Mixed Greens Recipe

I’m excited to share my favorite mixed greens recipe with you.

This dish is fresh, vibrant, and incredibly easy to make.

I love how the variety of greens adds different textures and flavors.

One important tip: always wash and dry your greens thoroughly to avoid any sogginess.

I recommend using a salad spinner for the best results.

What makes this recipe special to me is the simple yet delicious dressing that ties everything together.

Don’t forget to toss the greens gently to keep them crisp and light.

This recipe is perfect as a side dish or a light main course.

Enjoy making and savoring this refreshing salad!

How to Make Mixed Greens

Ingredients List

To make a delicious mixed greens recipe, gather the following ingredients:

• A bunch of mixed greens (collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens)
• 8 slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Olive oil

Optional ingredients for a spicier recipe include pepper flakes and hot sauces.

Step-by-step process

Step 1

Wash the greens: Rinse the mixed greens thoroughly under cold water.

Pick over the leaves to remove any brown spots or blemishes.

Drain in a colander and set aside.

Step 2

Sauté the bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, add a small amount of olive oil and cook the bacon pieces until crisp.

Remove the bacon from the pot, leaving the bacon dripping inside.

Step 3

Sauté the onion and garlic: Add the onion to the pot with the bacon drippings and sauté over medium heat until translucent and slightly golden.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Step 4

Add the greens: Working in batches, add the mixed greens to the pot.

Stir until they start to wilt.

Once all the greens are in the pot, mix them with the onions and garlic to ensure even heating.

Step 5

Add liquid and seasonings: Pour the chicken broth and white vinegar into the pot.

Add the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Stir everything together to ensure the seasonings are well-distributed throughout the greens.

Step 6

Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.

Cover the pot and let the greens cook for 1-2 hours until they are tender and flavorful.

Step 7

Serve: Once the greens are cooked to your desired tenderness, serve them hot with your favorite Southern dishes and a sprinkle of the cooked bacon.

Accompany with optional hot sauces or pepper flakes, and enjoy your tasty, homemade mixed greens dish.

Side Dishes for Mixed Greens

Mixed greens can be enjoyed in a variety of ways and often make for a refreshing and healthy side dish.

In this section, you’ll find a few side dishes that pair well with mixed greens, highlighting some Southern classics like collard greens, black-eyed peas, and more.

Southern Collard Greens

Southern collard greens are a delicious and nutritious addition to your mixed greens dish.

These greens are traditionally cooked with bacon or ham hocks for added flavor and richness.

Adding southern collard greens to your mixed greens can provide a savory contrast to the milder flavors of lettuce and spinach.

Black-eyed Peas

Black-eyed peas are a classic Southern side dish and can be a great way to enhance your mixed greens.

These peas are often cooked with onions, garlic, and a hint of spice for a savory and hearty dish.

You can serve them alongside your mixed greens for a filling and flavorful meal.

Southern-Style Collard Greens

Southern-style collard greens take this humble vegetable to the next level by adding flavors like smoked turkey, garlic, and red pepper flakes.

This dish combines the earthy taste of collard greens with the smoky and spicy elements that make Southern-style dishes truly stand out.

Serve it alongside your mixed greens for a satisfying and comforting side dish.

Ingredients Substitutes

When preparing a mixed greens recipe, you may not always have the exact ingredients on hand.

It’s helpful to know possible substitutes for some of the key ingredients in the recipe.

This section focuses on ingredient substitutes for mustard greens, turnip greens, tender leaves, Swiss chard, cloves of garlic, apple cider vinegar, bunches of mustard greens, bunches of collard greens, and prepared greens.

Kale or Spinach

If you can’t find mustard greens or simply want a variation, you can use other leafy greens such as kale or spinach.

They may differ in taste and texture but still provide nutritional value and add a similar green color to your dish.

Beet greens or Arugula

Turnip greens can be replaced by other tender leaves like beet greens or arugula.

These greens are similar in flavor and texture, ensuring that your mixed greens dish stays true to taste.

Garlic

If you’re out of fresh garlic cloves, you can use garlic powder or minced garlic as a replacement.

The general rule is 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder or 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic for every clove needed.

How to Store Mixed Greens

Storing mixed greens properly is essential for maintaining their freshness and quality.

Follow these methods to ensure your greens stay crisp and delicious.

Airtight Container

Place your washed and dried mixed greens in an airtight container, such as a plastic or glass container with a tight-fitting lid.

If you’d like, you can lay a piece of paper towel on the bottom of the container to help absorb any excess moisture.

Seal the container and store it in the refrigerator, where your mixed greens should stay fresh for up to a week or more.

Paper Towel Method

To preserve freshness and prevent wilting, you can also try the paper towel method.

After washing and drying the greens, gently wrap them in a clean, dry paper towel.

The towel will absorb excess moisture, keeping the greens crisp.

Once wrapped, place the bundle of greens in a plastic bag, seal it, and store it in the refrigerator.

Sink with Cold Water

If you haven’t had the chance to wash your mixed greens yet, you can store them in a clean sink filled with cold water to keep them fresh for a short period.

Make sure the sink is clean, and fill it with cool water.

Submerge your greens in the water, allowing them to float freely and breathe.

This method is best for temporary storage until you’re ready to use the greens or wash and store them using one of the other methods mentioned.

Remember, it’s important to keep your greens clean and dry to maintain their freshness and flavor.

By following these storage methods, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious mixed greens in your favorite recipes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not Washing Greens Properly

Failure to thoroughly wash mixed greens can lead to dirt or grit in your finished dish.

Ensure you properly clean them by submerging them in water and gently swishing them around to remove any dirt.

Drain well and repeat as necessary to make sure they are free from debris.

Over-Salting or Under-Salting

Adding the right amount of salt can make a significant difference in the taste of your mixed greens.

Too much salt can overpower the dish, while too little might make it bland.

It is advisable to use kosher salt and add it incrementally to tailor the taste according to your preference.

Over-Cooking the Greens

Cooking time is crucial when it comes to mixed greens.

Over-cooking them can result in a bitter taste and mushy texture.

Ensure you follow recipe guidelines for appropriate cooking times for each type of greens and adjust as needed based on your preference.

Not Mixing Different Types of Greens

Southern collard greens recipes often feature a mixture of different greens to balance their flavors.

Utilize a variety of greens, such as collards, mustard, and turnip greens, to create a harmonious blend and avoid a boring or one-dimensional dish.