Vegan Collard Greens (Quick + Healthy) - The Simple Veganista (2024)

Vegan Collard Greens is a simple recipe from start to finish that‘s full of flavor and can be served as a healthy side dish or main meal (with optional beans included). It’s quick, easy, and versatile!

We have been enjoying this recipe often throughout the years. It’s one of those simple, everyday types of food that we love to eat on a regular basis.

We prefer to eat our collards lightly cooked versus raw. They are a little too bitter for my taste when eaten raw, but once lightly sautéed, they lend a beautiful smoky flavor that is 100% crave-worthy.

Why We Love This Recipe!

• It’s quick and healthy! Made with just a handful of simple plant based ingredients, this collard recipe cooks up fast and can be made oil-free.
• Can be served as a side or meal. Without the optional beans, this makes a great simple side and with the beans you can amke it into a light lunch or dinner.
• It’s simply delicious! This vegan collard greens with beans may not look super exciting, but let me tell you, it’s full of flavor.

Ingredient Notes

Here is everything you will need to make this savory collard recipe. Plus, ideas on how to substitute ingredients when needed.

• Collard greens – I have used large leaf for this recipe, but for convenience pre-cut, packaged collard greens is a great time saver.
• Tomatoes – Tomatoes add a bit of juiciness and color rounding out the dish perfectly. Both fresh or canned can be used.
• Onion – Use white, yellow, red, or shallot.
• Garlic – Fresh is best, but feel free to substitute with 1 – 2 teaspoons of garlic powder.
• Olive oil – Or use your favorite oil. To make this oil-free, use 1/4 cup veggie broth.
• Lemon – The lemon is essential in this recipe so please be sure to have a couple fresh lemons on hand. If not, use 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in its place to add brightness and tang.
• Salt & pepper – As always, use to taste.
• Red pepper flakes – For a little optional heat, add a few pinches of red pepper flakes.
• Beans – Adding beans such as black eyed peas, chickpeas, or any white bean will add protein and texture. The beans are optional, but trust when I say they are so good!

How To Cut Collard Greens

• Wash and dry the collard leaves.
• Stack the greens on top of eachother, fold in half, and chop into strips widthwise.
• Discard the very bottom thick stem.
• Give one or two more rough chops lengthwise to break up the long stips.

How To make Vegan Collard Greens

• Simply heat oil over medium heat, add onion and sauté until softened.
• Add garlic, cook one minute more.
• Add collards, lemon juice and salt & pepper, cook another few minutes.
• Add tomatoes and optional beans, coninute to cook, stirring occasionally, until collards are lightly wilted or until beans and tomatoes are heated through.

I prefer my collards al dente and cooked for about five extra minutes. Ending cooking time will vary depending on how soft you like your collards.

How To Store + Reheat

Leftovers hold up well in the fridge and reheat easily. Here is a quick guide for storing cooked collards.

• Refrigerator: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, in a covered container.
• Meal Prep: This collard greens and beans is great for weekly meal prep.
• Reheat: Warm collards on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little water for moisture if needed. Alternatively, use the microwave to warm up, using 30 second intervals, stirring between each until warm.

What To Serve With Collard Greens

Collard greens are a savory vegan side dish hearty enough to serve alone but can easily be made into a meal with any of these delicious options.

• Serve alone with a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
• Pair with a grain like rice, quinoa or farro.
• Serve with Blackened Cauliflower ‘Steaks’ or Blackened Tofu.
• Pair with or mashed potatoes.
• It would also be great with a slice of homemade cornbread or crusty artisan bread.

More Easy Side Dish Recipes!

• Oven Roasted Red Potatoes
• Savory Sauteed Kale
• Vegan Mashed Potatoes
• Vegan Macaroni Salad

If you make this easy collard greens recipe, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think or any changes you make.

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