Simple Sautéed Greens Recipe
Sauteed Greens - a quick simple side dish using your favorite greens (kale, chard, collard greens) and full of nutrients and flavor! A healthy, low carb, vegan side dish that can be made in 25 mins. Serve with your favorite protein- fish, chicken, tofu, or even over toast, topped with a poached egg.
How to Make the Best Simple Sautéed Greens
Simple sautéed greens are a nutritious and delicious side dish that can elevate any meal. Whether you choose kale, chard, collard greens, or a combination of your favorites, this recipe proves that healthy vegetables don’t have to be boring. With just a few simple ingredients and about 25 minutes, you’ll have a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s packed with vitamins and minerals.
The key to perfectly sautéed greens is respecting the ingredient’s natural texture and flavor. By cooking the tougher stems separately from the delicate leaves, you ensure that everything reaches the ideal level of tenderness at the same time. The combination of shallots, garlic, and red pepper flakes creates an aromatic base that complements the earthiness of the greens, while fresh lemon juice and zest add a bright, citrusy finish.
This versatile side dish pairs beautifully with any protein—from grilled fish and roasted chicken to crispy tofu. You can even serve it over warm toast and top with a poached egg for a satisfying light meal. Make it once and you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.
Simple Sautéed Greens
Sauteed Greens - a quick simple side dish using your favorite greens (kale, chard, collard greens) and full of nutrients and flavor! A healthy, low carb, vegan side dish that can be made in 25 mins. Serve with your favorite protein- fish, chicken, tofu, or even over toast, topped with a poached egg.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Aromatics & Seasonings
Instructions
Prepare the Greens
- Trim the stalks and ribs from the greens, if they are more than ¼ inch thick. Chop the stalks and ribs into ¼ inch slices.
- Put the chopped stalks in a large sauté pan with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté about 5 minutes on medium heat, stirring every now and then while you prep the remaining ingredients. When tender, remove from pan and set aside.
- Cut the destemmed greens into ¼ to ½ inch ribbons.
Sauté
- Add remaining olive oil to the pan over medium-high heat. Add chopped shallots and sauté 3 minutes, then add garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring for a minute or so.
- Add the greens and turn the heat to medium-low. Give it a stir every few minutes for about 8-10 minutes until wilted and tender.
- Add the sautéed stems, stirring for a minute to rewarm. Turn heat off and add lemon zest, salt, and lemon juice. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust flavor if desired.
