Two-panel plating shot: a seared salmon fillet on a white plate with balsamic drizzle under a tuft of pink and green shoots, beside a black bowl of mussels scattered with green herb sprigs

Traveling with microgreens: microgreen recipes inspired by different countries

Seven dishes: shiso salad from Japan, basil bruschetta, dosa with mustard microgreens, cilantro tacos, arugula omelette, Thai noodle salad and Greek salad with beet.

Following our previous article, where we talked about the different flavors of microgreens and how they can adapt or completely transform a dish, we felt inspired to create this new piece. In it, we are traveling through various gastronomic cultures around the world and present recipes that creatively incorporate microgreens.

Japan: Fresh salad with shiso microgreens

Shiso, or perilla, is one of the most aromatic herbs in Japanese cuisine. Its minty notes pair perfectly with fresh dishes.

Proposal:

• Shiso microgreens
• Thinly sliced cucumber
• Finely shredded carrot
• Rice vinegar, light soy sauce, and sesame

Ideal as a side for sushi or a poke bowl.

Italy: Mediterranean bruschettas with basil microgreens

Italian cuisine is perfect for microgreens, especially basil microgreens, which have a more intense flavor than mature leaves.

Recipe:

• Toasted bread
• Chopped fresh tomato
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Basil microgreens
• Salt and oregano

The classic toast, but renewed with a more intense and fresh aroma.

India: Dosa or crispy wrap with spicy microgreens

Indian cuisine stands out for its bold flavors, and mustard or radish microgreens pair perfectly with them.
Proposal:

• Dosa or thin crepe
• Spiced potato (masala)
• Yogurt or cilantro chutney
• Mustard or radish microgreens

They provide a natural spicy touch without adding extra heat.

Mexico: Tacos with fresh cilantro microgreen topping

Cilantro microgreens have a citrusy, herbal flavor that enhances Mexican dishes exceptionally well.

Proposal:

• Tacos of choice (chicken, tofu, beef, or vegetables)
• Lime
• Pico de gallo
• Cilantro microgreens

A fresh topping that intensifies traditional flavors.

France: Omelette with arugula microgreens

French cuisine is characterized by its elegance, and an omelette combined with arugula microgreens creates a simple yet gourmet dish.

Ingredients:

• Omelette
• Brie or Gruyère cheese
• Arugula microgreens
• Black pepper

Perfect for a brunch or a sophisticated breakfast.

Thailand: Thai salad with cilantro and thai basil microgreens

Thai cuisine blends acidic, sweet, and spicy flavors.

Recipe:

• Rice noodles
• Carrot and cucumber
• Fish sauce + lime + chili
• Cilantro and Thai basil microgreens

A fresh, aromatic dish full of nuances.

And of course, our favorite, Greece: Mediterranean salad with beet microgreens

Beet microgreens add color, sweetness, and an earthy touch that pairs very well with traditional Greek ingredients.

Proposal:

• Cucumber
• Tomato
• Kalamata olives
• Feta cheese
• Beet microgreens

A visually appealing and well balanced mix, true to typical Greek cuisine.

As you can see, microgreens let us reinterpret recipes from all around the world, bringing freshness, color, and intense flavors. From Japanese shiso to Indian mustard or French arugula, each country offers microgreens that perfectly match its culinary identity.

Whether as a topping, a salad base, or part of more elaborate dishes, these tiny sprouts have enormous potential to transform the cuisine of any country.

Explore the portal

This article is part of the free knowledge portal of EVEC Microgreens. Wherever you are on your microgreens journey, there is a path for you:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Co-funded by the European Union.
This portal presents the microgreens methodology; the organisation behind it is EVEC Athens — the European Voluntary and Educational Center (evec.org.gr). Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Open licence. Except where stated otherwise, the educational materials on this portal are licensed under CC BY 4.0 — free to use, adapt and share, including commercially, with credit. See the licence terms.

Accessibility. We aim for WCAG 2.1 AA and publish what does and does not yet meet it — see the accessibility statement. If anything here blocks you, tell us and we will send the material in a format that works for you.