Secret Veggie Recipes

We all know that we’re supposed to eat multiple serving vegetables every day, but that isn’t always an easy (or yummy) task.

We turned to the food bloggers and compiled a list of the most delicious recipes that use fruits or vegetables, without your taste buds even knowing. Next time you’re struggling to get your daily servings of fruits or veggies in, check out these easy recipes.

Zucchini Pizza Bites

Ingredients: 

• 1 zucchini

• 1/2 cup marinara sauce

• 2 oz shredded mozzarella cheese

• 6 basil leaves, turn into small pieces

Directions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Slice the zucchini into 1/2″ thick rounds.

3. Lay on a paper towel and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for a few minutes and dab with the paper towel to remove the moisture.

4. Spray a large baking sheet with non-stick spray, or lay down a sheet of parchment paper, then arrange the zucchini in a single layer.

5. Top with a spoonful of sauce and a pinch of cheese.

6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese begins to brown.

7. Sprinkle with basil and serve!

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water

• ½ cup flour

• 1 ½ tablespoons garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into bite size pieces 

• 2/3 cup buffalo sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, mix water, flour, garlic powder, and salt and pepper together with a wooden spoon. Stir until everything is combined. 

3. Add the cauliflower pieces to the bowl and toss to coat them in the flour mixture. 

4. Once the pieces are thoroughly coated, spread them over baking sheet. Place them in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. 

5. As they are baking, combine buffalo wing sauce and butter in a medium-sized bowl and whisk ingredients together. 

6. After 20-25 minutes, remove the cauliflower form the oven. Toss in the hot sauce mixture until coated. Place back in the oven and back for another 10 minutes.

7. Remove and enjoy! We also recommend dipping in ranch.

Hidden Veggie Popsicles

Ingredients:  

• ½ cup Orange juice

• ½ cup Carrot juice

• 1 cup Mango pieces, frozen

• ⅓ cup Pineapple pieces, frozen

Directions: 

1. Place 1 cup of frozen mango pieces into a blender.

2. Add in ½ cup of carrot juice to the blender.

3. Pour in ½ cup of orange juice.

4. Mix in the ⅓ cup of frozen pineapple pieces, and blend on high until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

5. Pour the popsicle mixture into the molds.

6. Place the popsicle molds into the freezer until completely frozen. We recommend leaving them overnight!

7. Carefully remove from molds and enjoy!

Baked Banana Chips

Ingredients:

• 10 ripe bananas

• 1 lemon (juiced)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°F.

2. Slice bananas into thin pieces and coat with lemon juice.

3. Place the pieces on a non-stick baking sheet and bake for 2 hours.

4. Flip pieces and bake for an additional 1.5 hours, or until the bananas have reached the desired crispiness.

5. Remove from the oven and place on a baking rack to let cool.

6. Enjoy once completely cooled and fully crispy!

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Getting your daily dose of vegetables isn’t always easy but these recipes make it fun! Which one are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments! And, as always, 

Be well, Auburn.

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Photography: Anna B.