21 Swiss Chard Recipes + Produce Guide (2024)

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by Marcie //January 10, 2022 (updated 8/7/23)

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21 Swiss Chard Recipes includes enchiladas, risotto, stir fry and more delicious ways to use these nutritious greens! You’ll also learn everything you need to know about chard including how it tastes, how to grow it, nutrition information and so much more!

21 Swiss Chard Recipes + Produce Guide (1)

I love my greens, but admittedly I’d never tried Swiss chard until several years ago in cooking school. We used it in a variety of ways and it quickly became a favorite of mine.

I loved it so much that I began growing it in my garden, and it was a huge success. In fact, the gorgeous rainbow chard leaves that you see in these photos were grown in my garden!

It was abundant, so I found a lot of creative ways to incorporate it into my recipes.

It’s such a nutritious leafy green with a unique flavor, and I hope that this post inspires you to use Swiss chard more often as well!

If you love produce as much as I do, be sure to check out the recipe round ups below!

  • Butternut squash recipes
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  • Chicory recipes
  • Corn recipes
  • Cranberry recipes
  • Delicata squash recipes
  • Fava bean recipes
  • Fennel recipes
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  • Kabocha squash recipes
  • Leek recipes
  • Persimmon recipes
  • Poblano pepper recipes
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21 Swiss Chard Recipes + Produce Guide (2)

What is Swiss chard?

Swiss chard is a green leafy vegetable that is prevalent in Mediterranean cooking. It’s actually a member of the beet family, but it doesn’t produce a bulbous root.

Chard comes in array of colors, hence the name rainbow chard. Colors include green, red, white, yellow, pink, orange and purple.

Swiss chard leaves are normally enormous when you find it at the farmer’s market or in the store. The leaves are on the delicate side, and the stems are very hardy.

What does Swiss chard taste like?

Swiss chard has a mild flavor that’s sweet and bitter like spinach, and is also somewhat earthy like beets. The flavor mellows significantly when it’s cooked.

Can you eat swiss chard raw?

Swiss chard is great served raw. The leaves are delicate yet hardy and are a great addition to salads.

Growing swiss chard

Chard is a biennial, which means it will not set seed until the second year of growth. It should be planted in the fall well before the first frost, or in the spring after the last frost, or when the soil is at least 50 degrees F.

I planted (4) rainbow chard plants in late October, and am currently harvesting it now. It’s grown very well all through the winter so far, and made it through a few very cold, frosty weeks here in California (very cold and frosty here is high 20’s – low 30’s).

I’ve found chard to be very easy to grow, but a little tougher to keep the slugs off of the beautiful leaves. Normally I clip the leaves as soon as they’re large enough so the slugs don’t get to them before I do.

Harvest the outer leaves at the base of the stalk when they are 8-12″ long, and leave the inner leaves intact to continue growing. The leaves will continue to grow again and again.
21 Swiss Chard Recipes + Produce Guide (3)

Nutritional information

Swiss chard is an excellent source of Vitamin A, C and K, and is rich in magnesium, potassium, fiber and iron. Chard is a great way to add nutrition to your salads, smoothies, soups and pasta dishes!

Cooking chard for a short time only will help it retain its nutritional value as well as its green color.

How to choose Swiss chard

Look for chard that has dark, leafy greens and brightly colored stems. Because the leaves are so large, they can rip and tear easily. I always try to find the leaves that are in the best shape at the store or farmer’s market.

How to store Swiss chard

Blot the chard dry using a paper towel if necessary before storing it in the crisper drawer of the fridge. For best results use within 2-3 days. I’ve read that chard can last for up to 5 days stored in a plastic bag in the fridge, but I haven’t tried that myself.

Blanch chard for 1-2 minutes, chop it, and store in the freezer in a plastic zip top bag.

How to prepare Swiss chard

I prep chard by placing it on a cutting board with the stem at the top. Using a sharp knife, I cut from the top down along each side of the stem in a “V”. From there, I stack a few leaves on top of one another and slice them into ribbons or chop them depending on what I’m using them for.

I treat Swiss chard the same way that I treat spinach when I cook it. It’s so delicate that all it needs is a quick wilt in soups, sautés and pastas.

Chard stems are completely edible as well, and they’re quite delicious. They’re very hardy and are similar to celery, so simply chop and cook them.

21 Swiss Chard Recipes + Produce Guide (4)

21 Swiss Chard Recipes

Not sure what to do with Swiss chard? These easy recipes illustrate just how versatile this leafy green is. It’s a great addition to soups, stews, salads, quiche filling, and so much more!

21 Swiss Chard Recipes + Produce Guide (5)

Instant Pot Spicy White Bean and Chard Stew

Instant Pot Spicy White Bean and Chard Stew is a mediterranean inspired stew with hearty white beans, swiss chard and red pepper flakes. Top with parmesan for the perfect cozy meal! {GF, VEG}

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21 Swiss Chard Recipes + Produce Guide (6)

Sweet Thai Chile Chicken Swiss Chard Wraps with Peanut Ginger Sauce

This will be your new go-to wrap. It’s fresh and light, quick and easy, and oh so pretty!

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21 Swiss Chard Recipes + Produce Guide (7)

Swiss Chard tart with Chevre and Leeks

This Swiss Chard tart with Chevre and Leeks is a must make if you are looking for a vegetarian entree that is festive enough for a special occasion. It is filled with swiss chard, fresh crumbled goat cheese, golden raisins in a homemade tart shell.

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21 Swiss Chard Recipes + Produce Guide (8)

Roasted Sweet Potato & Chickpea Salad

An amazing, hearty salad with swiss chard, roasted sweet potatoes, and crispy chickpeas with a creamy, tahini dressing. A healthy, plant-based meal.

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21 Swiss Chard Recipes + Produce Guide (9)

Spicy Pickled Swiss Chard Stems

This recipe is easy and requires only a few ingredients. You’re preserving the chard stems, but no water bath canning is involved.

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21 Swiss Chard Recipes + Produce Guide (10)

Swiss Chard with Pancetta, Corn and Cannelini Beans

Swiss Chard with Pancetta, Corn and Cannelini Beans is a hearty side dish that pairs well with a savory pork chop, a light pan-roasted fish fillet, roast chicken—just about anything!

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21 Swiss Chard Recipes + Produce Guide (11)

Eggplant, Chickpea, and Chard Shakshuka

Quick and easy Shakshuka with eggplant, chickpeas, and chard – a well-balanced breakfast or dinner that requires right around 40 minutes to prepare.

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21 Swiss Chard Recipes + Produce Guide (12)

Swiss Chard Mushroom Enchiladas

Leafy swiss chard and mushrooms rolled in whole grain tortillas and topped with roasted tomato-habanero salsa and cilantro sunflower crema.

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21 Swiss Chard Recipes + Produce Guide (13)

Spicy Instant Pot Chard and Pinto Bean Risotto

By adding green chiles, spicy pepper cheese, and pumpkin seeds, the Italian rice dish takes a Southwestern turn—into spicy Instant Pot chard and pinto bean risotto.

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21 Swiss Chard Recipes + Produce Guide (14)

Farmers Market Frittata

This hearty Farmers Market Frittata is brimming with locally raised pork sausage, bell pepper, & fresh rainbow chard.

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21 Swiss Chard Recipes + Produce Guide (15)

Butternut Squash Vegetable Stew

Butternut Squash Vegetable Stew is packed with chunky veggies and smoky, spicy flavor. It's a hearty meatless meal that's great for meal prep!

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21 Swiss Chard Recipes + Produce Guide (16)

Swiss Chard Soba Noodle Stir Fry

This Swiss Chard Soba Noodle Stir Fry is super quick & easy to make & is tossed with the most delicious sweet, savoury & spicy ‘instant’ sauce!

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21 Swiss Chard Recipes + Produce Guide (17)

Creamy Sweet Potato and Swiss Chard Soup

This creamy sweet potato and swiss chard soup is comfort in a bowl! Packed with fresh veggies, beans and dreamy cashew cream, it’s healthy, flavorful and satisfying.

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21 Swiss Chard Recipes + Produce Guide (18)

How to Make Pesto Sauce (with any greens!)

How to Make Pesto Sauce is a guide that will teach you how to make homemade pesto sauce with almost any ingredients that you have on hand!

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21 Swiss Chard Recipes + Produce Guide (19)

Black Eyed Pea Curry with Swiss Chard & Roasted Eggplant

An easy quick curry for a warming meal any night of the week. Black Eyed Pea Curry with Swiss Chard & Roasted Eggplant is packed with creamy veggie power to satisfy even this biggest plant-based skeptic!

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21 Swiss Chard Recipes + Produce Guide (20)

Kale and Chard Green Power Salad

This kale and chard salad is bulked up with blue cheese, walnuts, dried cranberries, and apples.

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21 Swiss Chard Recipes + Produce Guide (21)

One-Pan Braised Lemon Paprika Chicken with Sumac

This one-pan braised lemon paprika chicken is bursting with flavor and ready in 30 minutes! Perfect for weeknights.

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21 Swiss Chard Recipes + Produce Guide (22)

Mediterranean Chard Salad

Mediterranean Chard Salad with chickpeas, farmers market veggies, pepitas and simple lemony dressing- a healthy hearty vegan salad full of nutrients! Vegan adaptable!

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21 Swiss Chard Recipes + Produce Guide (23)

Spaghetti with Cauliflower and Garlicky Swiss Chard Gremolata

Finely chopped cauliflower and swiss chard sauteed with olive oil and lots of garlic turn into a healthy sauce in this spaghetti with cauliflower and garlicky swiss chard gremolata.

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21 Swiss Chard Recipes + Produce Guide (24)

Pesto Chicken Pasta with Swiss Chard

This Pesto Chicken Pasta with Swiss Chard is the perfect one-pot meal that will have you in and out of the kitchen in no time.

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21 Swiss Chard Recipes + Produce Guide (25)

Sautéed Swiss Chard

Sautéed Swiss Chard is tender ribbons of rainbow chard with the flavors of garlic, cayenne and fresh lemon. It's a flavorful, healthy side dish that's gluten-free, vegan and ready in minutes!

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posted in: Produce Guides, Recipe Roundup, Recipes, Winter // 20 comments

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    20 Comments on “21 Swiss Chard Recipes (& Produce Guide)”

  1. Christina Reply

    Excellent post! True confession time, the first time I tried Swiss Chard is when I made the Sweet Thai Chili Chicken Swiss Chard Wraps with Peanut Ginger Sauce by Half Baked Harvest! It was amazing!

    I kind of forget about SC so I’m thrilled you reminded me (and inspired me) with your post!

    • flavorthemoments Reply

      I can see why that recipe would draw someone to try chard for the first time — it’s gorgeous and sounds so good! Thanks Christina!

  2. flavorthemoments Reply

    Good morning friend! Swiss chard isn’t used enough and I’m in love with your recipes. I can’t wait to try them with my garden chard! 🙂

  3. Liz Reply

    Moving into Lent, your Swiss chard stew looks like a hearty and yummy meatless option! And this round up has inspired me to look past the ubiquitous spinach and try (or re-try!) some new greens!

    • flavorthemoments Reply

      This would be perfect for Lent, and Swiss chard is definitely a great sub for spinach. I think you’ll love it Liz!

  4. Letty / Letty's Kitchen Reply

    Thank you Marcie for including my Spicy Chard and Pinto Bean Risotto recipe!! What a fabulous collection of recipes–I want to make them ALL!

    • flavorthemoments Reply

      You’re so welcome — that risotto looks amazing!

  5. Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health Reply

    I love swiss chard and am always looking for new recipes to cook with it. Thank you for sharing all of these recipes and for including my enchiladas! Also, your garden never ceases to amaze me. Teach me your ways!

    • flavorthemoments Reply

      Thanks so much Sarah, and I’m dying to try your enchiladas! 🙂

  6. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary Reply

    Swiss chard is a gorgeous vegetable, and I’m jealous you have a garden full of it!! This post is brilliant, Marcie! Very informative and jam packed with delicious ways to use up an fabulous veggie! Cheers!

    • flavorthemoments Reply

      It really is pretty and it’s brightening up my garden so nicely! Thanks Chey! 🙂

  7. Mira Reply

    I love this post Marcie! Thank you so much for this great information on one of my favorite vegetables! Great recipes, too!

  8. Katherine | Love In My Oven Reply

    I often feel a little clueless with swiss chard – this has been so helpful, Marcie!! You’re even inspiring me to try growing it on our garden this summer 🙂

  9. Priya @priyascurrynation Reply

    Swiss chard is a new ingredient for me. I heard that it is very similar to spinach and it looks as well. can you guide me with this? it is tastes like a spinach??

  10. Leanne | Crumb Top Baking Reply

    The swiss chard from your garden looks so fresh and vibrant Marcie! Clearly, I need to incorporate more swiss chard into my life! The awesome round up you shared has certainly inspired me to give a few recipes a try!

  11. flavorthemoments Reply

    Amaranth does sound a lot like chard! Thank you Puja!

  12. Sandra Reply

    I’ll be planting swiss chard this spring. Reminds me of when my boys were young, and we had a garden that included swiss chard. I’d cook it up, they would fuss over which of them got to eat the whole pan. Makes me smile to remember.

    My favorite is the chard with the red stems. Is there a difference in the flavor of chard when the stems are other colors?

    • flavorthemoments Reply

      That’s great that your boys loved swiss chard so much! I don’t believe that the flavor is different — I’m growing rainbow chard and they all taste the same. 🙂

  13. Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness Reply

    You grow some beautiful rainbow chard! I use Swiss chard here and there, but admittedly, I’m not very creative with how I use it. Usually I put it in Asian-inspired dishes like miso soup. Thanks for the ideas! I’m going to try your white bean stew recipe soon. It’s freezing in New England and I’m craving soup, soup, SOUP!

    • Marcie Reply

      Thanks Nicole and I hope you get to try the white bean stew!

21 Swiss Chard Recipes + Produce Guide (2024)

FAQs

What to do with an abundance of Swiss chard? ›

Chard can be steamed or sauteed, and it's great in soups, stews, casseroles, frittatas and quiches. Young leaves can be eaten raw in salads.

How do you cook chard so it is not bitter? ›

It has a slightly bitter taste, but that can be resolved with adding a little acid, like lemon juice. Swiss chard is generally served cooked, as the leaves brighten nicely when sautéed in a bit of oil.

What are the benefits of eating Swiss chard? ›

Chard contains 3 times the recommended daily intake of vitamin K and 44 percent of the recommended amount of vitamin A. This vegetable can help to combat cancer, reduce blood pressure, and enhance performance in sports. Swiss chard can be eaten raw or cooked.

What is the best way to eat chard? ›

When I buy a big bunch of green, red, or rainbow chard, I almost always cook the leaves. For me, they're a little spongy and tough to use raw in salads, though baby chard, if it's available, is a great salad base. The simplest way to cook chard is to sauté it.

Can I freeze Swiss chard? ›

The best time to enjoy chard (sometimes called Swiss chard) is spring and summer, when the plant is at peak availability and most affordable. But you don't have to limit your chard consumption to that window. You can preserve these hardy, healthy greens by freezing them.

How do you cut Swiss chard so it keeps growing? ›

Harvest chard from the outside in, leaving the chard heart in the middle intact. Then new leaves will grow again and again right into the autumn. If you only want to harvest the chard once, simply cut off the entire chard plant just above the ground. You can harvest leafy spinach beet in the same way as Swiss chard.

When should you not eat Swiss chard? ›

Blood clotting: If you are on blood thinners, you may want to avoid Swiss chard due to its high vitamin K content, which plays a role in blood clotting. Allergy: If you are sensitive to grass pollen, you should avoid eating Swiss chard because inhaling vapor from boiling the vegetable may trigger rhinoconjunctivitis.

Why does Swiss chard turn black when cooked? ›

Cooking Tip

The oxalic acid in chard will react with aluminum and iron cookware, staining the greens a dark color and lending a metallic taste.

Which is more bitter kale or Swiss chard? ›

While it is not as bitter as kale, the bitterness in chard also diminishes as the leaves are cooked, giving them a milder and sweeter flavor and tender texture. The exception lies in the ruby and rhubarb varieties, which carry a slightly stronger flavor than others.

Which is healthier spinach or Swiss chard? ›

Spinach have significantly more Vitamins A than chard. Spinach is an excellent source of Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Iron. Spinach is a great source of Thiamin, Niacin, Zinc, Phosphorus.

Is Swiss chard a laxative? ›

Dark leafy greens like kale, collards, Swiss chard, and spinach contain magnesium, a mineral that helps soften stools, making them easier to pass.

Is Swiss chard anti-inflammatory? ›

chard is also has an abundance of antioxidants as well as phytonutrient antioxidants. Why are these phytonutrient antioxidants so special? These antioxidants have been shown to have great anti-inflammatory properties. These phytonutrients can be found in the plant's leaves, and colorful stems.

What is the most nutritious way to eat Swiss chard? ›

Swiss chard is a leafy green vegetable that is packed with nutrients. It contains an impressive amount of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that your body needs. You can saute it alone or add it to stews, salads, stir-fries, frittatas, pastas, and more.

What's the difference between Swiss chard and chard? ›

All chard is Swiss chard; it's just stalk colors and names that vary! The stalks and leaf veins of Swiss chard vary in color from yellow to pink and deep red to white. Chard with red stalks is called Rhubarb, Red, or Ruby Chard. Chard with multicolored stalks grouped together is known as Rainbow Chard.

What to do with overgrown Swiss chard? ›

Identify the leaves to prune: Focus on the outer leaves, which are typically more mature and larger. Younger, inner leaves are the future of your plant's growth, so let them be. Make the cut: Position your shears about one inch above the soil level and snip.

Can you harvest Swiss chard multiple times? ›

Swiss chard can be continually harvested throughout the season. Harvest the outer leaves at the base of the stalk, leaving four to five inner leaves to continue growing.

What can you do with chard harvest? ›

Harvest Swiss chard any time leaves are large enough to eat. The leaves of full-size chard can be eaten raw in salads or cooked and the midrib can be used much like celery. Baby chard has no midrib and is tender in salads. Grow chard for late spring and early summer harvest in cold-winter regions.

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