Collard greens are a tasty and healthy part of many meals. But what should you serve with them? Picking the right side dishes can make the whole meal even better. Whether you like meat, grains, or other vegetables, there are many great choices.
Here are the 18 best side dishes to go with collard greens. These options will make your meal complete and delicious!
The best side dishes to serve with collard greens are mac and cheese, cornbread, and potato salad. If you are looking for something meatier, chicken wings, BBQ ribs or bone-in ham also pair well. You can even serve collard greens with a sweet potato casserole, fried chicken, and green beans for a hearty meal that everyone will love!
Mac and cheese is another side dish that is considered a comfort food staple and has become synonymous with dishes like collard greens and fried chicken. My creamy mac and cheese recipe is so easy and is ready in less than 12 minutes.
While it would typically take a few hours to make a roast, this pork sirloin top roast recipe can be ready in less than an hour. Crusted in garlic, salt, and pepper, this recipe is the perfect match to the smokey flavor of the collard greens.
Nothing brings me comfort quite like my flavorful mashed potatoes. With a few pantry staples, you can elevate a simple mash while still being a cost-effective side that fits well with just about any dish you can pair it with.
The sweetness that you get from the orange, pineapple, honey, and brown sugar glaze will add a delicious contrast to my savory, smokey collard greens. You can even swap out the honey for some maple syrup to change up the flavor. Any leftovers can be used to make a ham potato hash, split pea and ham soup, or grilled ham and cheese sandwiches.
Pork chops are another simple side dish that you can serve with collard greens. They are flavored with ranch seasonings, and you can have these pork chops hot and on the table in 15 minutes to serve with collard greens.
These grits are like a texture combo between mashed potatoes and oatmeal, which makes them versatile to have morning, noon, or night. Plus, they are so easy to adjust to your personal taste.
Sweet potatoes are an excellent side dish to serve with collard greens. They are also super healthy. Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins A, B6, and C, and they promote good gut health. Plus, sweet potato leftovers are great for your dog or cat as its good for their tummies too!
This light and aromatic sea bass recipe is easy to make and can be prepared with either fresh or frozen fillets. This fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and potassium, making it a super healthy side dish to serve with collard greens.
This classic American comfort food staple is so versatile that you can serve it with a variety of different dishes like chili, BBQ ribs, and even collard greens. You can put butter on your cornbread, drizzle it with honey, or use any other type of spread you like.
There are many different types of potato salad, and no doubt you or someone in your family has a legendary recipe that everyone looks forward to at family dinners. If not, try this elevated take. This herbed potato salad recipe is on the lighter side, opting for a vinegarette dressing over the standard mayo base. It is also a very easy recipe to alter to your personal taste, adding or removing ingredients to create your own legendary potato salad recipe.
This sweet potato casserole with a pecan brown sugar topping can be served as a dessert or a side dish. What makes it an excellent choice to serve with collard greens is that the smokey bacon flavor contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the casserole.
The crispy, crunchy texture of this flavorful fried chicken will have you wanting to make it every night.
If you are like me, then you love your greens and wont think twice about serving these garlic bacon green beans as a side dish with collard greens. The bonus is that between these two dishes, there is enough bacon that you wont even need to add a protein to make a fulfilling meal.
In American cuisine, collard greens are synonymous with BBQ. So, the next time you are hosting a backyard barbecue, try these amazing BBQ ribs with my collard greens recipe. Even if you dont have a barbecue or a smoker, you can still enjoy these ribs in the oven. The star of this recipe is the homemade BBQ sauce that you can adjust to your taste, whether you like it spicier, sweeter, or smokier.
Chicken wings, whether grilled, baked, or fried, add a savory and satisfying touch to collard greens. Their crispy texture and rich flavor make them a favorite for many. Pair with a tangy sauce or a simple seasoning, and youve got a tasty complement that turns a side of collard greens into a feast.
Salad Nicoise, with its mix of fresh vegetables, tuna, eggs, and olives, offers a refreshing contrast to collard greens. This classic French salad is light yet filling, balancing the earthy taste of the greens with a blend of bright flavors. Its a wholesome choice that adds both color and variety to your meal.
Corned beef hash is a hearty and flavorful side that pairs wonderfully with collard greens. The salty, meaty taste of corned beef combined with potatoes and onions creates a robust dish that complements the greens texture and flavor. Its a comforting and satisfying option, perfect for a cozy meal.
Chicken Shawarma Bowls bring a Middle Eastern flair to the table, with marinated chicken, rice, and fresh vegetables. Their complex flavors and array of textures make them a unique and delicious companion to collard greens. Whether you enjoy them with traditional spices or a favorite sauce, Chicken Shawarma Bowls turn a simple serving of collard greens into an exciting culinary adventure.
But, there are also those who are straying away from meat in their greens all together. Vegan collard greens can be just as delicious if you season them the right way. The greens will be cooked the same way with the substitution of vegetable broth or stock. To add the smoky flavor that the meat would have, I suggest adding in a few dashes of liquid smoke. As long as you let the greens cook down, they will be delicious!
Collard greens, like many other greens, have so many health benefits. From mustard greens to turnip greens to spinach, greens provide us with the roughage that we need in our daily diet. Collard greens in particular are filled with vitamins such as vitamins A, C, and K. They are also filled with tons of dietary fiber, iron, and magnesium. Whether they are cooked or eaten raw, they assist with our overall digestive system. It’s no wonder why our parents always told us to eat our greens growing up.
Then, slice or rip your greens into strips. The thinner the strips, the faster they will cook. Add some cool water to your CLEAN sink. Submerge the greens in the water and begin rubbing them thoroughly. Drain the water and repeat the previous steps until all of the debris is gone.
These collard greens are a true Southern classic. They will have you thinking about your grandma! Made in a rich and savory broth, these collard greens will surely have you in a food coma! They are cooked low and slow to the point that they melt in your mouth. You and your guests wont be disappointed!
Growing up, we all had food that created memories for us. Every family has their own type of soul food. For me, it’s true Southern classics that stand the test of time. Southern food sticks to your ribs and makes you feel at home. There’s nothing more Southern than collard greens! Since I was younger, I always watched how these greens took time and effort. My Southern Collard Greens Recipe will make you feel right at home wherever you are this holiday season!
Best Side Dishes For Collard Greens
- Mac and Cheese
- Pork Sirloin Tip Roast
- Mashed Potatoes
- Bone-in Ham
- Ranch Pork Chops
- Grits
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Sea Bass
- Cornbread
- Potato Salad
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Fried Chicken
- Garlic and Bacon Green Beans
- BBQ Ribs
- Chicken Wings
- Salad Nicoise
- Corned Beef Hash
- Chicken Shawarma Bowls
Southern Collard Greens w/Smoked Turkey Legs | Collard Greens Recipe
What meat goes well with collard greens?
Collard greens typically have a slightly bitter and earthy taste, which means it pairs well with meats that have a bold and savory flavor. Meats that complement collard greens well include smoked turkey, ham hocks, bacon, and pork chops. These meats add a smoky flavor and saltiness to the dish, enhancing the overall taste of the collard greens.
What is good substitute for collard greens?
Collard greens are easily substituted by a variety of greens. My favorite leafy green is kale, and it makes a good substitute for collard greens. Kale has a similar taste and texture to collard greens making kale a great sub. Spinach can also be a good substitute for collard greens but keep in mind that it will cook more quickly than kale or collard greens. Another option is cabbage, typically cabbage is inexpensive, and it can be used in many ways, my favorite use is coleslaw, but it can also be used in cooked preparations too.
What to eat with collard greens?
Collard greens are a common side dish in Southern cuisine and pair well with a variety of meats. Some popular meat choices include smoked ham hocks or bacon, smoked turkey, pork chops, fried chicken, or even boiled peanuts.
What side dishes go well with collard greens?
In general, side dishes that offer a sweeter taste go well with collard greens, while those that have tangier flavors are also popular when serving up this green leafy vegetable dish. The side dishes should not overpower the main entree, such as a pasta dish, instead of complement it.