A true taste of the South, this Polk Salad recipe celebrates a foraged ingredient that has been used in Southern kitchens for generations.
Properly cooked pokeweed greens create a tender, flavorful dish that pairs well with fried chicken, cornbread, or beans.
If you’re looking for an authentic recipe for Polk Salad, this step-by-step guide ensures you prepare it safely and deliciously. Get ready to enjoy this classic comfort dish straight from the heart of Southern cuisine!
Nutritional Benefits
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore the nutritional benefits of polk salad. This powerhouse green provides 35 calories (10 from fat) per half-cup serving, with no cholesterol.
It’s packed with essential nutrients, including 90% of your daily vitamin A, 60% vitamin C, 8% calcium, and 6% iron. Polk salad is not only delicious but also nutritious.
Polk Salad Recipe
Recipe Details:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Course: Main Course or Side Dish
- Cuisine: Southern
- Yield: 4 servings
- Calories Per Serving: Approximately 180 calories per serving
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of fresh pokeweed leaves
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Notes:
- Pokeweed Leaves: Ensure you use only young leaves, as mature leaves can be tough and bitter.
- Olive Oil: You can use the cooking oil of your choice.
- Seasonings: For extra flavor, add optional seasonings and spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.

Step-By-Step Instructions
Preparation:
- Start by gathering a fresh bunch of pokeweed leaves. Remember to pick only the young, tender, and vibrant green leaves, discarding any mature or woody parts of the plant.
- Thoroughly wash the leaves and remove any debris. Handling pokeweed leaves with care is crucial, as they can be toxic if not prepared correctly. To eliminate potential toxins, boil the leaves in water for about 15 minutes before cooking.
- After boiling, drain the leaves and set them aside.
Cooking:
- In a skillet set over medium heat, add the minced garlic and diced onion and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the pokeweed leaves to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes or until they begin to wilt.
- Make four small wells in the cooked polk salad mixture and crack the eggs into the wells. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the eggs are cooked to your desired doneness.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it cool slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Polk Salad with Eggs can be served in various ways:
- Enjoy it as a side dish for breakfast or brunch.
- Serve it as a light main course accompanied by freshly baked bread.
Conclusion
Polk salad recipe with eggs offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, making it a unique and delicious addition to your Southern-inspired cuisine. While preparing this dish, always exercise caution when foraging for pokeweed.
Correctly identify the plant and harvest young leaves from a safe source. If unsure, consult a local expert or purchase pokeweed leaves from a trusted vendor.
So why not give this delightful polk salad recipe with eggs a try? You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the rich culinary heritage of the South that it embraces.

Polk Salad Recipe: A Southern Staple
Ingredients
- 1 bunch of fresh pokeweed leaves
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- 4 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation:
- Start by gathering a fresh bunch of pokeweed leaves. Remember to pick only the young, tender, and vibrant green leaves, discarding any mature or woody parts of the plant.
- Thoroughly wash the leaves and remove any debris. Handling pokeweed leaves with care is crucial, as they can be toxic if not prepared correctly. To eliminate potential toxins, boil the leaves in water for about 15 minutes before cooking.
- After boiling, drain the leaves and set them aside.
Cooking:
- In a skillet set over medium heat, add the minced garlic and diced onion and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the pokeweed leaves to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes or until they begin to wilt.
- Make four small wells in the cooked polk salad mixture and crack the eggs into the wells. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the eggs are cooked to your desired doneness.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Jet’s Ranch Recipe: Make The Famous Dip At Home - April 12, 2025
- James Hemings Macaroni And Cheese Recipe – History On A Plate - April 3, 2025
- French Dip Squares Recipe – Better Than A Sandwich! - March 25, 2025