Pan-Sautéed Collard Greens with Bacon and Vinegar
Simple, flavorful collard greens quickly sautéed with smoky bacon and brightened with tangy vinegar for a classic side dish. This Southern-inspired quick recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs collard greens, bacon slices, water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 1 lb, washed and chopped collard greens
- 4 slices, chopped bacon slices
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- to taste hot sauce
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Equipment for this recipe
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Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 4 chopped bacon slices for 5 minutes until crispy and rendered fat releases.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb chopped collard greens and 1/2 cup water to the skillet, stirring to coat greens in bacon fat.
- Step 3: Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching, until greens are tender.
- Step 4: Remove the lid, add 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar and 1/4 tsp black pepper, stirring well to combine.
- Step 5: Simmer uncovered for 3 minutes until liquid reduces slightly and flavors meld.
- Step 6: Serve hot with hot sauce drizzled to taste for a spicy kick.







