13 Ways to Add More Veggies to Your Meals [+ Recipes]

Does the idea of eating vegetables conjures up some not-so-fun childhood memories? You may not love every vegetable out these, but it’s never too late in life to learn how to love vegetables! There are many ways to make veggies tasty so you can actually enjoy them.

Did you know there are more varieties of vegetables in the world than nearly all other food sources? If you need scientific evidence to eat more vegetables consider this: Vegetables are a key factor in promoting long-term maintenance of a healthy weight. Vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, which help you to be healthier, feel your best, and may prevent certain diseases.

If you are someone who just does not like vegetables, do not fear. Check out the list below for creative, fun ways that will have even the most extreme veggie haters loving these nutrient-dense treats.

Tips for integrating vegetables into your meals and snacks:

1. Create “mashed potato” blends by incorporating mashed cauliflower, rutabaga, or turnip, and add baby spinach, onion, garlic, pureed celeriac or carrot. Try it now: Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Recipe
   
2. Slice some eggplant, peppers, onions, and sweet potatoes; rub them with a little olive oil and spices, place on baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes while you cook the rest of your meal.
3. Top a Profile Pizza Crust with sauce and cheese. Add chopped mushrooms, peppers, onions and dressed leafy greens. Checkout these 5 Healthy Pizza Recipes
   
4. Add mushrooms, peppers, onions, grape tomatoes or diced carrots to spaghetti sauce and serve over sautéed shredded cabbage or zucchini noodles.
5. Top your sandwiches with fresh vegetables: dark green leafy lettuce, tomato, cucumber, pickled vegetables, onion, roasted red peppers and mushrooms.
   Try this out now: Copycat Crunchy Taco Sandwich
   
6. Add a bag of vegetable steamers to your Profile Soup for a quick and complete Profile lunch. Fancy up our vegetarian chili with these 6 chili remix recipes. 
7. To ground beef dishes and meatloaf, add black beans, shredded cabbage, peppers, carrots, onion, garlic, spinach, kale, tomatoes, shredded zucchini or yellow squash, riced cauliflower, diced artichoke heart, or sauerkraut.
   Try this out now: Meatloaf Cupcakes Recipe
   
8. Add a variety of vegetables to your beef, chicken or shrimp stir-fries. Vegetables add great color and will take on the flavor of the sauce and protein. Get creative and pick a variety of veggies from Profile’s grocery list.
9. Stuff tomatoes, cucumber rounds, peppers, potato skins, or hollowed out cabbage with a protein choice such as tuna salad, egg salad, ground beef or the Profile Sloppy Joe; add steamed vegetables and serve over a dark leafy green salad.
   Try this now: Stuffed Peppers Recipe
   
10. Roast or grill vegetables. Good choices include Brussels sprouts, cauliflower steaks, zucchini or yellow squash, peppers, onions, fennel, grape tomatoes, green beans, green onions, mushrooms, broccoli and celery.
11. Make vegetable soup by adding vegetables of your choice to a vegetable, beef or chicken stock. For variety, puree simmered vegetables in its seasoned simmering liquid, and add additional seasonings and spices to your taste.
    Try this out now: Broccoli and Leek Soup Recipe
    
12. Create a base with vegetables by using spaghetti squash instead of pasta or rice. Spiral slice zucchini, cucumber, or any vegetable you can think of and create a “veggie noodle”. Use as pasta or add veggie noodles to a bed of lettuce for a wonderful and colorful salad.
    Try this now: Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs
    
13. Vegetables are most palatable when served with additional interest. For example: prepare vegetable medleys using a combination of vegetables to provide interest and differing textures on the plate. Try a hot-cold salad combination such as protein served over a bed of greens and sautéed vegetables.

Try more of our favorite veggie-packed recipes by downloading our Favorite’s Cookbook for free!