Healthy Collard Greens Salad
If you’ve been looking for a fresh way to enjoy collard greens in salad form, this bowl is a tasty place to start. It’s crisp, hearty, and packed with flavor, and it’s a great pick when you want a healthy collard greens salad recipe that’s quick to throw together. The sturdy greens hold up beautifully, so you don’t have to worry about them wilting before dinnertime. This one easily fits the vibe if you’re after a collard greens salad recipe easy enough for weeknights but special enough for weekends.
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When I first tried making a raw collard greens salad at home, I wasn’t too sure if I’d like it. A friend brought one to a potluck, and I was completely sold. The greens were sliced thin, massaged just right, and tossed in a simple salad dressing that made every bite feel bright and balanced. Ever since then, it’s become one of my favorite fresh collard greens salad ideas.
What are Collard Greens?
Collard greens are leafy, dark green vegetables in the same family as kale, cabbage, and broccoli. The leaves are large, sturdy, and slightly earthy in flavor. They’re super common in Southern cooking, where they’re often simmered low and slow, but they’re great raw too when sliced thin and softened a bit.
They’re packed with vitamins A, C, and K, full of fiber, and hold up really well in salads, sautés, and grain bowls. If you’ve ever had kale and wished it were a bit sturdier, collards are basically that dependable cousin that never wilts on you.
What makes this salad healthy?
This healthy collard greens salad recipe leans on sturdy, nutrient-rich greens that bring fiber, vitamins, and a nice crunch. The olive oil and apple cider vinegar dressing adds healthy fats and a little tang. Pecans or sunflower seeds add more crunch plus protein, and dried cranberries add a sweet pop.
RELATED: This Easy Chopped Kale Salad with Creamy Dressing recipe is crunchy, creamy, and downright crave-worthy. It’s made with tender massaged kale, crisp veggies, and a tangy homemade creamy salad dressing that ties everything together.
Ingredients you’ll need
- Collard greens: Thinly slicing the leaves helps the texture. Can you eat collard greens raw in a salad? Yep—just slice them well and massage them a bit.
- Bacon: Adds salty flavor and crunch. You can swap it for turkey bacon or a plant-based option if you prefer.
- Olive oil: Forms the base of the dressing.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds tang that balances the greens.
- Honey or maple syrup: Gives a small touch of sweetness.
- Dijon mustard: Helps the dressing come together and adds a punchy flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Brightens everything.
- Red onion: Adds a little bite.
- Pecans or sunflower seeds: Brings crunch and extra flavor.
- Dried cranberries or raisins: Adds sweetness that pairs nicely with the greens.
Why you’ll love this salad
This one is hearty, colorful, and great for meal prep. If you’re searching for the best collard greens salad for meal prep, this is a dependable pick since the greens stay firm. It works as a side dish, lunch, or something fun to bring to a gathering.
Salad making essentials
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ALLIGATOR CHOPPER
Cheese grater
SALAD SPINNER
LEMON SQUEEZER
ELEGANT SALAD BOWL
MASON JARS
Step-by-step instructions for making this salad
- Add the sliced greens and gently massage the leaves for a couple of minutes.
- Add the onion, nuts or seeds, cranberries, and bacon.
- Whisk the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Toss everything together and let the salad sit for about 10 minutes so the flavors mellow and the greens soften.
Make this Healthy Collard Greens Salad, then check out my Broccoli Crunch Salad, my Farro Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash and Cranberries and more of my winter salad ideas.
TIPS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Read on for tips and substitution ideas on how to make this recipe, such as how to customize this salad, and how to store leftovers of this salad.
Can you make this a full meal?
Yes, adding lentils, quinoa, chicken, chia seeds or chickpeas turns it into a full lunch or dinner.
How do I keep the greens from being tough?
Slice them very thin and give them a good massage. If you’ve been searching for a collard greens salad that isn’t bitter, this step is key.
Can I prep it ahead of time?
Yes, the greens hold up well, and the flavors blend nicely after sitting.
How do I store leftovers of Collard Greens Salad
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The greens stay firm for up to 2–3 days. If you’re storing bacon, place them in separate containers to keep everything fresh.
How to massage collard greens for salad
It’s easy—just rub the leaves between your fingers until they soften a little.
This collard greens salad is a tasty, healthy, and fun recipe that works any month of the year. It’s easy enough for a weekday meal and perfect for potlucks, cookouts, or whenever you’re in the mood for something crisp and hearty.
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Healthy Collard Greens Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 bunch collard greens (stems removed and leaves thinly sliced)
- 3 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- ¼ cup chopped red onion
- ¼ cup toasted pecans or sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard, Salt and black pepper
- Add the sliced collard greens and gently massage them with your hands for 2–3 minutes to soften the leaves.1 bunch collard greens
- Add the red onion, pecans, cranberries, and crumbled bacon.3 slices bacon, ¼ cup chopped red onion, ¼ cup toasted pecans or sunflower seeds, ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins
- Toss until evenly coated, then let sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
Nutrition
Disclosure
Recipes and photos are for your personal enjoyment only — please share the love by linking, not copying!Other Winter Salad Recipes to try
- This Quinoa and Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing is everything—golden roasted cauliflower, fresh greens, crunchy almonds, and a tangy, creamy dressing that ties it all together. Bonus: this salad is gluten-free, packed with veggies, and perfect for meal prep or your next dinner party.
- A hearty Beetroot and Goat Cheese Salad with roasted beets, tangy goat cheese, walnuts, and a zesty vinaigrette. Perfectly healthy and easy for winter sides!
- This Arugula Salad with Pears and Goat Cheese brings together a perfect mix of peppery arugula, sweet and juicy pears, creamy goat cheese, crunchy toasted walnuts, and a bit of tang from the homemade dressing. It’s a beautiful harmony of flavors and textures, making it an ideal healthy lunch, dinner, or even a hearty winter side dish.
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