This copycat recipe of Panda Express Super Greens is just as good as the real deal and will give your body a nice burst of nutrients!
Aside from Orange Chicken, I also make it a point to get the Super Greens from Panda Express.
This nutritious side is the perfect contrast to any heavy, meaty dish.
Not only is it good for you, but it’s also delicious. A rich and buttery sauce gives the medley of greens such a wonderful flavor.
But who says you need to go to Panda Express to enjoy this scrumptious side dish? This copycat recipe makes a pretty good clone. It’s a cinch to make, to boot.
If you need a healthy dose of greens, this recipe for Panda Express Super Greens is for you.
Panda Express Super Greens
Panda Express launched the dish back in January 2019.
There was a previous version of the dish that included zucchini, carrots, and green beans. If you ask me, I like this new one more.
This side dish is made of sauteed kale, broccoli, and green cabbage. It’s all-green, and it’s all good.
It may sound boring, but I love how light and refreshing it is! The simple flavor and wonderful texture combinations make for a great side.
Aside from being a side dish, you can also use it as a taco filling and even a pizza topping. It’s so versatile, you’ll never run out of ways to use it.
It costs $4.20, but you can make it at home at a much lower price. It’s very easy and only take 25 minutes, tops.
It’s just a matter of sauteeing the vegetables and adding a bunch of seasonings for flavor.
More importantly, it’s ultra-healthy and packed with vitamins and minerals.
It’s the perfect side dish if you’re looking to add nutrition to your lunch or dinner.
Because it’s tasty, you won’t have difficulty getting the kids to eat their veggies. I’ll bet they’ll even ask for seconds.
It’s low-carb too, so it’s great for all the dieters out there.
Ingredients
- Kale: The super-green that makes this dish super nutritious and delicious! You can use any variety of kale for this recipe, such as Tuscan or lacinato. All of them are high in vitamins, fiber, and minerals. Remove the tough stems and chop them into bite-sized pieces for easier eating.
- Broccoli: Another nutrition-packed green that adds a different texture. Slice the broccoli into florets.
- Green Cabbage: Chopped roughly, so it’s easier to chew. Napa cabbage works, too.
- Butter: For sauteeing the vegetables in. Use vegetable oil for a Paleo-friendly dish.
- Garlic: Mince it for maximum flavor.
- Ground Ginger: A little bit of spice goes a long way!
- Crushed Red Pepper: For a bit of a kick. Add as much or as little to suit your taste.
- Soy Sauce: Use gluten-free or coconut aminos for a Paleo-friendly dish.
Tips for the Best Greens
- Greens tend to be a little bitter, but you can cut through it by adding a bit of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice while cooking.
- Flavor additions:
- Drizzle sesame oil over the cooked greens and top with sesame seeds.
- Toss in dried cranberries and chopped walnuts.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and toasted pine nuts for an Italian twist.
- Add in kalamata olives, feta cheese, and fresh oregano for a Greek dish.
- For a vegan dish, use avocado or any vegan butter instead of regular butter.
- Aside from kale, try using other greens such as collard greens, Swiss chard, bok choy, spinach, mustard greens, and arugula.
- You can also swap green cabbage with Napa, savoy, or red cabbage. Brussels sprouts work, too.
- For a spicier dish, add cayenne pepper or sriracha.
- Add protein to the dish by mixing in tofu, chickpeas, chicken, beef, or shrimp.
- For a touch of sweetness, mix in a bit of sugar or honey.
- Store leftovers in a sealable container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Have a lot of leftover greens on hand? Freeze them in an air-tight container, then thaw in the fridge and reheat in a pan when ready to serve.
- Be sure to prepare the ingredients before you start because once the garlic and ginger hit the pan, it won’t take long before they cook.
Other Uses for Greens
Aside from eating this dish as-is, you can also use it in many ways.
For instance, you can mix the greens with carbonara or Fettucine Alfredo to make a healthier pasta dish.
Want an indulgent dinner that’s also nutritious? Use these greens as a pizza topping.
Or, make a healthy stir-fry by combining this dish with rice or quinoa!
You can also use them as stuffing! Baked chicken breast halves have never been tastier.
Make your tacos and quesadillas a bit healthier by adding Super Greens in the filling.
Serving Ideas
Panda Express Super Greens tastes great with any meat dish. I’m talking pork chops, fried chicken, steak, and baked salmon.
For a hearty vegetarian meal, simply serve this dish with a bowl of rice. Or, just top it with fried tofu for a healthy dinner.