A Simple Collard Green Salad Recipe

Collard Greens Get a Salad Makeover: A Southern Twist on Fresh Greens

Collard greens, a staple in Southern cuisine, are usually enjoyed cooked slow and low with smoky bacon or ham hocks. But did you know these hearty greens can also be enjoyed raw in a refreshing and flavorful salad?

This blog post is here to introduce you to a lighter take on collard greens – a collard green salad recipe that's perfect for a summer barbecue, a potluck contribution, or even a healthy weeknight dinner.

Why Collard Greens in a Salad?

Collard greens are a nutritional powerhouse. They're packed with vitamins A, C, and K, and are a good source of fiber. Plus, their slightly bitter flavor adds a unique depth to salads that can be surprisingly delightful.

The key to enjoying collard greens raw is to massage them with a bit of oil and salt. This helps break down the tough fibers, making them more tender and palatable.

A Symphony of Southern Flavors

This recipe offers a base that you can customize to your liking. Here's what you'll need:

• For the Salad:
• 1 bunch collard greens, ribs removed and thinly sliced (about 6 cups)
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

• For the Vinaigrette:
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Massaging the Greens: A Textural Transformation

Wash and dry your collard greens thoroughly. Remove the tough center ribs and thinly slice the leaves. In a large bowl, toss the collard greens with a tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Massage the greens with your hands for a few minutes, until they become slightly softened and wilted.

Building Your Flavor Palette

Add the remaining salad ingredients – cucumber, peppers, tomatoes, and red onion – to the bowl with the massaged collard greens.

In a separate container, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. This is your flavorful vinaigrette.

Bringing it All Together

Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you're using feta cheese, sprinkle it over the top before serving.

Tip: Feel free to add other ingredients you enjoy. Chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, or even diced avocado for creaminess are all great additions.