10 Earth Day Recipes That Are Good for You and the Planet

Earth Day is the perfect excuse to get creative in the kitchen while showing love for the planet. Whether you're going plant-based, reducing waste, or simply celebrating fresh, seasonal ingredients, these recipes are all about cooking with care. From zesty starters to refreshing cocktails, every dish is deliciously eco-conscious— proof that sustainability can taste just as good as it feels!

Starters

1. Carrot Top Pesto Crostini

Don't toss those carrot greens! Transform them into a zesty pesto that's perfect for appetizers.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups carrot tops, washed and chopped

• 1/2 cup walnuts

• 2 cloves garlic

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 baguette, sliced and toasted​

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine carrot tops, walnuts, and garlic. Pulse until coarsely chopped.

2. Add nutritional yeast and lemon juice; pulse to combine.

3. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until smooth.

4. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Spread pesto on toasted baguette slices and serve.​

2. Shaved Asparagus and Fennel Salad

A crisp and refreshing seasonal salad that celebrates spring.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch asparagus, shaved into ribbons

• 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Shaved Parmesan (optional)​

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine asparagus and fennel.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

3. Pour dressing over vegetables; toss to coat.

4. Top with shaved Parmesan if desired and serve.​

Side Dishes

3. Garlic Kale Salad with Lemon

A hearty side packed with flavor and antioxidants.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch kale, chopped

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/4 cup toasted pepitas

• 1/4 cup grated Pecorino cheese​

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat; sauté garlic until fragrant.

2. Add kale; cook until wilted.

3. Remove from heat; stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

4. Top with pepitas and Pecorino before serving.​

4. Roasted Root Vegetables with Rosemary

A simple, flavorful dish that utilizes seasonal root vegetables.​

Ingredients:

• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped

• 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped

• 1 sweet potato, peeled and chopped

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste​

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a bowl, toss vegetables with olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper.

3. Spread on a baking sheet; roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and golden.​

Main Courses

5. Lentil and Vegetable Shepherd's Pie

A comforting, plant-based take on a classic dish.​

Ingredients:

• 1 cup green lentils

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 carrots, diced

• 1 cup peas

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups mashed potatoes

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste​

Instructions:

1. In a pot, cook lentils in vegetable broth until tender.

2. In a skillet, sauté onion and carrots in olive oil until soft; add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

3. Add cooked lentils and peas; season with salt and pepper.

4. Transfer to a baking dish; top with mashed potatoes.

5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes until golden.​

6. Chickpea and Vegetable Stir-Fry

A quick, colorful dish perfect for using up leftover veggies.​

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas)

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Cooked rice or quinoa for serving​

Instructions:

1. In a wok or large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat.

2. Add garlic and ginger; sauté for 1 minute.

3. Add mixed vegetables; stir-fry until tender-crisp.

4. Add chickpeas and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Stir to coat everything evenly.

5. 5. Cook for another 3–5 minutes until heated through. 6. Serve hot over cooked rice or quinoa.

Desserts

7. No-Bake Oatmeal Bites

Eco-friendly, energy-boosting, and sweet!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1/2 cup peanut butter

• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

• 1/4 cup flaxseed

• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.

2. Roll into 1-inch balls.

3. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

8. Earth Day Dirt Cups

A playful treat for all ages.

Ingredients:

• 1 box chocolate pudding mix

• 2 cups milk

• 1 cup crushed chocolate cookies

• Gummy worms (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare pudding mix with milk.

2. Layer pudding and crushed cookies in cups.

3. Top with gummy worms.

Earth Day Cocktails

9. Green Garden Gimlet

A fresh take on the classic gimlet, this cocktail uses cucumber and basil for a crisp, Earth-inspired twist.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin (preferably organic or locally sourced)

• 1 oz fresh lime juice

• 3/4 oz simple syrup

• 3 slices cucumber

• 3 basil leaves

• Ice

Instructions:

1. Muddle cucumber and basil in a shaker.

2. Add gin, lime juice, and simple syrup with ice.

3. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass.

4. Garnish with a cucumber slice or basil leaf.

10. Blueberry Earth-tini

Celebrate the planet with a splash of blue from fresh berries and a sustainable vodka base.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka (look for eco-conscious brands)

• 1/2 oz elderflower liqueur

• 1 oz blueberry juice or muddled fresh blueberries

• 1/2 oz lemon juice

• Ice

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.

2. Shake vigorously and strain into a martini glass.

3. Garnish with a few floating blueberries or a lemon twist.

Eat Well, Live Green

This Earth Day, let your table reflect your values—fresh, mindful, and full of flavor. These recipes are easy ways to make sustainable choices without sacrificing taste. Whether you're hosting a green gathering or just treating yourself, you're nourishing both your body and the planet. Here's to celebrating Earth—and eating well while we do it!