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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 calculated by Sarah Bond, degreed nutritionist.
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.