Looking for a quick and delicious Swiss chard recipe? Although this leafy green is inexpensive, nutritious, and widely available, many people find it a little intimidating — I know I did for years. The good news is that it is one of the easiest vegetables to cook, and when prepared simply, it tastes incredible. In just 10 minutes, you can turn a bunch of Swiss chard into a vibrant side dish that works just as well for a simple weeknight dinner as it does on a festive table.
What is Swiss Chard?
Swiss chard is a leafy green vegetable closely related to spinach and beets. It comes in several varieties — some with bright green leaves and pale stems, and others with stems in striking shades of yellow, orange, red, or pink, often called rainbow chard. No matter the color, Swiss chard has a milder flavor than many other leafy greens, making it approachable and versatile.
This beautiful vegetable shines when prepared simply. A quick sauté with extra virgin olive oil softens its slight bitterness and brings out a delicate, savory taste. While I prefer it cooked, it can also be enjoyed raw in salads, added to soups and stews, or folded into omelets for extra color and nutrition.
For a complete, nutrient-dense meal, I love to make this Swiss Chard Frittata.
Like all dark leafy greens, Swiss chard is a powerhouse of nutrition while being low in calories. It’s an excellent source of vitamins A and C, packed with fiber (don’t skip the stems!), and supports healthy blood sugar, reduces inflammation, and promotes gut health — all while being delicious and easy to add to your meals.
Sautéed Swiss Chard Recipe — The Perfect Side Dish
I’ve experimented with different ways of preparing Swiss chard, but this simple method is my favorite. All you need are a few basic ingredients — fresh chard, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, lemon zest and juice, plus a touch of salt and pepper. Best of all, it only takes 10 minutes from start to finish.
You can make this recipe with either green or rainbow Swiss chard — both work beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 bunch Swiss chard (8–10 leaves, green or rainbow)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
- 2–3 tablespoons water
- Zest of 1 organic lemon
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How to Prepare Swiss Chard
Wash and dry the chard thoroughly. Trim the rough ends of the stems, then finely chop the stems. Tear or slice the leaves into bite-size pieces.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic slices and cook for about 1 minute, until golden. Remove garlic from the pan.
Add the chard stems and leaves to the skillet. Cover with a lid and cook for 1 minute, until the leaves begin to wilt.
Remove the lid, return garlic to the pan, and stir in lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Add 1 tablespoon of water, cover again, and cook for 1 more minute.
Check the stems — once they begin to soften, cook uncovered for another 30 seconds, then remove from heat.
Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and adjust seasoning to taste. Serve immediately as a side dish.
What to Serve with This Swiss Chard Side Dish
- Pair with fried or poached eggs for a quick, nourishing meal.
- Serve alongside grass-fed steak, fish, or chicken.
- Add it to a Buddha bowl for extra color and nutrients.
- Top with goat cheese and toasted pine nuts for a light vegetarian option.
- Include it as a fresh, vibrant side for a festive meal — perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
I hope you enjoy this simple sautéed Swiss chard recipe as much as I do!
More Vegan Side Dish Recipes
- Easy Broccoli and Mushroom Stir-Fry with Oregano (Mediterranean Style)
- Sauteed Cabbage with Fennel and Leeks, Low Histamine
- Crunchy Stir-Fry With Tahini Sauce
- Sweet and Sour Braised Red Cabbage (Scandinavian Style)
- Beetroot and Horseradish Side Salad
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Easy Swiss Chard Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2
Description
Swiss chard is one of those vegetables that looks intimidating at first, but once you try it, you’ll realize how simple and delicious it can be. This quick side dish takes just 10 minutes and works beautifully for both weeknight dinners and festive meals.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch Swiss chard (8–10 leaves, green or rainbow)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
- 2–3 tablespoons water
- Zest of 1 organic lemon
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dry the chard thoroughly. Trim the rough ends of the stems, then finely chop the stems. Tear or slice the leaves into bite-size pieces.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic slices and cook for about 1 minute, until golden. Remove garlic from the pan.
- Add the chard stems and leaves to the skillet. Cover with a lid and cook for 1 minute, until the leaves begin to wilt.
- Remove the lid, return garlic to the pan, and stir in lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Add 1 tablespoon of water, cover again, and cook for 1 more minute.
- Check the stems — once they begin to soften, cook uncovered for another 30 seconds, then remove from heat.
- Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve immediately as a side dish.
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