Sautéed Collard Greens with Garlic and Bacon

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-17 · Updated 2026-06-17

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are developed and reviewed.

Traditional Brazilian side of tender collard greens sautéed with garlic and smoky bacon for depth of flavor. This Brazilian-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs collard greens, bacon strips, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 180 cal/serving

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Ingredients

1 lb, washed and sliced thin collard greens
4 strips, chopped bacon strips
3, thinly sliced garlic cloves
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp, freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes

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Instructions

Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 chopped bacon strips and cook for 5-6 minutes until crispy and fat is rendered.
Step 2: Add 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves to the bacon fat and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Step 3: Add 1 lb thinly sliced collard greens to the skillet and toss well to coat with bacon and garlic. Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using.
Step 4: Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the greens are wilted and tender but still vibrant green. Adjust seasoning and serve warm as a hearty side dish.