Best Way to Cook Greens | What to Make With Fresh Greens – Cooking with Greens

The Best Way to Cook Greens (And What to Make With Them)
The tastiest way to cook greens is to build layers of flavor using garlic, herbs, citrus, and balanced seasoning. Whether you braise collards, sauté kale, or blend spinach into smoothies, properly seasoned greens become bold, crave-worthy, and nutrient-rich.
If you’re searching for the best way to cook greens, what to make with fresh greens, or how to consume greens for maximum flavor and nutrition — you’re in the right place.
At Cooking with Greens, we believe greens should be bold, satisfying, and anything but bland.
What Is the Tastiest Way to Cook Greens?
The secret is layered seasoning.
Here are three foolproof methods:
1. Slow-Braised (Southern Style)
Best for collards, mustard greens, and turnip greens.
Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil
Add mushrooms or plant-based protein
Stir in chopped greens
Add broth and simmer 45–90 minutes
If you're looking for a delicious starting point, try our
Collard Greens Recipe
collards recipe
2. Quick Sauté (Fast & Fresh)
Best for kale and spinach.
Heat olive oil
Add greens
Season well
Cook 3–5 minutes
Finish with lemon juice
Bright. Fresh. Done in minutes.
3. Greens in Rice or Grains
Chop and stir into:
Brown rice
Quinoa
Pasta
Grain bowls
This is one of our favorite ways to add greens to meals without overpowering flavor.
What Can I Make With Fresh Greens?
Fresh greens are one of the most versatile ingredients in your kitchen.
Collard green wraps
Greens & bean soup
Breakfast greens with eggs
Smoothies with spinach or kale
Greens work at every meal.
What Is the Best Way to Consume Greens?
The best way depends on your goal:
Lightly sauté or steam for nutrient retention
Cook for easier digestion
Add consistently for long-term health benefits
Consistency beats perfection.
Our Go-To Seasonings for Cooking Greens
When people ask how we cook greens at Cooking with Greens — this is exactly what we use.
🥓 Vegan Maple Bacun Blend
Flavor Profile: Smoky, slightly sweet, savory depth
Best For: Collards, mustard greens, turnip greens
Our
Vegan Maple Bacun Blend
This blend delivers that traditional Southern-style richness — completely plant-based.
How We Use It:
Sauté onions and garlic
Add mushrooms for umami
Stir in greens
Add 1–1½ teaspoons Vegan Maple Bacun Blend
Simmer with vegetable broth
You get slow-cooked comfort flavor — without pork.
🧄 Garlic Herb Blend
Flavor Profile: Fresh, aromatic, balanced
Best For: Kale, spinach, mixed greens
Our
Garlic Herb Blend
How We Use It:
Heat olive oil
Add greens
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon Garlic Herb Blend
Finish with fresh lemon juice
Clean. Bright. Elevated.
🔥 The Signature Combo (Our Favorite Method)
Often, we use both:
Vegan Maple Bacun Blend for depth
Garlic Herb Blend for brightness
The smoky + herbaceous combination creates layered flavor — and that’s what makes greens crave-worthy.
If someone says they don’t like greens, they probably haven’t had them seasoned properly.
Final Thoughts
Greens are affordable. Powerful. Versatile.
And when properly seasoned, they’re absolutely delicious.
If you're ready to elevate your greens, explore our full collection of
Cooking with Greens Spice Blends
https://www.cookingwithgreensfamily.com/collections/pink-himalayan-blends-1/pink-himalayan+blends
Tastefully at Home,
Derak