Fresh from the Garden: Holiday Recipe Inspiration

The holidays are the perfect time to showcase the flavors of your garden! At Revival Roots Nursery, we love helping you grow fresh, seasonal vegetables that truly shine on your holiday table. This year, we’re excited to share three easy and delicious ways to turn your kale, collards, and cauliflower into delightful dishes your family and guests will adore.

These recipes are festive, garden-forward, and bring a fresh Backyard-to-Table twist to classic holiday sides.

Maple-Roasted Kale Salad with Pecans & Cranberries

A bright, hearty salad that balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors - perfect for cutting through heavier holiday dishes.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch kale, stems removed, leaves chopped
  
  

• 2 tbsp olive oil
  
  

• 1 tbsp maple syrup
  
  

• ½ cup dried cranberries
  
  

• ½ cup toasted pecans
  
  

• ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
  
  

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  
  

• Salt & pepper to taste
  
  

Directions

1. Massage kale with olive oil and a pinch of salt until tender.
   
   

2. Toss with maple syrup, vinegar, cranberries, and pecans.
   
   

3. Top with goat cheese before serving.
   
   

✨ Why it works: The kale softens and shines with the maple-cider dressing, while cranberries add Thanksgiving flair.

 

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Garlic & Smoked Paprika Braised Collard Greens

A smoky, savory side that’s rich without being heavy - a twist on classic Southern-style collards.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch collard greens, stems removed, leaves chopped
  
  

• 2 tbsp olive oil
  
  

• 4 cloves garlic, sliced
  
  

• 1 tsp smoked paprika
  
  

• 1 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  
  

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  
  

• Salt & pepper to taste
  
  

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant.
   
   

2. Add collards, paprika, broth, salt, and pepper.
   
   

3. Cover and simmer 20 minutes until tender.
   
   

4. Finish with a splash of apple cider vinegar.
   
   

✨ Why it works: The smoked paprika gives holiday warmth, while the vinegar brightens everything up.

 

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Cauliflower & Sage Mash with Brown Butter Drizzle

A luxurious alternative (or addition!) to mashed potatoes that feels holiday-special.

Ingredients

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
  
  

• 3 tbsp butter
  
  

• 2 fresh sage leaves
  
  

• ½ cup cream (or milk)
  
  

• Salt & pepper to taste
  
  

Directions

1. Steam cauliflower until tender, then blend with cream, salt, and pepper into a smooth mash.
   
   

2. In a small pan, melt butter with sage leaves until butter turns golden and nutty.
   
   

3. Drizzle sage brown butter over the cauliflower mash before serving.
   
   

✨ Why it works: Creamy, earthy, and aromatic, it’s a side dish that elevates cauliflower into a Holiday dinner star.

These dishes are just a starting point - mix, match, and add your own flair as you cook. If you're looking for fresh ingredients to inspire even more creativity, our holiday-season seedlings are ready and waiting at the nursery. Turn these recipes into a new holiday tradition with ingredients grown right outside your door - Shop our winter seedlings today and let your garden join the celebration.