Fresh Herbs
Elevate any dish with freshly chopped herbs like basil, cilantro, or mint. These aromatic additions not only enhance flavor but also provide antioxidants and vitamins. Perfect for pasta, soups, salads, and virtually any savory dish. Fresh herbs can be mixed and matched to create unique flavor profiles - try combining mint with cilantro for Asian-inspired dishes, or basil with oregano for Mediterranean flair. They also add beautiful color contrast and visual appeal to your plates.
Shopping List
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Mint
- Oregano
- Parsley
Microgreens
Add a nutritious punch with delicate microgreens. These tender young shoots pack intense flavors and up to 40 times more nutrients than their mature counterparts. Perfect for garnishing soups, sandwiches, and grain bowls. Varieties like radish, sunflower, and pea shoots each bring their unique flavors and textures, while their vibrant colors transform simple dishes into restaurant-worthy presentations. Consider growing your own for a constant supply of these nutrient-dense garnishes.
Shopping List
- Radish microgreens
- Sunflower microgreens
- Pea shoots
Sliced Avocado
Transform any meal with creamy sliced avocado. Rich in healthy fats and fiber, avocados add luxurious texture to toast, eggs, salads, and grain bowls while providing essential nutrients. Try fanning out thin slices for an elegant presentation, or cube them for easier eating. A squeeze of lemon juice will prevent browning and add brightness, while a sprinkle of sea salt enhances their natural buttery flavor. Perfect for adding satisfying richness to plant-based dishes.
Shopping List
- Avocados
- Lemon juice
- Sea salt
Cherry Tomatoes
Halved cherry tomatoes bring bursts of fresh flavor and vibrant color to any dish. Their natural sweetness and acidity enhance salads, pasta, pizzas, and grain dishes while adding vitamin C and antioxidants. Try different varieties like sun gold, grape, or heirloom for varying colors and flavor profiles. For an elevated touch, marinate them in olive oil, herbs, and garlic, or quickly blister them to concentrate their sweetness. They're especially delicious when paired with fresh mozzarella or basil.
Shopping List
- Cherry tomatoes (sun gold, grape, or heirloom)
- Olive oil
- Herbs (e.g., basil, thyme)
- Garlic
Sprouts
Add crunch and nutrition with fresh sprouts like alfalfa or bean sprouts. These living foods provide enzymes, protein, and fiber while adding texture to sandwiches, salads, and Asian-inspired dishes. Their mild, nutty flavor complements virtually any cuisine, and their delicate appearance adds an elegant touch to plated meals. Try mixing different varieties like mung bean, radish, and broccoli sprouts for a complex flavor profile and maximum nutritional benefits. They're especially delicious in rice paper rolls and noodle bowls.
Shopping List
- Alfalfa sprouts
- Bean sprouts
- Mung bean sprouts
- Radish sprouts
- Broccoli sprouts
Shaved Radishes
Top dishes with thinly shaved radishes for a peppery kick and crisp texture. Their bright color and zesty flavor complement tacos, toast, and grain bowls while adding vitamin C and fiber. Try different varieties like watermelon radishes for stunning pink interiors, or French breakfast radishes for a milder flavor. A quick ice bath keeps them extra crisp, and thinly slicing them on a mandoline creates elegant, translucent rounds that make any dish more visually appealing.
Shopping List
- Radishes (e.g., watermelon radishes, French breakfast radishes)
Fresh Corn
Sprinkle fresh corn kernels for sweet crunch and natural flavor. Whether raw or quickly charred, they add color and texture to salads, tacos, and rice bowls while providing fiber and B vitamins. For enhanced flavor, try grilling the corn first to add a smoky element, or quickly sauté with butter and herbs. The kernels can be mixed with diced peppers and cilantro for a quick relish, or combined with avocado and lime juice for a fresh take on guacamole.
Shopping List
- Fresh corn
- Butter
- Herbs (e.g., cilantro)
- Diced peppers
- Avocado
- Lime juice
Pickled Vegetables
Add tangy brightness with quick-pickled vegetables like onions, carrots, or cucumbers. Their acidic punch and crisp texture elevate sandwiches, bowls, and grilled dishes while providing probiotics. Quick pickling takes just 30 minutes and can transform ordinary vegetables into zesty condiments. Try combining different vegetables and spices for unique flavor profiles - red onions with peppercorns, carrots with ginger, or cucumbers with dill. These pickled toppings add both flavor and visual interest to any dish.
Shopping List
- Onions
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
- Vinegar
- Spices (e.g., peppercorns, ginger, dill)
Shaved Brussels Sprouts
Top dishes with raw, thinly shaved Brussels sprouts for unexpected crunch and nutrition. Their mild flavor works well on salads and grain bowls while adding vitamin K and fiber. Using a mandoline or sharp knife, create delicate shavings that can be tossed with lemon juice and olive oil for an instant slaw. The raw sprouts offer a different dimension than their roasted counterparts, with a fresh, cabbage-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with nuts and dried fruits.
Shopping List
- Brussels sprouts
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts)
- Dried fruits (e.g., cranberries, raisins)
Fresh Chilies
Spice up meals with thinly sliced fresh chilies. From mild shishitos to spicy serranos, they add heat and flavor to any dish while providing capsaicin and vitamin C. For those sensitive to heat, remove the seeds and membranes before slicing, or try milder varieties like poblanos. Fresh chilies can be used raw for maximum heat, or lightly charred to add a smoky element. They pair particularly well with citrus flavors and can be mixed with herbs for a spicy-fresh garnish.
Shopping List
- Shishito chilies
- Serrano chilies
- Poblano chilies
- Lime juice
- Herbs (e.g., cilantro)
