A staple of southern cuisine, collard greens are a good addition to a healthy diet. The greens are low in calories, fat-free and a good source of vitamin A, fiber and vitamin C. They're often cooked with meat for flavor, but you can make the collard greens vegetarian to cut the fat and sodium content. Collard greens are fairly mild, pair well with a wide range of entrees and side dishes and boost the nutrient content of any dish they're added to.
Protein
Fried foods, such as catfish and chicken, are traditional accompaniments to collard greens, but you can use leaner meats instead. Roast a whole chicken with a dry rub of herbs and spices or grill chicken breasts with a vinaigrette marinade. Collard greens stand up well to the bold flavors in spicy prawns or a small, lean lamb chop. Grill or broil fish fillets with a splash of lemon juice, cracked peppers and fresh herbs and serve on a bed of braised collard greens.
Grains
Grits are traditionally served with collard greens, but keep in mind that they are not whole grains and you have healthier options. Chop collard greens finely and add to brown rice while it's cooking. Place a mound of whole-grain couscous on a bed of greens and top with fish and herbs for a dramatic presentation. Mix chopped greens into whole-wheat spaghetti with cherry tomatoes and caramelized onions and top with a little grated Parmesan cheese for a healthy pasta dish.
Vegetables and Fruits
Mix strands of cooked spaghetti squash with collard greens for a colorful dish, or serve greens alongside sauteed or grilled zucchini and yellow summer squash. Sweet potatoes add a punch of color to a plate, as well as extra vitamin A. Drizzle chunks of roasted sweet potatoes with the liquid from braised collard greens. Saute apple and onion slices together for an old-fashioned dish or grill peach halves for a traditional southern taste.
Mixed Dishes
Collard greens are a healthy addition to soups, stews and casseroles. Create a soup featuring black-eyed peas and collard greens for an update on southern flavors or use a layer of greens in a vegetarian lasagna. Chopped collard greens add nutrients and flavor to quiche or a traditional beef stew. Saute greens with mixed vegetables for a quick vegetable quesadilla.
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