Vegetarian Collard Green Recipe for Easy Healthy Meals

Collard greens are a powerhouse of nutrition and a staple in many Southern kitchens, but they’re often overlooked in vegetarian cooking. This vegetarian collard green recipe transforms these hearty leafy greens into a flavorful, satisfying dish that even meat-eaters will love.

With a perfect balance of savory garlic, tangy lemon, and a hint of spice, this recipe highlights the natural earthiness of collard greens while keeping it light and fresh. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious side or a main course packed with fiber and vitamins, this dish fits the bill beautifully.

Collard greens are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and their slightly bitter flavor pairs wonderfully with ingredients like onions, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough to serve at a weekend gathering.

Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free, making it a versatile option for any dietary needs. If you’re curious about exploring more vegetable-forward dishes, don’t miss our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals for exciting global inspirations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian collard green recipe is a true crowd-pleaser because it:

• Is packed with nutrients: Collard greens are loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber.
• Features bold flavors: Garlic, lemon, and spices bring out a vibrant taste that’s anything but bland.
• Is easy to prepare: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make it perfect for busy cooks.
• Is versatile: Enjoy it as a side dish, a wrap filling, or even a topping for grains and bowls.
• Caters to many diets: Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free.

Ingredients

• 1 large bunch of collard greens (about 1 lb), washed and stems removed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (for extra tang)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for depth)

Equipment

• Large sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Large skillet or sauté pan with lid
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Citrus juicer (optional)
• Measuring spoons
• Bowl for washing greens

Instructions

1. Prepare the collard greens: Remove the tough stems by folding each leaf in half and slicing along the stem. Then stack the leaves and cut into 1-inch-wide strips.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
3. Add the garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Cook the collard greens: Add the chopped collard greens to the skillet. Stir well to coat them with the oil and aromatics.
5. Add liquid and simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth or water and cover the pan. Let the greens simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender but still bright green.
6. Season and finish: Remove the lid and stir in the apple cider vinegar and lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook uncovered for an additional 2-3 minutes to let any excess liquid evaporate.
7. Serve warm: Transfer the greens to a serving dish and enjoy immediately.

Tips & Variations

“For a creamier texture, try stirring in a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of vegan sour cream right before serving.”

• Make it smoky: Add chopped smoked tofu or tempeh for a protein boost with smoky flavor.
• Spice it up: Use cayenne pepper or chili powder instead of red pepper flakes for varied heat.
• Try a different acid: Substitute lemon juice with lime juice or balsamic vinegar for a unique twist.
• Add nuts or seeds: Toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds add crunch and nutrients.
• Wrap it up: Use the cooked collard greens as a filling for wraps with hummus and roasted veggies.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian collard green dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals. For a hearty Southern-inspired feast, serve alongside vegetarian southern recipes like cornbread or black-eyed peas.

It also makes a fantastic accompaniment to grain bowls — try it with quinoa, brown rice, or farro. For a vegan comfort meal, drizzle some Vegan Bechamel Sauce over roasted vegetables and collard greens.

If you’re looking for something lighter, toss the collard greens into a fresh salad with nuts and seeds or use as a green wrap for your favorite fillings. Don’t forget to explore other vegetable-rich recipes like our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals for more inspiration.

Conclusion

Vegetarian collard greens are a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy this versatile leafy green. This recipe is easy to make, bursting with flavor, and adaptable to your taste preferences.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

By incorporating simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques, you can bring out the best in collard greens without overwhelming their natural flavor. Plus, the health benefits and vibrant taste make this recipe a win-win for both body and palate.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with the tips and variations provided to create your perfect collard green dish.

For more vegetable-forward recipes, check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a sweet treat or the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to complement your meals perfectly.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegetarian Collard Greens”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A flavorful and nutritious vegetarian dish featuring tender collard greens cooked with garlic, onions, and spices. Perfect as a healthy side or main dish.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT40M”, “totalTime”: “PT55M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 large bunch collard greens, washed and chopped”, “1 tablespoon olive oil”, “1 medium onion, diced”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 cup vegetable broth”, “1 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes”, “Salt to taste”, “Black pepper to taste”, “1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar”, “1 teaspoon maple syrup”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add diced onion and saut\u00e9 until translucent, about 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chopped collard greens and cook until they begin to wilt, about 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in vegetable broth, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove lid, stir in apple cider vinegar and maple syrup, and cook uncovered for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Adjust seasoning if needed and serve warm.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “120 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “5 g”, “fatContent”: “6 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “12 g”}}