Johnson's Smoky Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey
Creamy, flavorful collard greens simmered with smoky turkey and garlic, a classic Southern side dish. This southern-inspired vegetarian (low carb) ready in about 70 minutes pairs collard greens, smoked turkey thigh, medium onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs collard greens
- 1 cup smoked turkey thigh
- 1 medium onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Stack collard greens, roll tightly, and slice into 1/4-inch ribbons. Finely chop 1 diced onion and mince 3 garlic cloves. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, adding onion and garlic, cooking for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 2 lbs sliced collard greens, 1 cup smoked turkey thigh, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Stir to combine, then bring to a simmer.
- Step 3: Cover and cook for 45 minutes on low heat until collards are tender but still vibrant green, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Check for doneness by piercing a leaf with a fork—it should yield easily.
- Step 4: Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Johnson's Smoky Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (20 min prep + 50 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 Johnson's Smoky Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey?
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 collard greens from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Johnson's Smoky Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey?
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 Johnson's Smoky Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey 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.
Is Johnson's Smoky Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The aroma while cooking this was absolutely heavenly.
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to vegetarian dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
