Collard Greens Sautéed with Smoked Turkey and Onion

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Earthy collard greens slowly sautéed with savory smoked turkey and sweet onions for a traditional Southern side dish bursting with flavor. This southern united states-inspired vegetarian ready in about 50 minutes pairs stemmed and chopped collard greens, large, sliced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 140 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 Southern United States cuisine 140 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse and stem 1 lb collard greens, then chop into 1-inch pieces and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 large sliced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in shredded meat from 1 smoked turkey leg and cook for 3 minutes to warm through.
  5. Step 5: Add chopped collard greens, 1 cup chicken broth, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine.
  6. Step 6: Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens are tender and most of the liquid has evaporated.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Collard Greens Sautéed with Smoked Turkey and Onion take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Collard Greens Sautéed with Smoked Turkey and Onion?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large, sliced yellow onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Collard Greens Sautéed with Smoked Turkey and Onion?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Collard Greens Sautéed with Smoked Turkey and Onion for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Collard Greens Sautéed with Smoked Turkey and Onion?

Southern United States vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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