Southern Flavors, Lighter Vibes
Collard greens and cornbread are a classic Southern staple—especially during fall and winter—but what if you want those bold flavors in a lighter, fresher way? Enter this Collard Green Salad with Cognac Mustard Dressing by @standishcocktails. It’s soulful, seasonal, and surprisingly refreshing.
This reimagined salad packs all the flavor of Southern comfort food while still keeping things light for those “tryna unbig your back but stay heavy in flavor.” With crisp apples, crunchy cucumber, tangy shallots, and that creamy Cognac-spiked dressing, every bite brings that balance of sweet, savory, and tangy. The cornbread crumble on top? A golden, crunchy nod to tradition.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 bunch collard greens
- 1 Granny Smith apple (cored & thinly sliced)
- 2 shallots (thinly sliced)
- 1 cucumber (diced)
For the Cognac Mustard Dressing:
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp coarse-ground mustard
- 2 tbsp champagne vinegar
- 1 tbsp white Cognac (or regular Cognac)
- 1 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cornbread Crumble:
- Leftover or store-bought cornbread
- Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Dressing
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, Cognac, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Prep the Cornbread Crumble
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Crumble cornbread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until golden and toasty. Let cool.
3. Clean & Slice Collards
- Remove stems and center vein from collard greens.
- Stack, roll, and thinly slice into ribbons.
4. Chop the Veggies
- Thinly slice green apple and shallots.
- Dice the cucumber.
5. Toss the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine collard greens, apples, shallots, and cucumbers.
6. Dress the Salad
- Add desired amount of Cognac mustard dressing and toss gently to coat.
7. Top It Off
- Sprinkle cornbread crumble over the top for crunch and Southern flair.
8. Serve & Sip
- Serve fresh with a cheerful cocktail on the side—just like @standishcocktails would do.
Pro Tips & Suggestions
- Massage the collards for a few minutes before tossing to soften the texture.
- Use day-old cornbread for the best crisp in your crumble.
- Chill the salad for 10–15 minutes before serving to let flavors blend.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a full meal twist.
About the Creator
This recipe is by Standish, the cocktail-savvy creative behind @standishcocktails. Known for bold sips and reimagined Southern plates, Standish brings flavor, fun, and a splash of cognac to every recipe.
Standish | @standishcocktails