Bring a taste of the South to your keto lifestyle with this hearty and flavorful Keto Southern Style Collard Greens recipe! Packed with tender ribbons of collard greens simmered in a savory blend of chicken broth, aromatic garlic, and onion, this dish gets a smoky twist from crispy bacon bits. A splash of apple cider vinegar adds a tangy depth, while red pepper flakes provide just the right kick to balance the rich flavors. Perfect as a side dish or paired with your favorite keto-friendly protein, this low-carb Southern classic is ready in just over an hour and makes for an irresistible addition to any meal. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, you’ll love how easy it is to create this comforting, satisfying dish!
Wash the collard greens thoroughly to remove any grit, then stack and roll the leaves into a cigar shape. Slice into 1-inch ribbons and set aside.
Chop the bacon into small pieces and add it to a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook until the bacon is crispy, about 8-10 minutes.
While the bacon cooks, finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
Once the bacon is crispy, remove it with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot, draining any excess if needed.
Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a simmer.
Add the sliced collard greens to the pot, stirring to submerge them in the broth. Cover and simmer the greens on low heat for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens are tender.
Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Add additional salt or pepper to preference.
Once the greens are fully cooked, stir in the reserved crispy bacon bits.
Serve hot as a side dish, or enjoy with your favorite keto-friendly protein. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Calories |
667 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 23.7 g | 30% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.3 g | 32% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 48 mg | 16% | |
| Sodium | 5528 mg | 240% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 71.4 g | 26% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 38.5 g | 138% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.2 g | ||
| Protein | 56.3 g | 113% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 1414 mg | 109% | |
| Iron | 14.1 mg | 78% | |
| Potassium | 2386 mg | 51% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.