Collard greens are more than just a side dish—they’re a story of Southern kitchens, generations of tradition, and bold, down-to-earth flavors.

This vegan spin keeps everything you love: the smoky undertones, tender greens, and just the right kick of spice, but it swaps the meat for plant-based ingredients without missing a beat.

It’s the kind of recipe that feels like home. Simple, hearty, and packed with flavor, these collard greens are ready to steal the spotlight on your dinner table.

From the first bite, you’ll see why this Southern classic has stood the test of time—even with a modern twist.

Southern-Style Vegan Collard Greens Recipe

Ingredients

For The Dish

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or any vegetable oil of your choice
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional, but they bring great flavor)
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped small
• 3 tablespoons vegetable broth or water
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce or tamari
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped (or use 1 cup of canned, drained diced tomatoes)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 large bunch collard greens, washed, stems removed, and thinly sliced (about 4 cups packed)

Optional Add-Ins

• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spiciness, if you like it hot)
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (adds a cheesy flavor)

Instructions

Using The Instant Pot

1. Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting. Add the oil and mustard seeds. Stir them until they begin popping, and you’ll start smelling a nice aroma.
2. Add the chopped garlic and onion to the pot. Stir and let them cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onion softens. Turn off the “Sauté” setting.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth (or water), soy sauce, chopped tomatoes, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and collard greens. Stir everything to mix it well.
4. Close the Instant Pot lid and make sure the valve is set to “Sealing.” Select “Pressure Cook” and cook for 3 minutes.
5. Once cooking is done, let the pressure naturally release for about 10 minutes, then carefully open the lid.
6. Give everything a good stir. Taste the greens and add more salt, cayenne pepper, or nutritional yeast if you like. Serve and enjoy!

Using The Stovetop

1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and cook them, stirring occasionally, until they pop and turn a little brown.
2. Add the chopped garlic and onion. Stir them for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and clear.
3. Pour in the soy sauce, tomatoes, smoked paprika, and collard greens. Stir to combine everything well.
4. Cover the pot and lower the heat. Let the greens simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent burning.
5. After simmering, add salt, pepper, and any extra seasonings you prefer. Taste it, then serve while hot!

Important Tips For Perfect Collard Greens

To truly elevate your collard greens game, here are some insider tips that will help you achieve the perfect flavor and texture:

• Blanch the Greens First: If you want to reduce the bitterness, blanch the collard greens before cooking. Just boil them for 2-3 minutes, then shock them in ice water. This softens the greens and helps bring out their natural sweetness.
• Try Different Vinegars: Adding a splash of vinegar at the end of cooking (apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or even a little lemon juice) can brighten up the dish and balance out the rich flavors. Experiment with different types to find the one you love most!
• Layer in Flavor with Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves add depth to the greens while they cook. Simply toss them in with the greens as they simmer, and remove them before serving for an added herbal punch.
• Use Plant-Based Smoked Salt or Liquid Smoke: For that signature smoky flavor traditionally provided by bacon or ham, try using plant-based smoked salt or a small amount of liquid smoke. This brings the same rich taste but keeps the dish vegan.
• Don’t Skip the Sauté: Begin by sautéing onions, garlic, and mustard seeds (if using) before adding the greens. This will create a savory base that infuses the greens with deep, aromatic flavor.
• Rest Before Serving: Like many stews or braises, collard greens actually taste better after they’ve had a little time to sit. Let the cooked greens rest for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld together before serving.

What To Serve With Collard Greens?

Here are some delicious and simple dishes that pair perfectly with collard greens. These options enhance the flavors of the greens without overpowering them:

• Vegan fried chicken
• Cornmeal biscuits
• Vegan jambalaya
• Smoky tempeh
• Sweet potatoes with cinnamon
• Crispy polenta fries
• Avocado salad
• Corn on the cob

How To Store Collard Greens?

Proper storage ensures your collard greens stay fresh and retain their flavor. Here’s how to store them for the best results:

• For Leftover Cooked Collard Greens: Let the greens cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The longer they sit, the more the flavors will develop, so they’re even better the next day!
• For Storing Raw Greens: To keep raw collard greens fresh longer, wrap them loosely in a damp paper towel and place them inside a plastic bag or container. Store in the crisper drawer of the fridge, where they can last up to 7 days.
• Freezing Cooked Greens: If you want to keep collard greens for an extended period, freezing is the best option. After cooking, let the greens cool, then portion them into freezer-safe bags or containers. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. For easy reheating, freeze in individual portions!
• Reheating Tips: When reheating collard greens, add a small splash of vegetable broth or water to keep them from drying out. Gently heat them on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, for the best texture.

Why Are My Collard Greens Not Tender?

If your collard greens aren’t turning out tender, there could be a few reasons. Collard greens need enough time and the right cooking technique to break down their tough fibers. Here’s why they might stay tough, and how to fix it:

• Not Cooking Long Enough: Collard greens are a tough leafy green, so they need longer cooking times than other vegetables. If you’re not cooking them long enough, they won’t soften as they should. Try simmering them for 45 minutes to an hour to get them tender. A longer cooking time allows the greens to break down and become tender.
• Using Too High of Heat: Cooking collard greens on too high of heat can cause them to toughen up instead of softening. It’s better to cook them on medium or low heat, which allows them to slowly soften and absorb the flavors.
• Skipping the Pre-Cooking Step (Blanching): Blanching greens helps start the cooking process and softens their texture. If you don’t blanch them first, they may take longer to soften while cooking. Blanch the greens in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes, then transfer them to ice water before cooking them fully. This can make a huge difference in their texture.
• Not Removing the Stems: The stems of collard greens are much tougher than the leaves, so if you leave them in, they can make the entire dish feel tough. Always remove the tough stems and ribs before cooking, or at least chop the leaves into smaller pieces.
• Not Using Enough Liquid: Collard greens need enough moisture to cook properly. If you’re cooking them in a dry pot, they may end up tough and chewy. Be sure to add a good amount of liquid, like vegetable broth, water, or a splash of vinegar, to keep them moist and help break down the fibers.