By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on June 14, 2026
Serves 4
64 cal · 15 min
The Crisper Whisperer: Collard Greens Mineira
Recipe GLPR2154159a97adc7
A vibrant, simple preparation of tender collard greens sautéed with crispy bacon and brightened with fresh lemon juice. This quick side dish celebrates the natural earthiness of the greens while the bacon adds smoky depth and savory richness. Ready in just 15 minutes, it's a weeknight favorite that elevates any meal.
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Ingredients
1 bunch collard greens (about 1 pound), washed, stems removed, and leaves chopped into bite-sized pieces
3 slices center-cut bacon
½ lemon Juice of 1/2 lemon
Kosher salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions
Cut the bacon into ½-inch pieces. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the bacon pieces. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is golden and crispy, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of the rendered fat in the pan.
Add the chopped collard greens to the hot skillet with the bacon fat. Stir continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until the greens are coated and begin to wilt, then cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium. Cook covered for another 3 to 4 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the greens are tender but still have a slight firmness.
Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and stir to combine. Remove from heat and drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the top. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then toss gently to distribute.
Transfer to a serving bowl and serve immediately while warm.
Comments
This is a weeknight winner for Charlotte kitchens. Collard greens are a North Carolina staple available year-round at every major chain, bacon costs $4–6 a pound, and lemon and salt are pantry basics; no special trips needed. The stated 15 minutes is honest if you're working with pre-washed greens, though rough-chopping them adds 5 minutes if you buy whole bunches. The dish reheats perfectly and feeds four as a side, making it genuinely useful for meal prep. The only brake is that it's a bare-bones recipe—good for a player who knows how to build flavor, less so for someone who needs more guidance.
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