Chicken and Kale Stir-Fry
Chicken and Kale Stir-Fry; Photo credit: Jessi Heggan

As fresh spring produce begins sprouting up in backyard gardens and returning to North Carolina farmers markets around the state, there’s no better time to get cooking with the abundance of delicious and nutritious veggies the season provides. Leafy greens are chief among them, with an impressive nutrition profile that makes them an essential part of a healthy diet.

But eating your greens doesn’t have to mean boring salads and bland vegetable sides on repeat. If you’re looking for a few creative ways to make your plate a little greener this spring, try these light and flavorful recipes featuring seasonal favorites like arugula, collards, kale and bok choy.

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Photo credit: Jessi Heggan

Creamy White Bean and Collard Greens Soup

North Carolina-grown collard greens are the star of our Creamy White Bean and Collard Soup. Combined with Great Northern beans, fresh garlic, basil and a touch of cream, this cozy dish will warm up any cool spring day. 

See more: Great Greens at Ayden Collard Festival

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Read & Connect

North Carolina Field & Family Spring 2026
Flip through the pages of the Spring 2026 edition of North Carolina Field and Family magazine. In this issue, impress your guests with creative yet easy spring holiday recipes, learn how farmers face challenges planning the future of their farmland, meet some North Carolina beef producers raising the steaks, start your engines with eight reasons to visit Richmond County, get crabby with Sheri Castle’s Deviled Crab recipe and much more.

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