Collard Greens Vegan and Gluten Free Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas

Thanksgiving is a celebration of gratitude, togetherness, and—of course—delicious food. For those following a plant-based or gluten-free lifestyle, the holiday table can sometimes feel limiting.

But it doesn’t have to be that way! One of the most beloved Southern comfort foods, collard greens, can easily be transformed into a hearty, flavorful, and entirely vegan and gluten-free centerpiece for your Thanksgiving spread.

This recipe uses wholesome ingredients and clever techniques to unlock the deep, savory taste traditionally achieved with meat, while keeping it light, nourishing, and accessible to all.

Imagine a steaming bowl of tender greens, infused with smoky spices, garlic, and a hint of tang, nestled right alongside your favorite stuffing and mashed potatoes. This dish isn’t just a “side”—it’s a star in its own right.

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing vegan and gluten-free Thanksgiving recipe, these collard greens will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deep, Savory Flavor: Smoky paprika, garlic, and a splash of apple cider vinegar create a rich umami taste—no meat required.
• Nutrient-Dense: Collard greens are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, plus fiber and antioxidants.
• Allergy-Friendly: This dish is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it safe for most guests.
• Easy to Prepare: Simple steps and everyday ingredients mean less stress and more time to enjoy the holiday.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as a side, main, or even in a grain bowl—leftovers are delicious!

Ingredients

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven (at least 6-quart capacity)
• Sharp knife for prepping greens
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Colander for washing greens

Instructions

1. Prepare the Collard Greens:

   Start by thoroughly washing the collard greens. Remove tough stems by folding each leaf in half lengthwise and slicing off the stem.

   Stack the leaves, roll them up tightly, and slice into 1/2-inch ribbons.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

   Heat olive oil in your large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until softened and translucent.

   Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Wilt the Greens:

   Add the sliced collard greens to the pot. It may seem like a lot, but the greens will quickly reduce in volume.

   Stir well to coat the greens in the aromatic oil and spices. Sauté for about 3–5 minutes until they begin to soften and turn bright green.

4. Add Broth & Simmer:

   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the collards are very tender.

   If you prefer greens with more bite, check them after 25 minutes.

5. Season & Finish:

   Uncover the pot. Stir in the apple cider vinegar and maple syrup (if using).

   Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer uncovered for another 3–5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and some liquid to evaporate, if desired.

6. Serve:

   Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm, using a slotted spoon for a more traditional side dish or with extra broth for a comforting bowl.

Tips & Variations

• Flavor Boosters: Add a splash of gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos for even deeper umami notes. A dash of liquid smoke can intensify the “smoky” flavor.
• Make It a Meal: Stir in cooked white beans or chickpeas during the last 10 minutes for added protein.
• Other Greens: This recipe works well with kale, mustard greens, or a mix.
• Low-Oil Option: Sauté onions and garlic in a splash of broth instead of oil for an oil-free version.
• Storage: Leftover collards keep well for 4–5 days in the refrigerator and taste even better after the flavors meld overnight!
• Freezer Friendly: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently on the stovetop.

“Don’t skip the vinegar—it’s the secret to bright, addictive greens! Adjust to taste, adding a little at a time.”

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition facts are approximate and will vary based on exact ingredients and serving size.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these collard greens with classic vegan Thanksgiving mains like Vegan Mushroom Wellington or a hearty broccoli casserole.
• Serve as a side with vegan pancakes or cornbread for a Southern brunch.
• Make a grain bowl: Layer collard greens over brown rice or quinoa, top with roasted sweet potatoes and a drizzle of tahini.
• Tuck leftovers into a gluten-free wrap with beans, avocado, and hot sauce for a next-day lunch.
• For a full festive menu, explore more plant-based ideas with A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion or try Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.

Conclusion

Whether you’re hosting a fully vegan Thanksgiving or simply want to add a wholesome, allergy-friendly option to your table, these collard greens deliver on flavor, texture, and nutrition. They’re proof that you don’t need animal products or gluten to create something deeply satisfying and festive.

The combination of smoky spices, tender greens, and a tangy finish makes this dish a true celebration of plant-based cooking.

Share this recipe with friends and family—there’s something magical about introducing loved ones to a new holiday tradition that everyone can enjoy. Remember, the best feasts are the ones where every guest feels included and every bite tastes like home.

Happy Thanksgiving, and may your holiday be filled with warmth, gratitude, and plenty of vegan collard greens!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan & Gluten-Free Collard Greens”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “These smoky, savory collard greens are packed with flavor and perfect for a vegan and gluten-free Thanksgiving. Enjoy a classic holiday side dish with a healthy twist.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT45M”, “totalTime”: “PT1H”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 lbs collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped”, “1 tablespoon olive oil”, “1 medium yellow onion, diced”, “4 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes”, “4 cups vegetable broth (gluten-free)”, “1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar”, “1 teaspoon salt, or to taste”, “1/2 teaspoon black pepper”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes; cook 1 minute.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chopped collard greens and toss until wilted, about 3 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 35 minutes, stirring occasionally.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “70 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “2 g”, “fatContent”: “2.5 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “10 g”}}