Most people are familiar with collard greens as a cooked side dish, but these leafy greens are also delicious raw or lightly cooked in a salad. Plus, collard greens are packed with vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy addition to your diet.
There are many ways to prepare a collard salad. Raw collard salads often feature vinaigrettes and other fresh ingredients. You can also make warm collard salads with roasted vegetables and unique dressings. Wilted salads are another option, using a hot dressing to slightly soften the greens.
This article explores some of the most delicious and interesting ways to make collard salad, so you can enjoy this versatile and nutritious dish in new and exciting ways.
Prepping collard greens for salad: Techniques and tips
Raw collard greens can be a little tough, so it’s worth taking some time to prepare them properly before tossing them with your favorite salad dressing.
Choosing and washing collard greens
Start by selecting fresh, vibrant collard greens at the market. Look for leaves that are firm and dark green. Pass up any that are yellowing or have spots.
Then, wash the collard greens thoroughly to get rid of any dirt or debris. Make sure to dry the leaves well before you prep them further.
Cutting and tenderizing
For raw salads, try the chiffonade cutting method. This means you thinly slice the collard greens into ribbons, making them easier to eat and digest.
Some cooks toss the greens with a little salt and sugar and let them sit for about 15 minutes before adding salad dressing. This can help tenderize the greens and reduce any lingering bitterness.
You can also blanch the collards to get a crisp-tender texture. After blanching, plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process.
Raw Collard Salad Variations: Fresh and Flavorful Combinations
Don’t think that all raw collard salads have to be the same! There are countless ways to mix things up and create a delicious and nutritious meal. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started.
Collard Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash, Almonds, and Parmesan
This salad is a study in contrasts! The slight bitterness of the collard greens plays perfectly against the sweetness of roasted delicata squash. Add some crunchy almonds and savory parmesan cheese, and you’ve got a flavor explosion in every bite.
The recipe calls for a sharp vinaigrette to tie all the flavors together. If you’re short on time, you can skip the roasted garlic – it’ll still be delicious!
Collard Salad with Lemon-Parmesan Dressing
This salad is all about brightness and simplicity. The lemon-parmesan dressing is so versatile, you’ll want to use it on everything! (And you can!)
Instead of toasted breadcrumbs, this recipe calls for finely crushed crackers or nut meal to add texture. This keeps the salad gluten-free and adds a unique nutty flavor.
For an extra layer of flavor, try roasting the vegetables before adding them to the salad. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and adds a caramelized char that’s irresistible.
Warm and Wilted Collard Salad Options: A Different Approach
If you’re looking for something a little different, consider a warm or wilted collard salad. These preparations offer a delightful twist on the traditional raw salad, bringing out new flavors and textures in the hearty greens.
Warm Collard Greens Salad with Toasted Coconut and Burst Tomatoes
This salad features roasted collard greens and tomatoes, tossed in a unique miso-based dressing. The miso dressing is more than just a salad dressing; it’s a versatile sauce that complements the earthy collards and sweet tomatoes perfectly. Roasting the greens and tomatoes separately ensures that each element is cooked to perfection. The toasted coconut adds a delightful crunch and a hint of sweetness, creating a well-balanced and flavorful dish.
Wilted Collard Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing
This salad showcases the versatility of collards, demonstrating that they can be enjoyed raw or blanched for a crisp-tender texture. The key to this recipe is the hot bacon dressing, made with rendered bacon fat for maximum flavor. The addition of pickled golden raisins provides a sweet and tangy counterpoint to the savory bacon and earthy greens. I always keep a jar of these raisins in my fridge. I love their texture and sweet-tangy flavor that’s surprisingly complex for only two ingredients. They’re just right for sprinkling onto salads or adding to a cheese plate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you eat raw collard greens in salad?
Absolutely! You can eat raw collard greens, but they’re quite tough and can be bitter. The trick is to massage them well. Massaging breaks down the tough fibers, making them easier to chew and more palatable. Thinly slicing or chopping the greens before massaging also helps.
What are 3 ways you can eat collard greens?
Besides enjoying them raw in a salad (massaged, of course!), you can sauté them with garlic and olive oil for a quick and healthy side dish. Braising them low and slow with smoked meats is a classic Southern preparation. Or, try adding chopped collard greens to soups and stews for added nutrients and flavor.
What takes the bitterness out of collards?
Massaging raw collards with an acidic dressing (like lemon juice or vinegar) helps mellow their bitterness. When cooking collards, a splash of vinegar or lemon juice also works wonders. Slow cooking also reduces bitterness as the heat breaks down the compounds that cause it.
Why put baking soda in collard greens?
Some people add a pinch of baking soda to collard greens to help soften them more quickly and preserve their vibrant green color. However, baking soda can also destroy some of the nutrients and give the greens a slightly mushy texture, so it’s best used sparingly, if at all. I personally skip it!
Summary
Collard greens aren’t just for simmering! You can use them in all kinds of salads. Whether you massage them until tender, chop them finely and pair them with crunchy vegetables, or wilt them lightly with a warm dressing, collard greens bring a unique flavor and texture to the table.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings, dressings, and techniques to create your own signature collard salad. Try adding fruit, nuts, or cheese for extra flavor and texture.
Collard salad is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy this often-overlooked leafy green. It’s time to give collards a try in your next salad!