Collard Greens Salad

Name: Collard Greens Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 5 C. Chopped collard green leaves with the main stem removed; 1/2 C. Cherry tomatoes halved; 1 Medium English cucumber sliced and then halved; ¼ Red Onion finely chopped; 1 Avocado chopped; 2 C. Shredded chicken; 3 Tbsp. Olive oil; 3 tsp. Sugar free maple syrup; Juice from half a lime; 1 tsp. Minced garlic; 1 ½ Tbsp. Apple cider vinegar; Red pepper flakes to taste; Salt and pepper to taste.

Collard Green salad is a dish that has gained popularity in recent years as more people become aware of the health benefits of this underappreciated green. Collard greens are packed with nutrients, including vitamins A, C, K, and calcium. They also contain high levels of fiber, making them a great choice for those looking to improve their digestive health.

This leafy green is also low in calories and carbohydrates, making it a great addition to any diet. Collard greens are often used in traditional Southern cooking, where they are usually cooked down into stews or braised with other vegetables. However, this versatile green can also be eaten raw in salads. The end result is a delicious fresh-tasting delicious salad.

The first time I had this salad was when I was pregnant and had gestational Diabetes and a few other health condition. The Dr put me on a special diet of low sugar and less sodium. This salad was the first one I tried and I was in love!! I love the dark leafy greens and it is such a fresh-tasting salad. This was a perfect lunch as the preparation time is only 20 minutes to make and if I chopped it up the day before, I would had instant lunch.

Ingredients

Here is a quick look at what you will need. You can find the full measurements in the recipe card below.

Collard Green, chicken, tomatoe,cucmbers, onions, oil, garlic, ACV, Sugar free maple surup, lime, red pepper flakes

Collard green leaves
Cherry tomatoes halved
English cucumber sliced and then halved
Red Onion finely chopped
Avocado chopped
Shredded chicken
Olive oil
Sugar-free maple syrup
Juice from half a lime
Minced garlic
Apple cider vinegar
Red pepper flakes to taste
Salt and pepper to taste.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

This is a quick overview of the steps. See the Recipe card below for the rest.

Add the chopped collard greens, cucumber, tomatoes, Onion, chicken & chicken to a large serving bowl.

In a small bowl, whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients until well combined.

Pour the vinaigrette mixture over the greens add your Pepper and a bit of salt, and toss to coat well. Enjoy!

Variations and Substitutions

Spicy – Add some sliced jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the vinaigrette for an extra kick.
Vegetarian – Substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas for a protein-packed vegetarian option.
Low-carb – Skip the sugar-free maple syrup and substitute with a low-carb sweetener like stevia or erythritol. You can also omit or reduce the amount of tomatoes and onions for a lower carb count.
Make it ahead of time – This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just add the vinaigrette before serving to prevent soggy greens.
Vegetables – Feel free to substitute whichever veggies you like. I love Bell Pepper. You can even add some sun-dried tomatoes for a slightly smoky flavor
Lime – If you don’t like lime, you can always use Lemon or Lemon Juice.
Dressings – If you do not like the Vinaigrette in this salad recipe you can always make another dressing with red wine vinegar & dijon mustard. It is one of my favs!
Hearty Greens- You can substitue the collards for swiss chard or even some Kale to make a Kale Salads instead.

Equipment

Small Bowl
Sharp knife
Large Bowl

Storage

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 days

Freezing: This salad is not recommended for freezing as the lettuce will become wilted and soggy.

Pro Tips

Use a Salad Spinner to dry off your raw collard greens to remove any excess water.
Make sure to give your raw collards a good chop into bite-sized pieces before adding to the salad for easier eating and better flavor distribution.
For a bit of a crunch, you can add some sesame seeds or Chia Seeds. You can even top it off with some green onions to put this salad over the top.

FAQ

What are Collard Greens?

Collard greens are a leafy green vegetable that is often associated with Southern cuisine in the United States. They have a thick, hearty texture and a slightly bitter taste, making them an excellent addition to salads.

Recipe Card