Johnson's Smoky Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-05 · Updated 2026-04-05

Creamy, flavorful collard greens simmered with smoky turkey and garlic, a classic Southern side dish. This Southern-inspired vegetarian recipe (low carb), ready in about 70 minutes, pairs collard greens, smoked turkey thigh, 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 low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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

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Instructions

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.