When I was a kid, it was instilled in me to always start my day with fruit. Sometimes it was blueberries on my oatmeal or a banana as I ran out the door for school. It’s a healthy habit I’ve carried on as an adult, but over the years I’ve come to realize that I’m forgetting all about vegetables. While I love loading my plate with them at lunch and dinner, I rarely considered them breakfast material, which is actually a shame. You see, veggies can play just as much of a role in your morning routine as that banana. Not only do they make breakfast more interesting, but starting your day with veggies also means you’ll get in at least a nutrient-packed serving or two of them before the clock hits noon, which is always a good thing. And they’re just as versatile at breakfast as they are later in the day. Smoothies, quick bread, breakfast bakes, and eggs all fit the bill for loading up on vegetables.
Here are some delicious ways to incorporate vegetables into your breakfast:
1. **Easy Vegetable Frittata**: As long as you have a few vegetables and some eggs on hand, you can have a frittata on the table in about 20 minutes. Saute your favorite veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach, mix them with beaten eggs, and bake until set. It’s a satisfying and nutritious breakfast that’s perfect for busy mornings.
2. **Summer Breakfast Salad**: Who says salads are only for lunch or dinner? This breakfast salad combines eggs, bacon, and avocado with fresh greens and plump berries. The combination of savory and sweet flavors will wake up your taste buds and keep you energized throughout the morning.
3. **Farmers Market Breakfast Bread**: Made with any combination of beets, carrots, zucchini, or summer squash, this tender quick bread is the perfect way to highlight the earthy sweetness of summer vegetables at their peak. Slice it up, toast it, and enjoy with a smear of butter or cream cheese.
Vegetable-Packed Breakfasts
Now let’s dive into more vegetable-packed breakfast ideas:
1. **Scrambled Eggs With Green Peppers & Mushrooms**: Tossing whatever vegetables you have on hand into your usual scrambled eggs is just about the simplest way to eat them in the morning. Saute green peppers, mushrooms, and any other veggies you like, then fold them into fluffy scrambled eggs. Top with a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor.
2. **3-Ingredient Pesto Zoodle Bowl**: If you’re a fan of zucchini noodles (zoodles), consider this egg-topped recipe your invitation to enjoy them for breakfast. Spiralize zucchini, toss with pesto, and add a poached or fried egg on top. It’s a low-carb, veggie-packed start to your day.
3. **Sheet Pan Sweet Potatoes and Black Bean Hash**: This colorful sheet pan breakfast is ingenious because you’ll have an abundant meal but barely anything to clean up after. Roast sweet potatoes, black beans, bell peppers, and onions until caramelized and tender. Serve with a fried or poached egg for a hearty and satisfying breakfast.
Conclusion
Don’t limit vegetables to lunch and dinner! Embrace their versatility and add them to your breakfast routine. Whether it’s a frittata, salad, or breakfast bread, these recipes prove that veggies belong on your morning plate.
