Simple and Fresh Collard Greens

Brighten up your dinner table with this "Simple and Fresh Collard Greens" recipe—a quick and easy side dish brimming with flavor and nutrition. Perfectly sautéed in olive oil with fragrant garlic, these tender greens are lightly steamed to preserve their vibrant color and infused with a zesty drizzle of lemon juice for a refreshing finish. With just a handful of pantry staples, including optional red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, this recipe offers a healthy, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly option that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Serve these versatile greens alongside grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or your favorite Southern-inspired dishes for a wholesome, satisfying addition to any meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 87/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 bunch collard greens
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 pieces garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
• 0.25 cups water

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the collard greens thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit, then pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Step 2

Remove the thick stems by folding each leaf in half and slicing along the stem with a knife. Discard the stems or save them for another use.

Step 3

Stack the leaves, roll them tightly into a cylinder, and slice them into thin ribbons (this technique is called chiffonade). Set aside.

Step 4

Peel and mince the garlic cloves.

Step 5

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 6

Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.

Step 7

Add the collard greens to the pan and stir to coat the leaves in the garlic and oil.

Step 8

Pour in the water and cover the pan with a lid. Allow the greens to steam for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender but still vibrant green.

Step 9

Remove the lid and let the remaining liquid evaporate, if needed, for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Step 10

Season the greens with kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.

Step 11

Drizzle the lemon juice over the greens and toss gently to add a bright, fresh finish.

Step 12

Serve immediately as a side dish, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(481.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	149.0

Total Fat 2.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 0.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 651.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 27.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.9g	0%
Total Sugars 2.3g
Protein 11.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 561.4mg	0%
Iron 4.8mg	0%
Potassium 527.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 14.5%

Protein: 24.7%

Carbs: 60.9%