to push boundaries, microgreens are poised to remain a beloved staple, driving innovation in flavors and visual appeal.
Types Of Microgreens
Microgreens are a culinary delight that offers an explosion of flavors and vibrant colors. From the peppery zing of arugula to the spicy kick of radish, there’s a microgreen to suit every palate.
Other popular varieties include sunflower, with its mild nutty taste, pea shoot, which adds sweetness to dishes, cilantro (coriander) for its fresh and aromatic profile, basil for its concentrated flavor, kale with its milder taste compared to mature kale, broccoli for its slightly earthy flavor, beet for its pleasant earthy tone, and mustard for its tangy and spicy taste.
These tiny greens can be used in a variety of dishes, from breakfast bowls and toast to sandwiches and salads, offering a delicious way to add flavor and excitement to your meals.
Instructions
Start by exploring our curated selection of recipes that showcase the versatility and flavor of microgreens. Choose a dish that resonates with your culinary interests and gather all the necessary ingredients. As you savor each bite, be sure to give credit where credit is due – don’t forget to share where you found this delightful recipe!
