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This flavor-packed sauteed collard greens recipe highlights an ingredient that isn’t just delicious but packed with nutrients. No one likes soggy greens, so we keep the pieces bite-sized, crunchy, and seasoned with a simple mixture of garlic, salt, and pepper.
save this recipe!Collard greens are a hidden gem among dark, leafy vegetables. Packed with antioxidants, they can be blended into a collard greens smoothie or make a tasty buffalo chickpea collard wrap.
But today, we’re focusing on a classic—sauteed collard greens. This recipe is incredibly simple and uses some staple spices to create the perfect base to enjoy alongside tofu or soup. With such a solid foundation, we’ve included some spice variations you can layer in to create new flavors.
you don’t need much
Collard greens need only 5 additional ingredients to transform from a regular, plain-ol’ green veggie into a dish of zesty garlic and lemon-flavored goodness!
- Olive Oil: Everything gets sauteed in olive oil to help enhance the natural flavors through heat. Avocado oil will work, too.
- Seasonings: You’ll need fresh minced garlic cloves, salt, and black pepper. If you don’t have garlic cloves, you can use 2 teaspoons of powder.
- Lemon Juice: This adds a bright acidity and helps break down the greens. You can also substitute apple cider vinegar for lemon juice.
- Collard Greens: Grab a large bunch of collard greens and chop it up small. There’s no need to remove the stem; it cooks down just fine!
let’s saute
Sautéed collards don’t take much work. The entire recipe should only take 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? Try these variations:
- Add heat with red pepper flakes or a bit of cayenne pepper.
- Add smokiness with paprika or garlic roasted in butter instead of olive oil.
- Add sauteed onions for more depth of flavor.
what to serve collard greens with
These make the perfect side dish for so many main dishes. Here are just a few favorites.
- Lemon Pepper Tofu: This recipe is quick and simple and can be served on top of or on the side of collard greens.
- Collard Green Potato Curry: Feel free to add the sauteed greens to this hearty curry.
- Healthy Southern Bowl: This bowl is layered with sweet and tangy flavors and made even better with sauteed collard greens.
Foolproof Sautéed Collard Greens
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!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is calculated by Sarah Bond, degreed nutritionist, and should be taken as an estimate. For the most accurate nutritional information, calculate it using the actual ingredients in your recipe.
did you make this?Leave a comment below and tag @liveeatlearn on social media! I love seeing what you’ve made!
The collard greens are served with what to make it a full meal.
Any main dish honestly! Here are some ideas.