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Late-Summer-Greens Sauté

This vibrant late-summer greens sauté is a wonderful way to celebrate the abundance of seasonal leafy vegetables. By combining hardy kale with tender Swiss chard, you create a dish full of contrasting textures and deep, earthy flavours. The base of softened shallots and garlic ensures a savoury aromatic foundation, while a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle, warming heat that perfectly balances the natural bitterness of the greens.

As a versatile vegetarian side dish, these greens pair beautifully with roasted root vegetables, creamy polenta, or even a simple grilled protein. The addition of apple cider vinegar and a knob of butter at the end creates a light, silky glaze that brings a bright acidity and richness to the plate. It is a nutritious, quick-to-prepare option that makes eating your greens a truly delicious experience.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Late-Summer-Greens Sauté

  • 60ml extra-virgin olive oil

  • 240ml thinly sliced shallots

  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed

  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

  • 800g assorted greens (such as kale and Swiss chard), stems removed and thinly sliced, leaves chopped

  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

Heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic. Cook, stirring often, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add red pepper flakes; stir 1 minute. Add kale stems; sauté for 4 minutes. Add leaves and cook, tossing often, until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in apple cider vinegar. Add butter; toss until melted. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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