Name: Zesty Smoked Paprika Collard Greens Sauté
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: US
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds collard greens, thoroughly washed and chopped; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced into half-moons; 2 cloves garlic, minced finely; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (ensure it's fresh for optimal flavor); Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Greens

Lemony Sauteed Collard Greens with Smoked Paprika

Sep 22, 2025
by Adele Simonis
- 0.0 / 5 ( 0 Ratings)
0 Likes

PREP TIME

5 mins
COOK TIME

30 mins
TOTAL TIME

35 mins
SERVING

4 People
VIEWS

0

Elevate your Southern-inspired meals with this vibrant and flavorful side dish. The smoky depth of paprika harmonizes beautifully with the bright lemon, transforming humble collard greens into a culinary delight. Perfect for vegetarians and omnivores alike!

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

1.5 pounds collard greens, thoroughly washed and chopped

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced into half-moons

2 cloves garlic, minced finely

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon smoked paprika (ensure it's fresh for optimal flavor)

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Nutrition

Carbohydrate

13 g
Fiber

7 g
Protein

5 g
Saturated Fat

1 g
Sodium

74 mg
Sugar

2 g
Fat

4 g
Unsaturated Fat

0 g

Follow The Directions

01

Step

5 mins

Prepare the Collard Greens: Trim the tough ends from the collard greens. Stack the leaves, roll tightly, and slice into 1-inch ribbons. Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any grit. (Prep time: 15 minutes)

02

Step

6 mins

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent. (Cook time: 5 minutes)

03

Step

15 mins

Infuse with Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. (Cook time: 1-2 minutes)

04

Step

3 mins

Cook the Collard Greens: Add the chopped collard greens to the skillet. Sauté, stirring frequently, until the greens are tender and have reduced in volume. (Cook time: 12-15 minutes)

05

Step

Finish with Lemon and Paprika: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and smoked paprika. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

06

Step

Serve: Serve warm as a vibrant and flavorful side dish.

For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the smoked paprika.
If you prefer a sweeter note, a touch of maple syrup or brown sugar can be added along with the lemon juice.
Collard greens can be slightly bitter. Blanching them in boiling water for 2 minutes before sautéing can help reduce the bitterness.
Smoked paprika comes in different strengths; adjust the amount to your preference.

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Adele Simonis

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.