How to Make a Delicious and Healthy Collard Green Salad

Collard green salad, a staple in Southern American cuisine, is a vibrant and nutritious dish that’s easier to make than you might think. With its slightly bitter, earthy flavor, collard greens offer a refreshing change from traditional lettuce-based salads. This recipe will guide you through creating a simple yet flavorful collard green salad that will leave you wanting more.

Why You’ll Love This Collard Green Salad Recipe

• Packed with Nutrients: Collard greens are a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with vitamins A, K, and C, along with calcium and fiber.
• Budget-Friendly: Collard greens are an affordable and accessible leafy green, making this salad easy on the wallet.
• Versatile: This recipe is a great starting point, and you can easily customize it to your liking. Add your favorite veggies, nuts, or dressings for a personalized touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 bunch of collard greens
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins

• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries or chopped dates
• 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese

Tools of the Trade

• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Large bowl
• Small bowl (for whisking dressing)
• Salad tongs

Let’s Make Collard Green Salad!

1. Prep the Greens: Rinse the collard greens thoroughly under cold water. Using a sharp knife, remove the tough stems by folding each leaf in half lengthwise and slicing along the stem. Stack the leaves and slice them into thin ribbons.

2. Massage the Greens (Optional, but Recommended): This step helps soften the greens and mellow out any bitterness. Place the sliced collard greens in the large bowl and drizzle with a little olive oil and a pinch of salt. Gently massage the greens with your hands for about 2 minutes, or until they become slightly wilted and darker in color.

3. Make the Dressing: In the small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Assemble the Salad: Add the sliced red onion to the collard greens. Pour the dressing over the greens and onions, and toss to combine.

5. Add Your Favorites (Optional): Now’s the time to get creative! Sprinkle in any of the optional add-ins you desire.

6. Serve and Enjoy! This salad is best served immediately, but it will also hold up well in the refrigerator for a few hours.

Collard Green Salad with Bacon and Cranberries

Tips for the Best Collard Green Salad

• Stem Removal is Key: Don’t skip removing the tough stems from the collard greens, as they can be tough and fibrous.
• Massaging Makes a Difference: While optional, massaging the collard greens truly enhances their texture and flavor.
• Dress to Impress: The tangy dressing complements the slightly bitter greens perfectly. Feel free to experiment with different vinegars or sweeteners to suit your preference.

FAQs about Collard Green Salad

Q: Can I use different greens in this salad?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to mix in some kale, spinach, or even romaine lettuce for a different flavor profile.

Q: How long will this salad last in the refrigerator?

A: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Massaging Collard Greens for Salad

Conclusion

This collard green salad recipe is a simple and delicious way to incorporate more leafy greens into your diet. It’s packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a healthy and satisfying meal or side dish. So grab a bunch of collard greens and get creative in the kitchen!

What are your favorite ways to enjoy collard greens? Share your thoughts and variations in the comments below! Don’t forget to check out our other delicious salad recipes on Family Cuisine, like our classic Fried Ham or comforting Boiled Ham for a hearty Southern meal.