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Home » Sauteed Greens

Sauteed Greens

Diane SmithBy Diane Smith Updated on July 8, 2022
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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These Sauteed Greens are a very simple, but super nutritious dish and a favorite go-to when I don’t have enough time. I like to serve it over rice, or quinoa.

Sauteed Greens have powerhouse nutrition and here’s what Dr. Fuhrman has to say…

“Raw leafy greens contain only about 100 calories per pound and are packed with nutrients. Leafy greens contain substances that protect blood vessels and are associated with reduced risk of diabetes.

Greens are an excellent tool for weight loss since they can be consumed in virtually unlimited quantities. Leafy greens are also the most nutrient-dense of all foods.

Green vegetables are rich in folate (the natural form of folic acid), and calcium, and contain small amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.

Sauteed Greens

Be sure to try these plant-based sides:

  • Roasted Kamocha Squash
  • Quinoa Salad
  • Vegan Waldorf Salad with Apples & Raisins
  • Cheezy Veggie Divan

Leafy greens are also rich in antioxidant pigments called carotenoids, specifically lutein and zeaxanthin, which are the carotenoids known to promote healthy vision.

Also, several leafy greens and other green vegetables (such as bok choy, broccoli, and kale) belong to the cruciferous family of vegetables.” And, we all know how healthy those are!

Enjoy on a regular basis!

Sauteed Greens

Making your Greens

Start by rinsing your greens well. Give them a nice, rough chop. You will “water saute” your greens in lieu of using oil. This works quite well!

It may seem like a lot of greens, but they will cook down. It’s best to saute in batches. Start with a handful of greens, coating with the water and garlic mixture until they begin to wilt. Then, add another handful, repeating the process.

Sauteed greens in saute pan

Turn greens frequently while sauteing, and if needed add more water. Add the tamari or soy sauce and allow to simmer for about 10 minutes. This adds a depth of flavor to your greens. Mind you, it does increase the sodium content quite a bit, so be sure to use in moderation.

I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below for this Sauteed Greens! If you have a photo, post it on my Facebook page, tag me using the hashtag #plantbasedcooking in your caption, and I won’t miss it!

This recipe is Plantricious Friendly because it meets the following guidelines.

"Cooking with Plantricious Friendly Guidelines" Seal

The Trusted Seal for
Plant-Based Nutrition

  • Must be whole food plant-based, contains no animal products
  • May be minimally processed
  • No added oil
  • No added sugars
  • No artificial additives or preservatives
  • *Plantricious Friendly foods may include but are not limited to condiments, fermented foods, soups, sauces, beverages, dressings, marinades, etc.

Sauteed Greens
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3.87 from 15 votes
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Sauteed Greens

These sauteed greens are a breeze to make on your stove top. A little chopping and a few ingredients like garlic and tamari or soy sauce are all it takes. It's a great way to eat more greens!
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time10 minutes mins
Total Time20 minutes mins
Servings: 2 people

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Wooden Spoon

Ingredients

  • 2 Bunches Swiss chard or other greens roughly chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic chopped
  • 1 tsp low-sodium tamari (or low-sodium soy sauce)
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Instructions

  • Water sauté the chopped garlic for a few minutes. Then add the chopped stems and a little water and sautee a few minutes. Then add the rest of the greens.
  • Continue sauteeing the greens, turning frequently. Add more water if it dries out.
  • Add the Tamari or soy sauce to your taste and continue to saute until softened, about 10 minutes.
  • Serve with whole grains such as brown rice or quinoa, adding more soy sauce, as needed.

Notes

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Sauteed Greens
Amount per Serving
Calories
32
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.3
g
0
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.3
g
2
%
Cholesterol
 
0
mg
0
%
Sodium
 
566
mg
25
%
Potassium
 
0
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
6.2
g
2
%
Fiber
 
1.8
g
8
%
Sugar
 
1.5
g
2
%
Protein
 
2.6
g
5
%
Vitamin A
 
1100
IU
22
%
Vitamin C
 
46.2
mg
56
%
Calcium
 
60
mg
6
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
The nutrition information is a rough estimate. Values will vary based on variables like specific brand or type of product used. To obtain the most accurate representation, it’s recommended that you calculate your own with the actual amount and type of ingredient used.
Tried this recipe?Tag @PlantBasedCooking on Intagram!

Leave a Comment and Star Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I appreciate your feedback! Please consider rating the recipe along with your comment—it helps me and fellow readers. Feel free to share any substitutions, results, or tips. Kind, constructive comments only. Your email won’t be published.

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About Diane Smith

Diane Smith is a certified plant-based nutrition educator, Food Over Medicine instructor, recipe developer, and founder of PlantBasedCooking.com. She helps people transition to a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle with simple recipes, practical nutrition guidance, and realistic strategies for improving health, preventing disease, and aging well.

Reader Interactions

Comments

    3.87 from 15 votes (15 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Marta

    February 23, 2018 at 5:55 am

    I made the greens recipe was so delicious am going to try the cauliflower one.

    Reply
    • Diane Smith

      February 23, 2018 at 9:51 am

      Thanks, Marta! ???? Hope you enjoy that one, too.

      Reply
  2. Jewel Thomas

    June 28, 2021 at 11:37 am

    I’ve been looking for some greens called Creasy greens and I can’t find them any where these greens. I know they grow in the south. I love greens.

    Reply
    • Diane Smith

      June 30, 2021 at 12:33 pm

      Hey Jewel, that’s so good to hear you love greens. They’re one of the best foods you can eat for nutrition not to mention they’re delicious. I’ve never heard of creasy greens but from what I read, they similar to watercress which has a lovely flavor. I hope you can find them. In the meantime maybe watercress will do the trick for you.

      Reply

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Sauteed greens on white serving platter and in sauce pan
Sauteed greens in saute pan

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