Mixed Greens(Weight Watchers)
A hearty, nutritious greens dish infused with smoky bacon, tangy vinegar, and spicy red pepper flakes, perfect for healthy meals and vegetable lovers.
Ingredients
- 8 cups packed mixed greens (collard, turnip, mustard, kale or dandelion, frozen greens) ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 slices cooked bacon, drained and crumbled ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed dried red pepper flakes ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Remove any tough stems from greens; wash and drain to thoroughly remove sand and chop coarsely.
- In Dutch oven over medium heat, heat oil; add onion and celery and cook 5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in greens; cover and cook 10 minutes until greens are wilted, stirring occasionally.
- Add bacon, vinegar, red pepper flakes and salt; cover and cook 5 minutes.
- Add 2 cups water; reduce heat and simmer 1 hour and 30 minutes, adding more water if necessary.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. You can substitute the peanut oil with olive oil for a different taste. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or use a plant-based bacon alternative. Adjust the level of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the mixed greens as a side dish alongside grilled meats or with a hearty main like German Jagerschnitzel. They pair beautifully with crusty bread or can be served over rice for a filling meal. For added texture, consider topping with toasted nuts or seeds.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the greens in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking, and stir occasionally until heated through. They can also be enjoyed cold as a salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mixed Greens(Weight Watchers) contains roughly 282 calories, with 6g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 570mg per serving (25% 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 different types of greens for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe suggests collard, turnip, mustard, kale, or dandelion greens, feel free to mix and match based on your preference or what you have on hand. Spinach or Swiss chard can also be great substitutes.
How can I make this dish more filling?
To make the dish more substantial, consider adding cooked beans or lentils for protein and fiber. You could also serve it over a bed of quinoa or rice, which adds bulk and complements the flavors well.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the bacon. Try adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke to replicate the smoky flavor. You can also enhance the dish with additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
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).