Whole30 Southern Style Collard Greens

Elevate your meal prep with Whole30 Southern Style Collard Greens—a hearty, flavor-packed dish that brings a healthy twist to a classic Southern favorite. This wholesome recipe features tender collard greens simmered in a rich, smoky broth made with Whole30-compliant bone broth and seasoned with smoked paprika, ground mustard, and a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for just the right amount of heat. Infused with the savory depth of slow-cooked, sugar-free smoked meat, coconut aminos, and a touch of apple cider vinegar, these greens are a satisfying, nutrient-dense side or main dish. Perfect for those following a Whole30 diet or anyone seeking a cozy, comforting recipe, this dish offers bold Southern flavor without any added sugars or artificial ingredients. Ready in under two hours and packed with soul-warming goodness, it’s your new go-to for clean eating with a Southern flair!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Collard greens
• 3 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 large Onion
• 4 large Garlic cloves
• 1 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Ground mustard
• 0.5 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes
• 1.5 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Black pepper
• 4 cups Bone broth (chicken or beef, Whole30 compliant)
• 2 tbsp Coconut aminos
• 1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
• 8 oz Compliant smoked meat (such as sugar-free bacon or smoked turkey leg)

Directions

Step 1

Start by thoroughly washing the collard greens under cold water to remove any dirt and debris. Remove the tough stems by slicing them out or tearing the leaves from the stems. Cut the leaves into 1-inch strips and set aside.

Step 2

Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil.

Step 3

Dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Once the oil is hot, add the onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Step 4

Stir in the smoked paprika, ground mustard, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.

Step 5

Add the smoked meat of your choice to the pot. If using bacon, chop it into smaller pieces; if using a smoked turkey leg, simply place it whole in the pot.

Step 6

Add the bone broth to the pot, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 7

Add the collard greens to the pot a handful at a time, stirring after each addition to allow them to wilt slightly and fit in the pot.

Step 8

Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let the greens simmer for 60-75 minutes, stirring occasionally. The collard greens should become tender and flavorful.

Step 9

Stir in the coconut aminos and apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar for balance if desired.

Step 10

If using a smoked turkey leg, remove it from the pot, shred the meat off the bone, and stir the shredded meat back into the collard greens.

Step 11

Serve the collard greens hot as a side dish or a comforting main dish. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2420.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1349.6

Total Fat 76.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 15.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 113.4mg	0%
Sodium 6844.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 88.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 41.4g	0%
Total Sugars 19.5g
Protein 99.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1444.1mg	0%
Iron 16.9mg	0%
Potassium 2842.0mg	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: 47.6%

Protein: 27.7%

Carbs: 24.7%