Home » Recipes » 21 Swiss Chard Recipes (& Produce Guide)
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!
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
- Carrot recipes
- Chicory recipes
- Corn recipes
- Cranberry recipes
- Delicata squash recipes
- Fava bean recipes
- Fennel recipes
- Fig recipes
- Kabocha squash recipes
- Leek recipes
- Persimmon recipes
- Poblano pepper recipes
- Pomegranate recipes
- Radish recipes
- Rhubarb recipes
- Shish*to pepper recipes
- Tomatillo recipes
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.
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
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!
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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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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Farmers Market Frittata
This hearty Farmers Market Frittata is brimming with locally raised pork sausage, bell pepper, & fresh rainbow chard.
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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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!
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.
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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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!
Kale and Chard Green Power Salad
This kale and chard salad is bulked up with blue cheese, walnuts, dried cranberries, and apples.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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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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!
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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!
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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! 🙂
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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!
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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!
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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!
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flavorthemoments — Reply
You’re so welcome — that risotto looks amazing!
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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!
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flavorthemoments — Reply
Thanks so much Sarah, and I’m dying to try your enchiladas! 🙂
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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!
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flavorthemoments — Reply
It really is pretty and it’s brightening up my garden so nicely! Thanks Chey! 🙂
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Mira — Reply
I love this post Marcie! Thank you so much for this great information on one of my favorite vegetables! Great recipes, too!
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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 🙂
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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??
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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!
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flavorthemoments — Reply
Amaranth does sound a lot like chard! Thank you Puja!
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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?
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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. 🙂
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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!
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Marcie — Reply
Thanks Nicole and I hope you get to try the white bean stew!
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