THE 5 MOST VERSATILE VEGGIES FOR SIMPLE MEALS

​When I think about the term "go-to’s"… I think of solid, reliable and dependable.  Go-to's are always there for you and you know what to expect when you choose them.  (No questions need be asked!)  I bet you have a go-to pair of shoes that you love just a little bit more than the rest, and a go-to potluck recipe that’s always a crowd-pleaser, or even a go-to song that always puts you in a good mood.  We love our go-to’s!  And for us at The Meal Planning Method, our refrigerators are no exception.  Today, I’m sharing my 5 go-to veggies that always make it into my shopping cart each week no matter what's on our schedule, along with some easy recipes ideas to help you enjoy them!

#1) MUSHROOMS

Bananas aren’t the only food that provide potassium!  Mushrooms also contain this important nutrient.  I love mushrooms for their earthy flavor and ability to keep any dish from drying out (which is particularly helpful if you’re someone who relies on leftovers a lot).  

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#2) BELL PEPPERS 

Whichever color is on sale, I go for!  Bell peppers are an essential ingredient for me and not just because they’re high in vitamin C (a vitamin we can only get from food).  These bright babies can provide crunch and texture to most any meal.

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#3) ONIONS

What doesn’t taste better with onions?  This aromatic veggie goes with any and all things raw or cooked. And did you know that onions are also good source of fiber!?

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#4) ZUCCHINI

Now known for its superior spiral-ness as a noodle substitute, I find zucchini to be an easy addition to lots of simple, weeknight dishes.

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#5) SPINACH

Popeye wasn’t wrong about spinach’s ability to make his muscles strong.  Spinach is high in iron and best absorbed by the body when eating alongside vitamin C (bell peppers we’re looking at you).  I love baby spinach best raw, but if it’s starting to fade it’s so easy include in a variety of meals and even smoothies.

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Here’s a quick list of how I like to use these 5 go-to veggies for quick weeknight meals:

1. sliced for chicken fajitas with my favorite salt-free taco seasoning
2. chopped in a simple stir-fry with shelled edamame or shrimp and noodles
3. sauteed in garlic and smothered in red sauce for pasta night
4. diced and sprinkled onto whole-grain tortilla chips for fast nachos with black beans and cheese
5. diced and sprinkled onto a whole-grain crust for homemade pizza
6. stacked for a delish veggie sandwich with hummus and cheese

These versatile veggies rarely go to waste because I can use them for almost any type of cuisine I'm craving!  

What are your go-to vegetables you stock up on each week?  Tell us in the comments below. 

lindsey

P.S. Wanna add these veggies to your MASTER GROCERY LIST each week? Create yours here!