Uncooked Collard Greens Salad

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This easy uncooked collard inexperienced salad is made with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sun-dried tomatoes, onion and garlic. It comes collectively rapidly and is the proper aspect salad for fall and winter.

I do know what you’re considering. Uncooked collards… in a salad? Not so certain about that.

I actually felt the identical manner when I discovered this recipe, however then I remembered how a lot I like to make use of uncooked collard greens as wraps (like with my hummus collard wraps) and thought I’d give it a attempt. So glad I did, as a result of it really turned out nice! Identical to with marinated kale salads, the oil wilts the greens and makes them extra palatable – good as a base for a salad.

Collard greens are a basic southern staple which are sometimes cooked with some kind of meat like smoked turkey, bacon or pork. And it’s humorous as a result of although this collard greens salad is uncooked and vegan the sun-dried tomatoes seem like “bacon” bits so it nonetheless has the look of normal ol’ soul meals.

Collard Greens 101

Collard greens are a kind of leafy inexperienced vegetable within the cruciferous household together with kale, arugula, swiss chard, broccoli, cabbage and brussels sprouts. Collards have giant, darkish inexperienced leaves which are easy with light-colored veins. They’ve a impartial style with some slight bitterness, much like kale and spinach.

Like all leafy greens, collards are full of diet! They’re a superb supply of nutritional vitamins A, C, and Okay, in addition to manganese and fiber. Additionally they comprise small quantities of calcium, iron and folate. These darkish leafy greens are additionally an excellent supply of antioxidants, which will help shield towards cell harm and sure illnesses.

Ingredients measured out to make Raw Collard Greens Salad: red pepper flakes, pepper, onion, olive oil, collard greens, sun-dried tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, salt and garlic.

Substances Wanted

collard greens – the star of the present! Search for collards which have darkish inexperienced leaves that aren’t wilted. Keep away from collard greens which have yellow or brown leaves, as these are indicators that the greens will not be recent. Additionally it is necessary to test the stems of the collard greens to ensure they aren’t mushy.
olive oil – we’re massaging the collards in olive oil, which helps to interrupt down the cell construction of the collards so it turns into tender, much less bitter, extra palatable and simpler to digest. I like to recommend utilizing further virgin olive oil for the very best outcomes, however common olive oil or avocado oil are additionally good choices.
apple cider vinegar – mixed with the sun-dried tomatoes and onions to create a dressing/marinade. Be at liberty to make use of any vinegar you might have available, however I like apple cider vinegar as a result of it’s a lightweight vinegar with a barely candy taste. Additionally it is decrease in acidity than different kinds of vinegar, so it is not going to overwhelm the flavors of the opposite components within the salad.
sun-dried tomatoes – provides some good texture and a ton of taste to this salad. The sun-dried tomatoes change the bacon that may sometimes be present in collard greens salads.
onion – I desire utilizing crimson onion for this salad. They add a pleasant zesty taste and a pop of colour. That mentioned be at liberty to make use of yellow onions if that’s all you might have available.
garlic – uncooked garlic has a robust, pungent taste that may actually add a kick to a salad. Additionally it is a pure antibiotic and will help increase your immune system.
crimson pepper flakes – only a pinch for some warmth! Be at liberty to skip this in case you’re not a spicy individual.
sea salt & black pepper – brings collectively all of the flavors of the salad.

Collage of 9 photos showing how to make a collard green salad: cutting the collard greens, massaging the greens with oil and salt and then topping with a sun-dried tomato dressing.

The best way to Make

Begin by de-stemming and chopping the collard greens. Place the chopped collard greens into a big bowl and pour olive oil with a sprinkle of salt. Therapeutic massage the oil and salt into the greens together with your fingers till properly coated.

Whisk collectively apple cider vinegar, sun-dried tomatoes, onions, garlic, crimson pepper flakes and floor pepper. You may also add the components to a jar and mix by shaking. Pour the dressing over the collard greens and let marinate within the fridge for a minimum of 3-4 hours, however in a single day is greatest.

Serve when prepared together with your favourite meal, or as is.

Scorching to Lower Collard Greens

The simplest method to minimize collard greens is to first de-stem them by folding the leaves in half lengthwise alongside the stem with the darker inexperienced aspect down. Pull up the stem till it comes off and also you’re left principally with leaves. A simple method to chop them is to stack just a few leaves, roll them up right into a cigar form, and minimize by means of the collard cylinder, making strips. Simple peasy!

A serving bowl containing raw collard greens salad.

What to Serve With Collard Greens Salad

This salad is so nice due to how versatile it’s. You possibly can both add extra components to it for a hearty salad, eat it as is for one thing gentle and refreshing or take pleasure in it as a aspect salad together with your favourite meal.

Add protein: maple turmeric rooster, tempeh bacon, air fryer chickpeas
On the aspect: balsamic glazed salmon, vegan mac & cheese, cauliflower grits with blackened shrimp
With a sandwich: autumn turkey sandwich, BBQ jackfruit sandwich, hearts of palm BBQ sandwich
With soup: beef chili, brunswick stew, vegetarian chili, turkey chili
For Thanksgiving: this salad can be the proper aspect dish addition to your Thanksgiving menu for some greens! Pair it alongside this lentil loaf, inexperienced bean casserole, candy potato casserole, sourdough stuffing and candy potato pie

The best way to Retailer Leftovers

Retailer any leftovers in an hermetic sealed container for as much as 5 days within the fridge. The longer it sits the extra flavorful it is going to change into because the flavors all meld collectively.

Extra Collard Greens Recipes

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Make sure to try all the salad recipes on EBF!