There’s something truly satisfying about a dish that not only tastes great but also supports your health goals. Panda Express’ Super Greens is a perfect example of a side dish that does both. This recipe packs a healthy punch with its colorful blend of fresh vegetables, including kale, zucchini, and broccoli. But what makes it even better?
You can easily recreate this healthy, delicious side at home! I’ll discuss the many health advantages and nutritional worth of Panda Express Super Greens and describe how to prepare this dish in this blog.
What Are Panda Express Super Greens?
Panda Express Super Greens is a dish featuring a mix of lightly seasoned steamed vegetables—broccoli, kale, and zucchini. The simplicity of this dish is what makes it so great, allowing the natural flavors of the veggies to shine. It’s a delicious and healthy side that adds color and essential nutrients to any meal.
Ingredients for Panda Express Super Greens Copycat Recipe
To make your very own Panda Express Super Greens copycat recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of broccoli florets
- 1 cup of zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup of kale, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Super Greens at Home
Making Panda Express Super Greens at home is simple and quick! Here’s how you can recreate this dish in your own kitchen:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by washing and preparing your vegetables. Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets, slice the zucchini into rounds, and roughly chop the kale into smaller pieces. Evenly sized pieces will ensure the vegetables cook uniformly.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the broccoli and zucchini and sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir occasionally to ensure they don’t burn.
Step 3: Add the Kale
Once the broccoli and zucchini start to soften, add the kale to the pan and sauté for another 3-4 minutes. Kale will cook down and soften quickly, so keep an eye on it.
Step 4: Season the Veggies
Once all the vegetables are cooked and tender, add the soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the vegetables evenly in the seasoning. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your Panda Express Super Greens are now ready! Serve them as a side dish or pair them with your favorite protein. This dish is a great way to boost your vegetable intake and enjoy a light, healthy meal.
Tips for Customizing Your Super Greens Recipe
While Panda Express Super Greens are delicious on their own, here are a few ideas to make this dish even more special:
- Add Protein: For a more filling meal, consider adding grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp. Sauté the protein separately and combine it with the vegetables for a hearty dish.
- Spice It Up: If you love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of chili garlic sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.
- Mix in Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers for additional texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information & Benefits of Panda Express Super Greens
Panda Express Super Greens is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional values per serving (based on 1 cup of the finished dish):
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 4g
- Vitamin A: 120% of Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 100% of DV
- Calcium: 8% of DV
- Iron: 8% of DV
Health Benefits of Super Greens
- Rich in Fiber: The combination of kale, broccoli, and zucchini offers a good source of fiber, which supports digestive health, promotes satiety, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
- High in Vitamins: Kale and broccoli are loaded with vitamin C, an essential nutrient that boosts immunity and promotes healthy skin. Vitamin A from kale and broccoli also supports eye health and enhances the immune system.
- Antioxidant Properties: These vegetables are packed with antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, which helps protect your body from oxidative stress and reduces inflammation.
- Low in Calories: With only about 90 calories per serving, this dish is a low-calorie option that can be enjoyed on any diet. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to manage their weight while still feeling full and satisfied.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many calories are in Panda Express Super Greens?
Panda Express Super Greens contains about 90 calories per serving. It’s a great low-calorie side dish that helps you meet your daily vegetable intake without adding extra calories to your meal.
2. Is Panda Express Super Greens vegan?
Yes! Panda Express Super Greens is a completely vegan dish. It’s made with fresh vegetables and is seasoned with olive oil and soy sauce, making it an ideal plant-based option.
3. Can I make Panda Express Super Greens ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time! Simply cook the vegetables, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
4. Can I add other vegetables to the Super Greens recipe?
Absolutely! You can experiment with other veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.
Take Your Super Greens to the Next Level!
Now that you know how to make Panda Express Super Greens at home, you can enjoy this nutritious and flavorful dish whenever you want. This dish is a great complement to any dinner, whether you follow the traditional recipe or make it your own.
It’s easy to make, full of healthy vegetables, and a great way to support your wellness goals. So, next time you’re craving a side that’s both tasty and good for you, give this Super Greens copycat recipe a try. You won’t regret it!
