We all know that veggies make an essential part of a healthy and balanced diet, but getting more on our plate is a whole different story — they actually seem to be the last thing many of us reach for. But, we’re about to change that. With these five vegetable seasoning ideas, you’ll find yourself choosing that garlic roasted broccoli over that carb-heavy side dish more times than not.
Ready to become a vegetable cooking pro and make healthy eating easier and more delicious? We got you.
5 Vegetable Seasoning Ideas That Will Leave You Craving Those Dark Leafy Greens
#1 Make Your Seasoning Homemade
We get it — store-bought seasoning makes for a convenient done-for-you option. But, taking some time on meal prep day to make your own makes for one of our vegetable seasoning ideas that can transform your veggie side dish.
Not only will it be more flavorful, but you’re in charge of what ingredients you use. The result? Fewer additives and zero added sugar (because you can totally opt to skip any sweeteners in your own homemade mix)
See below for a simple veggie seasoning mix recipe that you can use to season all of your favorite vegetables.
#2 Use The Real Deal Whenever Possible
And while we’re on the topic of seasoning, let’s talk dried, vs. fresh herbs and spices. Whenever possible, try using the real deal vs. the dried varieties. Ya know like fresh garlic and onion or fresh rosemary or basil.
It’ll pack in a more flavorful punch making those veggie side dishes even more delicious.
Can’t use fresh all the time? No worries — the next best option is making your own seasoning using dried herbs and spices (recipe below).
#3 Make Good Use of Healthy Fats
If you’re a big cooking fan show, then you know how pro chefs can go heavy on that EVOO (extra virgin olive oil). Why? Well, because fats taste good! They help bring out all the flavor in your veggie seasoning and the vegetables themselves.
Not only that, but fats can help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, so go ahead and add that drizzle of olive oil over your cubed sweet potato or cauliflower florets.
The trick? Be sure to stick to healthy fats and don’t go too heavy on the drizzle. Stick to about a tablespoon for each serving (one tablespoon of olive oil comes in at about 119 calories and 14 grams of fat).
Want to switch things up a bit? Here are some other healthy fat options that pair well with your favorite veggies.
- Avocado oil
- Coconut oil
- Ghee
#4 Try a Different Cooking Method
If your go-to way to prep veggies is the basic boiling method, it’s time to spice things up a bit. Try roasting your veggies or pan-frying them with avocado oil and your favorite herbs and spices. These cooking methods will add a much more flavorful punch vs. just boiling, so give it a try!
Pair your new cooking methods with one of our favorite vegetable seasoning ideas below, and chances are, you’ll be eating more veggies in no time!
#5 Get Savvy With Your Sauces
Not all sauces are created equal — some are healthy, some not so much. Some bring out the flavor in our veggies dishes, while others overpower the naturally sweet flavors many veggies come with.
Here’s where picking the right sauce comes into play. Try choosing something that is going to complement your veggie dish (the healthy way).
Here are some of our favorite sauce picks to make eating those greens ten times more delicious.
- Coconut aminos
- Balsamic vinegar
- Pesto
- Garlic infused olive oil
- Miso
- Ghee or grass-fed butter mixed with chives and garlic
3 Yummy Vegetable Seasoning Ideas To Help You Eat More Veggies!
#1 Simple Veggie Seasoning Mix
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp onion powder
- ½ tbsp dried oregano
- ½ tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp sea salt
Mix all ingredients together in a mason-style glass jar and shake to combine.
Store in a cool, dry place until ready to use to season your veggies!
#2 Garlic Chive Butter
Ingredients:
- ½ stick of high-quality butter (preferably grass-fed)
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl and using a hand-held mixer or immersion blender, mix well.
Use over asparagus, broccoli, or even cauliflower!
#3 Spicy Vegetable Seasoning
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp sea salt
Mix all ingredients together in a mason-style glass jar and shake to combine.
Store in a cool, dry place until ready to use to season your veggies!
Become a Veggie Cooking Pro
If getting your veggies in each day just seems like an uphill battle, you’re so not alone. Try using these vegetable seasoning ideas to make getting those greens in easier and totally delicious.
Hey, you may be surprised to find yourself craving those spicy cauliflower florets or that garlic oil broccoli instead of that side of rice!
