How to Use Microgreens: 10 Easy Ways to Add Them to Any Meal

You bought microgreens — or you're thinking about it — but now you're wondering: what exactly do I do with them?

It's a fair question. Microgreens look beautiful but a lot of people aren't sure how to work them into their everyday meals. The good news: they're one of the most versatile ingredients you can keep in your fridge. You don't need to be a chef. You just need a few ideas.

Here are 10 easy ways to use microgreens, from breakfast to dinner and everything in between.

1. Top Your Eggs

This is the easiest starting point. Whether you like scrambled, fried, poached, or an omelette — finish it with a small handful of microgreens right before serving. The heat from the eggs slightly wilts them and the flavors meld perfectly.

Best varieties: Radish (peppery kick), sunflower (nutty), pea shoots (fresh and mild)

2. Add to Salads

Microgreens are essentially a supercharged salad green. Toss them in with your regular salad or use them as the entire base. Because they're so flavorful, you can use less dressing.

Best varieties: Spicy mix, radish, broccoli, kale

3. Layer Into Sandwiches and Wraps

Swap out iceberg lettuce for microgreens in any sandwich or wrap. They add crunch, color, and far more nutrition. They work great in turkey sandwiches, BLTs, veggie wraps, and even grilled cheese.

Best varieties: Sunflower (mild, works with everything), pea shoots, radish

4. Blend Into Smoothies

Can't taste them, can't see them — but you get all the nutrition. A small handful of microgreens blends completely into a fruit smoothie. Pair with banana, mango, or pineapple and you won't taste anything green at all.

Best varieties: Broccoli, kale, pea shoots — mild varieties work best for smoothies

5. Top Avocado Toast

Avocado toast is already a canvas — microgreens are the perfect finishing touch. Pile them on top with a pinch of flaky salt and red pepper flakes. It looks restaurant-quality and takes 10 seconds.

Best varieties: Radish, spicy mix, sunflower

6. Finish Soups and Bowls

Use microgreens as a garnish on soups, grain bowls, and noodle dishes. Add them at the very end — after the heat is off — so they stay fresh and crisp. They add color, texture, and nutrients to any bowl.

Best varieties: Pea shoots, sunflower, cilantro microgreens for Asian-style soups

7. Top Tacos and Nachos

Microgreens work beautifully as a taco topping — they replace shredded lettuce but with way more flavor. Try them on fish tacos, black bean tacos, or carne asada. They also make nachos look next-level.

Best varieties: Radish (cuts through richness), cilantro microgreens (great with Mexican food), spicy mix

8. Stir Into Pasta

Toss a handful of microgreens into pasta right before serving. The residual heat wilts them slightly and they meld into the sauce. Works especially well with pesto pasta, lemon pasta, or a simple olive oil and garlic preparation.

Best varieties: Basil microgreens, pea shoots, sunflower

9. Use as a Pizza Topping

Add microgreens after the pizza comes out of the oven. They wilt slightly on the hot cheese and add a fresh, peppery contrast to the richness. This is a staple technique in restaurants — now you can do it at home.

Best varieties: Arugula microgreens, radish, spicy mix

10. Juice Them

If you have a juicer, microgreens are some of the most nutrient-dense produce you can run through it. A small tray of broccoli or sunflower microgreens produces a concentrated shot of vitamins and minerals. Add to your regular juice blend or drink straight as a wellness shot.

Best varieties: Broccoli (high in sulforaphane), sunflower, wheatgrass-style varieties

How Much Should You Use?

There's no strict rule, but a good starting point is a small handful (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup) per serving. Microgreens are flavorful and nutrient-dense, so a little goes a long way. They're also low in calories, so you can use as much as you like without worrying.

Do You Wash Microgreens Before Eating?

Yes — give them a quick rinse under cold water right before eating and pat dry with a paper towel or use a salad spinner. Don't wash them before storing (moisture speeds up spoilage). For more on keeping them fresh, see our guide on how to store microgreens.

Which Microgreens Should You Start With?

If you're new to microgreens, here's a quick guide:

• Mildest: Sunflower, pea shoots — great for smoothies and people new to microgreens
• Medium: Broccoli, kale — earthy and versatile, works in almost anything
• Bold: Radish, spicy mix — peppery and assertive, amazing on eggs, tacos, and pizza
• Specialty: Wasabi microgreens — a real kick, perfect for sushi or as a conversation piece

At Elm Fork Gardens, we grow all of these varieties fresh to order in Denton, Texas. Browse our current selection here and try a new variety this week.

What's your favorite way to use microgreens? Drop it in the comments — we're always looking for new ideas.