The quickest and easiest way to enjoy Sautéed Collard Greens. Simply cook some garlic, add the greens, and season with salt and pepper!

So you have the perfect idea for a delicious meal with a main course to die for. But now, you’re racking your brain for the perfect side! Enter: this sautéed collard greens recipe. Once you try this, you’ll never look at collard greens the same way.
We’re whipping up a huge bowl of these yummy greens by sautéing them with olive oil sautéed garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. The result is a bowl of crunchy, bite sized collard green pieces perfect for pairing with nearly any dish. You can enjoy it alongside your favorite tofu meal, as a salad-like side to go with soup, or even in the soup! They’ll also work in stir fry, chili, grain bowls, you name it.
Ingredients in Sautéed Collard Greens
Collard greens need only 5 additional ingredients to go from a regular, plain ol’ green veggie to a dish of zesty garlic and lemon juice flavored goodness!
- Olive Oil: We’ll start off the recipe with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to help sauté everything to perfection.
- Garlic: Use 4 cloves of garlic, minced. This will add delicious flavor to the greens. If you don’t have cloves, you can use 2 teaspoons of powder.
- Collard Greens: As for the collard greens, you’ll need 1 16oz bunch chopped into small pieces.
- Salt & Pepper: Use ¼ tsp of salt and pepper (each) for adding flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Finally, use 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to add a tangy final touch. You can also use apple cider vinegar.
How to make quick Sautéed Collards
Sautéed collards don’t take much work. The entire 3-step recipe should require around 10-12 minutes!
- Cook the garlic: First, heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pan or wok. Add the garlic and cook until it’s soft and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add the collard greens: Add the chopped collard greens and cook, stirring often. Cook until they’ve reduced in size and are soft, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Season and serve: Stir in salt, pepper, and lemon juice, and serve warm!
How to add more flavor
Want to add some more flavor to your greens? Amp up the heat with red pepper flakes or a bit of cayenne pepper, or simply add a delicious taste with paprika, roast the garlic in butter instead of olive oil, or sauté up some onion to mix in!
More Green recipes
Get your greens in with four more of my favorite healthy recipe ideas, including 5 ways to cook asparagus, delicious kale chips, pesto, and a cucumber smoothie!
- How to Cook Asparagus 5 Ways
- Air Fryer Kale Chips
- Leafy Greens Pesto
- Tropical Green Cucumber Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil 15 mL
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 16-oz bunch chopped collard greens 450 g
- ¼ tsp each salt and pepper
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice can sub apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Heat: In a large pan or wok, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until soft and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Cook: Add chopped collard greens and cook, stirring often, until they've reduced in size and are soft, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Season: Stir in salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Serve warm!
Anna says
The collard greens are served with what to make it a full meal.
Sarah says
Any main dish honestly! Here are some ideas.