SparkPeople Slideshows

Unconventional Ways to Use Bagged Greens

  • Pumped-Up Pesto

    Swap arugula or baby kale for the herbs in your favorite pesto recipe, or simply add a handful in addition to the basil.

  • Healthier Hummus

    Call on spinach, arugula or kale the next time you make hummus. Pureeing a few handfuls of greens will lighten and brighten your favorite dip.

  • Lettuce Wraps

    Instead of bread, wraps or taco shells, pile all your fillings into whole leaves of Romaine for a light and crunchy meal.

  • Simple Soup

    On nights when you don't want to cook, stir spinach, arugula or shredded cabbage into your favorite canned soup, then simmer until the greens are cooked.

  • Lighter Deli Salad

    Mix shredded greens or cabbage into homemade or store-bought tuna, chicken or egg salad for added crunch and fiber.

  • Low-Carb Side Swap

    Instead of serving a shrimp stir-fry or chicken curry atop rice or noodles, use coleslaw mix that's been steamed until tender-crisp.

  • Pizza Topping

    Toss fresh arugula or spinach on a pizza--homemade, frozen or delivery--while it's still hot for a cool, crunchy contrast to your warm and chewy pie.

  • Dunkers for Dip

    Instead of chips or crackers, use whole leaves of crunchy Romaine to scoop up dip--or spread a spoonful down the center for an elegant presentation.

  • Taste of the Irish

    For an Irish twist on mashed potatoes called colcannon, place a bag of spinach or baby kale in the colander before draining boiled potatoes, then mash as usual with plenty of butter and milk, plus a pinch of nutmeg.

  • Salad on a Stick

    Thread chunks of folded Romaine or another sturdy green with peppers, olives, cucumbers and any other vegetable you like onto bamboo skewers, then drizzle with your favorite dressing for an inventive salad worthy of any special occasion.
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Unconventional Ways to Use Bagged Greens

By Stepfanie Romine, Staff Writer

Who's up for a quick round of "Iron Chef"? Today's mystery ingredient is a good one: bagged greens. Easy to use and packed with nutrition, you probably have a bag or two of these pre-washed, ready-to-eat greens in the fridge right now. But beyond salads, what can you do with them? Plenty!

Start Slideshow

Pumped-Up Pesto

Swap arugula or baby kale for the herbs in your favorite pesto recipe, or simply add a handful in addition to the basil.