Collard Salad
A hearty, flavorful salad combining tender collards, chopped ham, pickles, and crackers, perfect for a casual lunch or side dish that offers a balance of savory and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil collards until very tender, then salt to taste.
- Chop the cooked collards in a chopper or finely by hand.
- Mix chopped collards with chopped pickles or relish, crumbled saltine crackers, mayonnaise, and chopped ham until well combined.
- Add pepper sauce for flavor, if desired.
- Serve with additional crackers or use as a filling for sandwiches.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, add more mayonnaise or substitute half with Greek yogurt. If you prefer a crunchier salad, consider adding diced celery or bell peppers for extra freshness. You can also use leftover cooked chicken or turkey instead of ham for a different protein twist. Adjust the pickles or relish to your taste for sweetness or tanginess.
Serving Suggestions
Serve collard salad as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats or sandwiches. It pairs wonderfully with additional crackers for a crunchy contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a bowl of Creamy Ham Of Broccoli Soup. This dish can also be used as a filling for wraps or pita bread for a satisfying lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover collard salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together beautifully over time. To refresh the salad before serving, you may want to add a little more mayonnaise to adjust the consistency, especially if it thickens while stored.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Collard Salad contains roughly 490 calories, with 7g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is a good source of iron (16% of the Daily Value) and protein (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 632mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other greens instead of collards?
Yes, you can substitute collards with other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard. Just ensure they are cooked until tender, as this will enhance their flavor and texture in the salad.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prep, as it holds up well in the refrigerator. Just keep the crackers separate until you're ready to serve to maintain their crunch.
What can I add to make it vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the ham and consider adding chickpeas or diced tofu for protein. You can also enhance the flavor with more pickles or nuts like walnuts for added texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).