Sautéed Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey and Garlic

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A traditional soul food side of tender collard greens simmered with smoky turkey and aromatic garlic for deep, savory flavor. This southern soul food-inspired vegetarian ready in about 75 minutes pairs smoked turkey wings, olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves 6 Southern Soul Food cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse and chop 2 lbs collard greens by removing tough stems and slicing leaves into 1-inch strips.
  2. Step 2: In a large pot, place 1 lb smoked turkey wings and 3 cups chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes to infuse broth with smoky flavor.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and cook for 4 minutes until translucent.
  4. Step 4: Add 5 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add the chopped collard greens and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar to the skillet along with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Pour in 1 cup of the smoked turkey broth from the pot.
  6. Step 6: Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until greens are tender and flavorful.
  7. Step 7: Remove turkey wings and shred any meat to stir back into the greens if desired. Adjust seasoning and serve warm.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 75 minutes (15 min prep + 60 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 Smoked Turkey and Garlic?

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 smoked turkey wings from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey and Garlic?

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 Smoked Turkey and Garlic 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.

What goes well with Sautéed Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey and Garlic?

Southern Soul Food 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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