5-Minute Collard Greens with Sunflower Seeds

Prep and Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound collard greens, chopped
• Mediterranean Dressing
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 medium clove garlic, pressed or chopped
• 1 TBS extra virgin olive oil
• sea salt and black pepper to taste
• 1-1/2 TBS sunflower seeds
• Optional:
• crumbled feta cheese
• chopped olives

Directions:

1. Fill bottom of steamer with 2 inches of water.
2. While steam is building up, slice collard greens leaves into 1/2-inch slices and cut again crosswise. Cut stems into 1/4-inch slices. Let both leaves and stems sit for at least 5 minutes to enhance their health-promoting properties.
3. Press or chop garlic and let sit for at least 5 minutes to bring out more of its health-promoting properties.
4. Steam collard greens for no more than 5 minutes.
5. Transfer to a bowl. For more flavor, toss collard greens with the remaining ingredients while they are still hot. (Mediterranean Dressing does not need to be made separately).
6. Top with sunflower seeds and any/all of optional ingredients if you would like.

Healthy Cooking Tips:

To mellow the flavor of garlic, add garlic to collard greens for the last 2 minutes of steaming.