Sautéed Collard Greens with Garlic and Smoked Turkey

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

A regional Southern-inspired side dish featuring tender collard greens sautéed with minced garlic and smoky turkey for a hearty flavor. This southern-inspired vegetarian ready in about 25 minutes pairs Fresh collard greens, Smoked turkey leg, chopped, Olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 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 Southern cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse and remove the thick stems from 1 lb fresh collard greens, then chop the leaves into 1-inch wide strips.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 6 oz chopped smoked turkey leg and cook for 3 minutes until fragrant and slightly crisp.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 cloves minced garlic and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet, sautéing for 1 minute until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Add the collard greens along with 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir well and cover, cooking for 10-12 minutes until greens are tender but still vibrant.
  5. Step 5: Remove the lid and cook for an additional 2 minutes over medium-high heat to evaporate excess liquid, stirring occasionally.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Sautéed Collard Greens with Garlic and 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 fresh collard greens from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Collard Greens with Garlic and 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 Sautéed Collard Greens with Garlic and Smoked Turkey for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Sautéed Collard Greens with Garlic and Smoked Turkey?

Southern 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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