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If you’re looking to add more plant power to your meals, one tasty vegetable offers a rainbow of possibilities: Swiss chard. A cousin to spinach and beets, Swiss chard is available year-round and is easy to spot in the produce aisle because of its large, green leaves and vibrant colored stalks (bonus: both the leaves and tender stems are edible). Chard has a faintly bitter, spinach-like flavor that becomes mellow when cooked. Like other hearty greens, chard can stand up to heat, and it’s delicious sautéed, steamed, roasted, or stirred into soups and stews. It’s mostly known for its gorgeous colored stems, hearty texture, and nutritional benefits—like fiber, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins K and A.
When choosing Swiss chard, look for bright green leaves that are unwilted and free from holes and brown spots. The stalks should be firm and vibrant with slightly glossy stems. You may see Swiss chard with a few different names, but all chard is Swiss chard, it’s just the colors and names that vary. The stalks and veins can range in color from deep red, a variety known as red or ruby chard, to pink, yellow, or white. A bunch of chard with multiple colored stalks is known as rainbow chard.
When you bring chard home, rinse thoroughly to remove any dirt, pat dry, wrap in paper towels, and store wrapped in a plastic bag or airtight container in the crisper drawer for up to a week. Once you’ve bagged the perfect bunch, check out these recipes that showcase this green’s flavor and versatility.
Crispy Tofu Cutlets with Coconut Creamed Swiss Chard
Turn any dreary winter night into a tropical staycation with this vegetarian meal. Swiss chard is sautéed with coconut milk and sprinkled with toasted coconut chips to get a double dose of island-inspired flavor. Crispy panfried tofu “cutlets” supply the protein. This is a great recipe for anyone new to both tofu and Swiss chard.
Pork Tenderloin with Sautéed Chard
This light but satisfying meal is so full of flavor, that you won’t believe how easy it is to make (just five ingredients and 10 minutes of prep!). The key is store-bought balsamic glaze, which adds a sweet-sour finish to oven-roasted pork tenderloin. A low-lift side of Swiss chard sautéed with garlic rounds out this low-carb meal–add a side of rice or roasted potatoes for something a little heartier.
Swiss Chard Pasta e Fagioli
Swiss chard plays a crucial role in bulking up classic Pasta e Fagioli. This weeknight winner is ready in 25 minutes and brings a punch of nutrition from the leafy green alongside chickpeas, carrots, and veggie stock. Finish it with the Parmesan, which brings just the right amount of decadence to this light yet cozy bowl.
Linguine Carbonara with Swiss Chard
Sneak extra nutrients into pasta night with a greener take on classic carbonara. Swiss chard and sliced mushrooms bulk up the traditional combo of eggs, bacon, and Parmesan tossed with linguine. The heat from the boiled noodles cooks the eggs into a savory sauce in this comforting meal that’s ready to satisfy in 20 minutes.
Swiss Chard and Gruyere Whole Grain Tartines
Brunch, lunch, afternoon snack, party appetizer, there’s no wrong time to enjoy these easy and versatile tartines. Toasted slices of whole wheat bread are the base for open-faced sandwiches topped with gently spiced Swiss chard. Green apple slices, coarse grain mustard, and nutty Gruyere cheese melted over the top add layers of flavor and texture that come together with just a few minutes of prep.
