Mouth-watering Southern greens with pecan dressing recipe
Y’all ready to take a trip down south? I’m here to bring some southern hospitality to your plate with my recipe for Southern Greens with Warm Pecan Dressing! This classic southern-style dish is perfect for any season, especially on rainy days when you need that comfort food the most!
Get ready to indulge in greens like never before! We’re talking tender collard greens cooked just perfectly until they are melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. And that’s just the beginning! We’ll finish off those greens with a tangy and creamy warm pecan dressing that will leave you in awe of southern cooking.
If you’re new to cooking greens or have never tried them before, this recipe is perfect for you! It’s easy to follow and satisfyingly delicious. Trust me once you try it; it might become your new favorite dish!!
So grab your apron, put on some country music, and let’s get cookin’!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of southern-style cuisine, or even if you’ve never tried it before, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household! Imagine tender, verdant greens dressed in a warm pecan dressing, with just a hint of Dijon mustard and honey for a touch of sweetness. The contrast between the crisp freshness of the greens and the rich, buttery crunch of the toasted pecans is truly unbeatable.
Not only is this recipe absolutely delicious, it’s also incredibly versatile. You can use any kind of greens you like – try collard greens, turnip greens, or even kale – and enjoy them either as a side dish or as the base for a hearty green salad. The dressing itself can be whipped up in just moments and doubles as a flavorful topping for roasted vegetables, baked chicken or grilled steak!
But that’s not all – this recipe makes enough to feed a crowd, so it’s perfect for potlucks and family gatherings. And if you’re looking to cater to different dietary needs or preferences, it’s easy enough to substitute ingredients such as coconut oil or smoked turkey.
Trust me when I say that this is one recipe you won’t regret trying out. With its combination of flavors and simple yet elegant presentation, it’s sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters. Go ahead and give it a shot – you might just find your new go-to dish for dinner parties and special occasions alike!
Ingredient List
Let’s talk about the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Southern Greens with Warm Pecan Dressing recipe! Here’s what you will need:
For the Southern Greens:
- 1 bunch of collard greens, washed and chopped
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 4 slices of thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda (optional)
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
For the Warm Pecan Dressing:
- 1/2 cup of pecans
- 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
- Hot sauce (optional)
For the Green Salad:
- 8 cups of mixed greens (kale, collards, turnip greens or any other greens you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
You can find most of these ingredients at your local grocery store or farmer’s market. Don’t be afraid to try substitutions if you can’t find all these ingredients. Read on for some tips and variations that will work just as well!
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s get to cooking. This dish is the perfect example of comforting Southern food. It’s simple to make but has a delicious and unique flavor that makes it a crowd-pleaser. Follow these easy steps to make the perfect Southern greens with warm pecan dressing:
Step 1: Prepare the Greens
- In a large pot of boiling water, add baking soda and salt.
- Add 1 bunch of collard greens, turnip greens or kale collards and cook for about 10 minutes or until they’re tender.
- Once done, immediately drain the greens and then rinse them under cold water for 2 minutes to stop the cooking.
Step 2: Make the Warm Pecan Dressing
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet.
- Add 2 chopped garlic cloves, red pepper flakes, and sauté for about 2 minutes.
- Then add 1/2 cup of chopped and toasted pecans, stirring occasionally.
- In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons each of balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey.
- Pour the mixture into the skillet with the pecans and stir everything together until warm.
Step 3: Combine
- In a large bowl, toss together your preferred amount of mixed greens.
- Pour the warm dressing on top of your mixing bowl full of salad ingredients.
- Lightly toss everything together until evenly coated.
Congratulations! Your Southern greens with warm pecan dressing are now ready to serve. You can savor this dish as a lunch salad or as a side dish with your favorite main course. Serve it warm for extra comfort on those cold winter nights.
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to cooking, the beauty lies in making the recipe your own. And this Southern Greens with Warm Pecan Dressing Recipe is no exception. Here are some great substitutions and variations that you can try:
1. Greens: While this recipe calls for collard greens, you can substitute them with turnip greens or kale collards. The key is to use fresh, tender leaves and to cook them properly.
2. Warm Pecan Dressing: The warm pecan dressing really makes this dish sing. But, you can use toasted walnuts or almonds instead. Or, you could make a warm bacon dressing by cooking thick-cut bacon slices until brown and crisp in place of the pecans.
3. Oil: If you don’t have olive oil or coconut oil, you can use any other neutral flavored oil like vegetable oil or grapeseed oil instead.
4. Vinegar: Balsamic vinegar gives this recipe its signature tangy flavor. But, apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar can be used as a substitute.
5. Mustard: Dijon mustard adds a nice depth of flavor, but if you don’t have it on hand, regular yellow mustard can be used.
6. Sweetener: Honey adds natural sweetness to the pecan dressing, but maple syrup or brown sugar can be used instead.
7. Heat: If you like a little heat in your dishes, try adding a few dashes of hot sauce to the warm pecan dressing.
By experimenting with these substitutions and variations, you’ll be able to make this Southern Greens with Warm Pecan Dressing Recipe your own signature dish!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve made these delicious Southern Greens with Warm Pecan Dressing, it’s time to think about how to serve and pair them. These greens are versatile and can be served as a side dish or salad. They would be a fantastic addition to a potluck or family barbecue.
I highly recommend serving these greens warm. The warm pecan dressing complements the leafy greens and adds a cozy touch to your meal. You can also serve them cold, making the dish an excellent option for summer picnics or outdoor gatherings.
As far as pairing goes, these greens are perfect with a variety of entrees. They would pair well with grilled meats, such as chicken, steak, or pork chops. The sweet and nutty flavor of the pecans pairs well with roasted turkey or ham. You can even make this recipe the star of your meal by pairing it with some warm orzo salad.
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, try pairing the Southern Greens with Warm Pecan Dressing with a green salad or mixed greens salad. It adds some texture and flavor for an otherwise standard green salad recipe.
Whatever you choose, I’m sure that this recipe will be a hit at any table. Don’t forget to customize your recipe by adding your own favorite greens, such as turnip greens or kale collards, and topping it off with toasted pecans for an extra crunch!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
I know that life can get hectic, and you may not always have time to make this dish from scratch every time you crave it. Luckily, it’s easy to make this Southern Greens with Warm Pecan Dressing recipe ahead of time!
To make ahead, prepare the greens as directed in the recipe and let them cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Next, store the warm pecan dressing in a separate container. Keep both containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the greens in a large skillet over medium heat until they are heated through. Warm up the pecan dressing on the stove or in a microwave-safe dish.
If you have leftovers, don’t worry! These Southern Greens with Warm Pecan Dressing store well. Simply store them separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
When reheating the leftovers, be sure to add some moisture to prevent them from drying out. You can add a little bit of water or broth to the greens before reheating them. As for the pecan dressing, you may need to whisk in a little bit of olive oil or warm water if it thickens too much after being refrigerated.
One tip that I would like to give here is that avoid storing the greens and the dressing together as it might get soggy and spoil faster. Take my advice and store separately!
Trust me; these greens will still taste delicious even after they’ve been reheated!
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking southern greens can be a tricky process, but with a few tips and tricks, you can make them come out perfect every time. Here are my tips for making these hearty greens with warm pecan dressing perfectly:
1. Salt your water correctly: When boiling your greens, add enough salt to the water. This helps bring out their natural flavors.
2. Blanch your greens: After boiling, blanch the greens in cold water to stop the cooking process quickly. This helps the greens retain their bright green color.
3. Toast the pecans: Toasting pecans brings out their sweet and nutty flavor. Be careful not to burn them.
4. Use high-quality vinegar: High-quality vinegar will enhance the flavor of your dressing.
5. Cook your bacon slowly: Cooking your bacon slowly will ensure that it is crispy and flavorful.
6. Use baking soda: To help break down the tough fibers of collard greens, add a pinch of baking soda to the boiling water.
7. Add some sweetness: Honey is a great addition to any dressing or marinade for greens. It adds a touch of sweetness that balances out any bitterness in the greens.
8. Don’t overcook your greens: Overcooking leads to mushy greens that lack texture and taste. Keep an eye on them while they cook, and remove them from the heat once they’re tender yet still slightly crisp.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this recipe for Southern Greens with Warm Pecan Dressing is a true gem that you don’t want to miss out on. From the earthy goodness of collard greens to the rich and nutty pecan dressing, every bite is pure southern bliss. Not only does it taste delicious, but it’s also healthy and nutritious. It’s a perfect side dish or even a main course for any occasion.
With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is a breeze to make. You can customize it by adding your favorite greens or switching up the dressing ingredients to suit your taste buds.
So go ahead and try out this wonderful recipe today. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, your taste buds will thank you for it!
Southern Greens With Warm Pecan Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh greens, spinach, Swiss chard, beet, turnip, etc. Just use your favorites
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
- 2 teaspoons olive oil or 2 teaspoons coconut oil
Instructions
- Wash greens well and tear in large pieces, removing any tough stems or ribs.
- In a small, non-stick skillet, stir together the vinegar, honey and mustard, oil and pecans.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring often, for 2 minutes.
- Pour over greens and serve immediately.