Balsamic Collard Greens Recipe: Quick, Easy, and Flavorful Side Dish 🌿🍇

Easy Collard Greens with Balsamic Vinegar

These Balsamic Collard Greens are a quick and easy vegetable side dish that is satisfying and full of bold flavor.

This recipe is naturally vegan and pairs perfectly with both plant-based and non-vegan main dishes.

They are ready to eat in about 10 minutes from start to finish!

The cooking process involves a brief sauté with red onion and garlic, followed by a punch of rich, sweet balsamic vinegar.

Enjoy them as a dinner side or as a light, flavorful lunch with rice or noodles.

This recipe uses a simple combination of sturdy greens, sweet aromatics, and a concentrated vinegar for a depth of taste.

Collard Greens: These greens are packed with nutrients like fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Calcium, and protein.
Substitutions: If collards are unavailable, you can substitute other sturdy greens like kale or chard; the taste will be different but still delicious.
Prep: Cut the collards into larger, fork-friendly pieces, as they will reduce in size once cooked.

Red Onion: A red onion is preferred because its natural sweetness pairs particularly well with the slight bitterness of the collards and the tangy-sweetness of the balsamic vinegar. Other onions can be used in a pinch.
Balsamic Vinegar: This ingredient adds instant, bold, and complex flavor. Using a thick balsamic vinegar is recommended because the concentrated flavors allow for a strong taste without making the greens “soupy.”
Garlic: Use fresh cloves, chopped small, to sauté with the onion for a savory base.

The cooking method is a fast sauté designed to tenderize the greens quickly while maximizing flavor.

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil first, then add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for just a couple of minutes until they are soft and beginning to brown.
Add Greens Gradually: Add the chopped collard greens to the skillet little by little, stirring as you go. Cook them for a few minutes until they are tender.
Add Vinegar Last: The balsamic vinegar is added right at the end and gently combined to coat the greens, ensuring the flavor remains bright and concentrated.
Garnish Ideas: The greens are delicious as is, but a garnish can add extra texture and taste, such as: chopped raw onion, slivered almonds, or cheese (if not keeping the dish vegan).

Prep Veggies: Chop the onion and garlic into small pieces. Cut the collard greens into larger pieces suitable for eating with a fork.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a skillet. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook for a couple of minutes until soft and just starting to brown.
Cook Greens: Add the chopped collard greens to the skillet gradually, stirring as you go. Cook for a few minutes until they are tender. Add salt to taste.
Finish: Add the balsamic vinegar and gently combine the ingredients.
Serve: Transfer the greens to a serving plate or dish. If desired, top with a garnish of chopped onion, slivered almonds, or cheese.

This recipe proves that a healthy side dish can be incredibly quick to make and absolutely bursting with flavor!