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Chard might not be as popular as kale, but it’s even tastier! Here are all the best Swiss chard recipes to make with this leafy green.
Got a bunch of Swiss chard? You’re in luck: it’s even tastier than the darling leafy green of the moment, kale. This beautiful vegetable has large leaves and is often used in Mediterranean style cuisine. You’ll find it in lots of Italian style dishes like sauteed as a side dish, in pasta, or on pizza. You can also substitute chard for spinach in any recipe with great results.
Here are the best Swiss chard recipes to use up a bunch of this nutrient-packed vegetable! The star is simple sauteed chard, topped with toasted nuts and Parmesan cheese and served as a side dish. But you can use it in so many other ways: in Italian soups, omelettes, and of course…chard artichoke dip! (Yes, that’s chard stepping into the famous spinach artichoke pairing.)
And now…the best Swiss chard recipes to try!
At the top of our Swiss chard recipes: Sauteed Rainbow Chard! Make chard taste incredible with this classic easy Italian side dish. Chard is often served in Italian cuisine with toasted pine nuts, and here they add just the right nutty essence. Top with a sprinkle of the Parmesan cheese for just the right savory note! Even without the garnishes, these perfectly salted garlicky sauteed greens are simply fantastic.
Chard is perfect wilted into Italian soups. This recipe we've lovingly dubbed as “pizza soup” because it tastes like liquid pizza! (Really.) One key is the San Marzano tomatoes, a variety of tomato that’s grown in Italy and available canned in grocery stores all over the world. The tomatoes are sauteed with garlic, fennel, and smoked paprika, which bring a meaty and savory undertone. Throw in some chard to the mix, and you won’t even tell it’s there: all you'll be able to taste is pizza!
Guess what? You can make anything that's spinach artichoke flavor with chard! Spinach artichoke might be everyone's favorite combination, but chard artichoke is just as good! This tangy, creamy dip is such a crowd pleaser that it might interfere with the conversation when you serve it (sorry!). This perfect party snack has a creamy sauce with Greek yogurt and baked with Parmesan cheese, it moves into addictive territory.
Also try: Chard Artichoke Pizza or Chard Artichoke Grilled Cheese
Here's a great way to use chard in a recipe: in a quiche! Throwing handfuls of leafy greens into quiches and frittatas is another great way to eat your greens. This quiche can be made with either spinach or chard. It features a crunchy almond crust that’s packed with flavor from garlic and olive oil. And the savory filling has Gruyere cheese and a splash of white wine. This recipe gets rave reviews from everyone who’s tried it!
Next up in our chard recipes: soup! Turn your greens into a main dish meal with the coziest, most comforting bowl of super foods. In fact, this squash and lentil soup tastes like a bowl of sunshine. It’s chock full of beautiful, colorful healthy ingredients like chard, butternut squash, carrots, leeks, and lentils. It tastes surprisingly more delicious than you’d imagine from these humble ingredients.
This 30-minute coconut lentil curry is another great way to eat chard: and barely know it's there! You can make fast and easy dinner recipe with either spinach or chard, and it's healthy and full of flavor. One of our fan favorites, we hear things like: “This is a new favorite!” and “Absolutely LOVED IT! Definitely am making again.” It’s surprising how much humble brown lentils and leafy greens can inspire so much enthusiasm!
Another great way to use chard in a recipe is to hide it in a cozy bake or casserole! This harvest vegetable bake is savory and refined: it tastes almost meaty! It's perfect for Meatless Mondays or a even a cozy brunch. It’s a combination of vegetables and baked tofu, topped with cheese and baked until bubbly.
Here's a cozy, savory chard recipe: creamy polenta with chard! This Italian-style recipe also has vibes of the American south, similar to grits with sauteed Collard greens. The chard is sauteed with garlic and perfectly salted, then served over creamy, savory polenta. Top it with a fried egg to make it a complete meal.
Another great chard recipe? Throw it into an omelette! Sauteing the chard with minced garlic and Parmesan cheese makes it taste insanely savory, kind of like the inside of spinach artichoke dip. To make it into a healthy breakfast or lunch, throw it into a simple omelette. In just 15 minutes, you have a filling meal that makes the most of this healthy leafy green. (Head to the recipe and substitute rainbow chard for beet greens.)
Last but not least in our chard recipes: a sweet potato and chard dinner skillet! Add grated sweet potato to a skillet, cast iron if you have it, and saute it until crispy. Stir in some chopped chard, for a nutritional punch, then crack in a few eggs. Top with a sprinkle of salty feta cheese crumbles. Cook until the eggs are set, then enjoy!
What is Swiss chard? What is rainbow chard?
Chard is a leafy green vegetable. It’s got a mild flavor that’s closer to spinach than kale. In fact, some people argue that it’s an easier flavor to like than kale, which can taste very bitter. Here’s what to know:
- Chard is actually related to beets, not spinach or kale! You’ll notice the leaves and stems look similar to beet greens.
- Swish chard is another name for chard.
- Rainbow chard actually isn’t a variety at all. It’s actually three varieties of chard that are sold together: white-stemmed Swiss chard, red chard, and golden chard. Now you know!
Sauteed Swiss Chard
Make chard taste incredible with this Swiss chard recipe! Amp the flavors in this easy side dish by adding pine nuts and Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 bunch (12 ounces) Swiss chard or rainbow chard
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- Fresh ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and dry the chard leaves. Remove the stems and roughly chop the chard (follow the instructions in How to Cut Kale). If you’d like, thinly slice the tender part of the stems and add that to the mix (discard the large tough parts of the stems; or you can discard the stems entirely).
- Smash and peel the garlic cloves.
- Add the olive oil to a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the smashed garlic and chard and cook for 4 minutes, stirring frequently until wilted and bright green.
- Remove from the heat and add the kosher salt, red pepper flakes. and several grinds of fresh ground pepper.
- Discard the garlic cloves and serve immediately. If desired, serve with shredded Parmesan and toasted pine nuts.
More recipes with leafy greens
Here are some more recipes with leafy greens where you could substitute chard:
- Ultimate Spinach Pizza Get your greens and pizza fix all at once! Ricotta, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese make for a creamy pie everyone will love.
- Best Spinach Smoothie The sweet tart flavor is so irresistible, you’ll forget you’re eating your greens.
- Easy Spinach Dip Comes together in just a few minutes and tastes incredible! It’s perfect for parties and no-fuss entertaining.
- Kale Quinoa Salad This colorful salad is full of healthy ingredients and tastes incredible! Meal prep this easy plant-based lunch idea for meals all week.
