Vegan Collard Green Recipe for Easy and Delicious Meals

Collard greens are a staple in many Southern kitchens, cherished for their hearty texture and rich, slightly bitter flavor. For those embracing a vegan lifestyle, collard greens offer a nutritious and delicious way to enjoy leafy greens without any animal products.

This vegan collard green recipe transforms these robust leaves into a tender, flavorful dish that’s perfect as a side or even a main when paired with grains or beans. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this recipe is easy to follow and packed with wholesome ingredients that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to celebrate the vibrant flavors of collard greens in a healthful, cruelty-free way.

In this post, we’ll walk through why this recipe is a must-try, provide a detailed ingredient list, and share tips to customize your dish. Ready to cook?

Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan collard green recipe is a perfect blend of robust flavor and nutritious goodness. It’s packed with vitamins A, C, and K, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a powerhouse addition to your meals.

The preparation method softens the greens while maintaining their vibrant color and earthy taste.

What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity and versatility. Using wholesome ingredients like garlic, onion, and a splash of apple cider vinegar, it delivers a tangy, savory depth that complements the natural bitterness of collards.

It’s vegan, gluten-free, and oil-minimal, making it a clean-eating favorite for health-conscious cooks.

Plus, this dish pairs beautifully with a variety of other vegan recipes, such as our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes or the hearty flavors of Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.

It’s also a great companion to a freshly baked loaf from the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.

Ingredients

• 1 large bunch of collard greens (about 1 pound), washed and chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or any neutral oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional for a little heat)
• 1 cup vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or agave nectar (optional, for balance)

Equipment

• Large sauté pan or skillet with lid
• Sharp knife for chopping greens
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Colander or salad spinner for washing greens

Instructions

1. Prepare the collard greens: Start by washing the collard greens thoroughly to remove any grit. Remove the thick stems by folding each leaf in half and slicing along the stem. Chop the leaves into roughly 1-inch wide strips.
2. Sauté aromatics: Heat the olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes, until translucent. Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and red chili flakes (if using), and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
3. Add collard greens: Add the chopped collard greens to the pan. It will seem like a lot at first, but they will quickly wilt down. Stir the greens with the onion and garlic mixture until they start to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Deglaze and simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the greens simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender but still vibrant green.
5. Season and finish: Remove the lid and check the texture of the collards. If there’s excess liquid, cook uncovered for a few more minutes to evaporate it. Stir in the maple syrup (if using) and season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Give it a final stir and remove from heat.
6. Serve warm: Transfer your vegan collard greens to a serving dish and enjoy immediately or keep warm until ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

“For a smoky flavor without smoked paprika, try adding a splash of liquid smoke or cooking the greens with a smoked vegan sausage.”

Collard greens can be a bit tough if not cooked properly, so be patient with the simmering step. If you prefer a softer texture, increase the simmer time by 5-10 minutes.

For extra protein, toss in some cooked chickpeas or white beans in the last 5 minutes of cooking. If you want a creamier dish, drizzle a bit of tahini or blend a portion of the cooked greens with soaked cashews and mix back in.

For a Southern-style twist, add a splash of hot sauce or a vegan ham hock substitute during simmering. You can also sprinkle toasted nuts or seeds on top for a delightful crunch.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan collard green recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside a steaming bowl of creamy mashed potatoes or with hearty grains like quinoa or brown rice for a balanced meal.

It also makes a perfect side for vegan fried tofu or tempeh dishes.

If you enjoy rich, saucy meals, try adding it as a component in your next pasta dish featuring our Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners. Or, serve it with some freshly baked bread, like the soft loaves from our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves, to soak up all those delicious juices.

Conclusion

Vegan collard greens are a flavorful, nutritious, and versatile addition to any plant-based kitchen. This recipe highlights the natural earthiness of the greens while adding bright, savory notes through simple seasoning and cooking techniques.

Whether you’re new to collard greens or a longtime fan, this dish is easy to prepare and sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Beyond its delicious taste, collard greens bring incredible health benefits, making every bite a nourishing choice. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the variations listed above to make the recipe your own.

And if you’re looking for more vibrant vegan meal ideas, be sure to explore other recipes like the Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals and the decadent Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

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