10 leafy greens to try

10 leafy green vegetables you need to try

1. Kale

This cumin-crusted chicken with kale salad and hummus dressing is a clever way to make chicken that little bit more exciting, while sneaking in a ton of healthy kale. The hummus and white wine vinegar dressing adds creaminess, without being heavy – a perfect light lunch or dinner option.

2. Spinach

A riot of colour, this recipe for spiced grains with peas, spinach and jammy eggs is flavoured with cumin, coriander and turmeric – great as a nourishing lunch or picnic option.

3. Watercress

Try this pan-fried salmon with watercress sauce for a nutritious midweek meal. It's perfect for sneaking in greens for those who may not be too keen.

4. Rocket

This recipe for grilled portobellos with ricotta, pesto and rocket ticks all the boxes: it's healthy, vegetarian and ready in 20 minutes. Plus, it's packed with flavour thanks to the pesto, and the creamy ricotta makes it feel indulgent.

5. Cabbage

This trendy charred hispi cabbage with hazelnut romesco dish is really easy to prepare, but packs a lot of flavour. It's perfect as part of a main dish, or on its for own for a quick midweek meal.

6. Swiss Chard

This wilted chard and beef recipe is made with colourful rainbow chard, low in calories and so simple to make. At under 250 calories per serving, it's a great light option that'll impress your friends.

7. Lettuce

This recipe for lettuce-wrapped fish with citrus butter is easy, ready in just 30 minutes, and under 300 calories, but looks great and is so packed with flavour that you won't notice you're being virtuous.

8. Pak choi

This low-fat spicy caramlised beetroot salad with marinated ramen eggs, pak choi and sriracha is a quick and easy summer meal. Raw pak choi provides a delicious crunch, but steam it if you prefer your greens cooked.

9. Pea shoots

Bright green broad beans are a beautiful thing. Used in this seasonal broad bean, pea shoot, asparagus and ricotta bowl, it feels like you're eating a bowl full of goodness.

10. Gem lettuce

Check out these punchy turkey tikka burgers with a light yet creamy coronation slaw. These easy burgers are simple to make and are packed with plenty of flavour. Ginger and garlic pastes are available in jars from most supermarkets, and are a good standby for quick meals.

Tracey Raye is the health editor for olive and BBC Good Food. Tracey, MSc, is a registered nutritionist, holding a master’s degree in Personalised Nutrition. She is passionate about harnessing the power of all things health and well-being – in a way that enhances, rather than limits our lives. She covers our nourishing recipes and collections, oversees our health strategy and stays adrift of the latest health and lifestyle trends in order to bring you the tools and inspiration you need to find what health means for you.