Spring has Sprung: 5 Fresh ways to eat your greens

There's nothing like the taste of fresh greens after a long, cold winter!

I swear spring greens taste different from other season's - they're so tender, juicy and full of flavour.

 Not that the greens of summer, autumn and winter aren't.

Or perhaps it's all perception - we're so excited to be getting into warmer weather that a fresh salad tastes better than at any other time of the year!

Regardless, whether you've picked up a bunch of silverbeet, spinach, chard or pak choi; herbs like parsley and coriander; a bag of salad or a lettuce… there are plenty of ways to use them beyond throwing them into a salad.

Give them a quick sauté

Simple is best - and it doesn't get much more simple than cooking greens with garlic and chilli until wilted. Finish with a drizzle of lemon juice, a sprinkle of salt and plenty of cracked pepper.

Throw them in a frittata

A frittata is one of those wonderfully forgiving meals that can be adapted to include whatever is in season. Sauté your greens with onion and garlic, pour over with beaten eggs, top with grated cheese, then bung it in the oven to cook until golden.

Blend them into a fresh something fresh

If you're after something a little different, try whizzing your leafy greens into a pesto or green sauce. Blending spinach and/ or rocket with olive oil, parmesan and nuts will create a wonderful pesto that works fabulously when folded through pasta, roasted veggies, spread atop sourdough and combined with poached egg… it's a great way to use up lots of greens before they lose their freshness!

Transform them into Crispy Fritters

The perfect snack or light meal, fritters are a great way to get nutrients in without forcing yourself to eat salad! This works well with silverbeet, kale, spinach and herbs: roughly chop the greens then mix with beaten egg, flour, grated cheese and chopped garlic. Toss in any herbs and spices that tickle your fancy, then pan-fry until golden on each side. Serve with your favourite dipping sauce.

Green Curry

While warmer weather has arrived, the evenings still bring a chill that is best held at bay with a hearty, warming meal… and what better than a tasty curry?! Throw in chopped greens to a Thai-style coconut curry with tofu or chicken for protein… it'll tick all the boxes!