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Curious about Swiss Chard? You've seen this green leafy veggie in your market but not sure how to cook it? Try our Sautéed Swiss chard recipe for a quick and easy weeknight meal addition.

Close up view of a bowl of sauteed swiss chard

Do you want to add more vegetables to your diet? Try Swiss Chard to change it up a bit, already a fan of Swiss Chard? Scroll to the bottom for a list of our Swiss Chard Recipes.

Is it summertime? Is your garden overflowing? We have so many wonderful Swiss Chard recipes to help you enjoy all that fresh summer produce.

What is Swiss Chard?

Swiss chard is a dark green leafy vegetable. Its leaves are a beautiful dark green and the stems can vary in color. Related to beets, this delicious veggie has an earthy flavor. Both the stems and leaves are edible and have a slight bitterness when raw. However, don't worry! That bitterness goes away during the cooking process. Chard is low in calories and high in vitamin K, vitamin A, and vitamin C. It also contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and antioxidants. Based on this unofficial nutrition information, we can conclude that Swiss Chard is a healthy vegetable and it's good for you.

What does Swiss Chard taste like?

The flavor of Swiss chard is very earthy, nutty, and similar to kale, spinach, or collard greens. It is more crunchy than spinach and more tender than kale.

The Different Types of Chard

The different varieties of chard are all very similar and can be used interchangeably. Typically, we call Swiss chard the variety that has green leaves with a white stem while the stem in the Red chard is, you guessed it, red. Other varieties with orange and yellow stems also exist. When all of the different varieties of chard are bundled together for sale, it is called rainbow chard.

A bunch of rainbow kale on a black surface

How to Grow Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is very easy to grow and can be very abundant in the summer months. If you grow your own, you will need lots of recipes, but don't worry we've got you covered! To plant the Swiss chard, place seeds about ½" deep. Space the seeds 4-6" apart. Your plants will want full sun to partial shade at most. You may want to add fertilizer to your soil, especially if it is a newer garden. To harvest your chard, clip stems with scissors and do not pull the plant out of the ground because you will disturb the nearby chard plants.

Ingredients for Sautéed Swiss Chard

Large Bunch of Chard. Any type will work.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Don't skimp on quality. This adds significant flavor.
Cloves of Garlic. Freshly minced garlic adds so much rich flavor to this dish. I do not recommend using canned minced garlic for this fresh dish.
Sea Salt and Pepper. For seasoning.
Aleppo Pepper. Red pepper flakes are a good alternative.
Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice. This helps brighten everything up.

How to Cook Swiss Chard

Start by rinsing your Swiss chard really well. Then chop the leaves up into two-inch pieces and the stems into one-inch pieces. You will want to use a large skillet since you start out with nearly 16 cups of greens! Heat the oil in your pan on medium first and then add the garlic for a couple of minutes to get the flavor into the oil. Next, add the Swiss chard, stir, and cook for about six minutes. Season the chard with the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes and cook for an additional four minutes or so. Remove it from the heat and add the lemon juice for a finishing touch.

Overhead view of a pan with handles next to a bowl with garlic cloves

FAQ

Can you freeze Swiss chard?

Swiss chard can be frozen in two ways. Wash, dry, and cut Swiss Chard and place it in freezer bags for later use. Add it to soups and stews. You can also blanch your Swiss Chard before freezing. First, wash the chard. Then place the chard in boiling water for one minute. Remove the chard and place it directly into a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process. Dry and freeze the chard in freezer-safe bags

How do I buy Swiss chard?

Look for bright, dark green leaves without blemishes and firm, unbroken stems. Do not buy Swiss chard if it has started to dry out or the leaves are slimy.

How do I store Swiss chard?

Keep the raw vegetable in your vegetable drawer or harvest it right before cooking. Before placing it in the vegetable drawer, wrap it in damp paper towels to help keep the leaves fresh and keep it in an open produce bag. Plan to use the chard within one or two days.

Leftover Sauteed Swiss chard should be refrigerated and can be reheated in a skillet for several days.

Can you eat the stems of Swiss chard?

Yes, you can eat Swiss chard stems. They are more crunchy than the leaves and add a nice texture to your dish.

Can sautéed Swiss chard be frozen?

I do not recommend freezing this dish.

Expert Tips and Variations to Try

Do not overcook your chard. You want to retain some of the crunch. Follow the timing listed in our recipe card below, and adjust as needed.

Add parmesan cheese for a wonderful complementary flavor.
Add toasted pine nuts, almonds, or pecans for extra crunch and protein.
A drizzle of balsamic vinegar glaze adds a nice contrast.

What to Serve with this Sautéed Swiss Chard Recipe

Slice up some crusty bread, add tofu or a sunny-side-up egg, and call it a meal!

Close up view of a pan with sauteed Swiss chard

More Easy Swiss Chard Recipes

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