Brighten up your plate with this quick and nutritious recipe for Low Fat Sautéed Greens with Garlic and Lemon, a healthy side dish that bursts with flavor! Perfect for spinach, kale, Swiss chard, or a combination of leafy greens, this vibrant dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or health-conscious meal prep. A touch of olive oil enhances the natural earthiness of the greens, while fragrant garlic and zesty lemon juice create a refreshing and tangy taste profile. Finished with a sprinkle of lemon zest, this low-fat recipe pairs beautifully with grilled proteins, quinoa bowls, or pasta dishes. Packed with antioxidants and nutrients, these garlicky lemon greens are both delicious and guilt-free, proving that healthy eating can be absolutely irresistible.
Begin by preparing the greens: wash them thoroughly under cold water, remove any tough stems, and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the sliced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the greens to the skillet. If using a mix like kale or Swiss chard, add them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Stir continuously so that the greens wilt evenly.
Cook the greens for about 3 to 5 minutes or until they are wilted and tender. If the greens start to brown, reduce the heat slightly.
Add the lemon juice to the skillet and toss the greens to combine and enhance their flavor with the citrus notes.
Season the greens with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste.
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the lemon zest over the greens for an added layer of lemon fragrance.
Transfer the sautéed greens to a serving dish and serve immediately as a vibrant and low-fat side dish.
Calories |
253 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 16.1 g | 21% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.2 g | 11% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1303 mg | 57% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 22.6 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.0 g | 32% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.4 g | ||
| Protein | 11.0 g | 22% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 431 mg | 33% | |
| Iron | 10.5 mg | 58% | |
| Potassium | 1684 mg | 36% | |
*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.