Poke Salad Greens
A flavorful and nutritious poke salad greens dish featuring tender greens, green onions, and bacon bits, lightly cooked in bacon grease for a savory, fresh taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pick and wash only the new tender leaves of the poke salad plant.
- Put the greens in a large pot and cover with water.
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Boil the greens for a short time, then drain and wash them.
- Repeat the boiling and washing process two more times.
- Put the greens in fresh water and cook until they are one-third done.
- Chop green onions and cook them in bacon grease until transparent.
- Add drained poke salad greens and cooked bacon bits to the green onions.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and let simmer in a small amount of bacon grease for a few minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, use fresh, young poke salad greens and ensure they're thoroughly washed. If poke salad is unavailable, consider using young dandelion greens or Swiss chard as substitutes. Adjust the amount of bacon grease based on your preference for richness. Adding a splash of vinegar can brighten the dish, similar to what you might find in Greens Gumbo.
Serving Suggestions
Serve poke salad greens warm as a side dish, or mix it into a grain bowl for added nutrition. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, particularly pork recipes. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Cajun Rice or a light salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover poke salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove with a splash of water to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving as it can make the greens rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Poke Salad Greens contains roughly 13 calories, with 1g protein, 0g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 525mg per serving (23% 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 eat poke salad raw?
No, poke salad should never be eaten raw as it contains toxins that are neutralized through cooking. Always boil the greens thoroughly before consuming to ensure they are safe.
What can I substitute for bacon grease?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can use olive oil or butter instead of bacon grease. For a smoky flavor, try adding a dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika.
How do I know when the poke salad greens are done cooking?
The greens should be tender but not mushy. They are done after boiling and draining three times, and then simmering until they are about one-third cooked. Taste for doneness during the simmering process.
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).