10+ Swiss Chard Recipes to Brighten Your Meals

Swiss chard is a leafy green you can easily toss into your meals. It’s mild, cooks super fast, and honestly, it’s hard to mess up.

You’ll find tons of tasty ways to use this vibrant green. Whether you like it sautéed, in soups, or just mixed in with whatever’s on hand, Swiss chard works in all kinds of recipes.

Ingredients

• Swiss chard
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash the Swiss chard well and shake off any dirt.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
3. Add sliced garlic and sauté until it smells amazing.
4. Toss in chopped Swiss chard and a pinch of salt.
5. Cook until wilted, just 3-5 minutes.

1) Sautéed Swiss Chard with Garlic and Olive Oil

Sautéing Swiss chard with garlic and olive oil makes a super simple side dish. Wash the chard, chop it up, and remember—the stems need a bit more time, so start them first.

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium. Toss in minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds. Add the chard and a splash of water to help it steam.

Cook until the leaves are wilted but still bright. Sprinkle with sea salt and give it a stir.

This side goes with pretty much anything and comes together in minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch Swiss chard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• Splash of water
• Sea salt to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Wash and chop Swiss chard, keeping stems and leaves separate.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium.
3. Add garlic, sauté for 30 seconds.
4. Add chard stems, cook 2 minutes.
5. Add leaves and a splash of water; cook until wilted.
6. Season with sea salt and serve.

2) Swiss Chard and Chickpeas with Pancetta

Swiss chard, chickpeas, and crispy pancetta come together in this easy, flavorful dish. That salty, smoky pancetta is just perfect with the mild greens and creamy beans.

Start by sautéing shallots until they’re sweet. Add pancetta and let it crisp up.

Toss in Swiss chard and chickpeas so they soak up all that flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes brings a little heat, but skip it if you’re not into spice.

Serve as a side or keep it light and make it your main.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Swiss chard
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 ounces pancetta, diced
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium.
2. Add shallots, cook 2-3 minutes until soft.
3. Stir in pancetta; cook until crispy.
4. Add Swiss chard, cook until wilted.
5. Mix in chickpeas and red pepper flakes.
6. Cook 3-5 minutes, season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve warm.

Check out a similar recipe here: Swiss Chard with Garbanzo Beans.

3) Swiss Chard Stir-Fry with Ginger and Chili

Whip up a quick stir-fry with Swiss chard, fresh ginger, and chili. Wash and chop the chard, keeping the stems for crunch.

Heat oil, toss in ginger and chili, and let them sizzle. Add the chard, cooking until it wilts but still has a bit of bite.

If you want, garlic or scallions make it even better. This is a solid weeknight go-to.

Ingredients

• 10-15 large Swiss chard stalks, chopped
• 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced
• 1-2 red chilies, sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic (optional)
• 2 scallions, chopped (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse and chop Swiss chard stems and leaves.
2. Heat oil in a large pan over medium (about 350°F/175°C).
3. Add ginger, chili, and garlic; stir for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add chard stems, cook 2 minutes.
5. Add leaves, stir-fry until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Add scallions, cook 1 more minute, then serve.

See more here: Swiss chard stir fry with ginger, baby onions, and chili paste.

4) Swiss Chard Omelet with Parmesan and Lemon

This Swiss chard omelet is almost too easy. Don’t bother precooking the chard—let it soften right in the eggs.

Parmesan brings a salty punch, and lemon zest brightens everything up. It’s a great breakfast or a light lunch.

Keep the heat on medium-low so the eggs set gently and the chard stays tender.

Ingredients

• 1 small bunch Swiss chard
• 3 eggs
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and chop the Swiss chard, keeping stems and leaves separate.
2. Beat eggs with Parmesan, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat oil or butter in a pan over medium-low.
4. Add chard stems, cook 2 minutes.
5. Add leaves, cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
6. Pour in eggs, cook gently until mostly set.
7. Fold omelet, cook one more minute, and you’re done.

Try it with a squeeze of fresh lemon for extra zing!

La trouchia – Swiss chard omelette

5) Swiss Chard and White Bean Soup

This soup is cozy and full of flavor. Swiss chard and creamy white beans make it hearty without being heavy.

Just one pot does the trick. Sauté onions and celery in olive oil, then add garlic, beans, and chopped chard.

Let it simmer so everything blends together. Rosemary or Parmesan on top? Heck yes.

For the full scoop, check out Tuscan White Bean Soup with Swiss Chard.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch Swiss chard, chopped
• 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh rosemary or Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium.
2. Add onion and celery, cook until soft (about 5 minutes).
3. Stir in garlic, cook for 1 minute.
4. Add white beans, Swiss chard, and broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer 20 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Add rosemary or Parmesan if you want.
7. Serve warm.

6) Sautéed Rainbow Chard with Lemon Zest

Rainbow chard’s colors make any plate look better. Start by cooking the stems, since they take longer.

Add the leaves and let them wilt. Lemon zest brightens it up, and garlic with olive oil brings that classic savory flavor.

Red pepper flakes? Only if you’re feeling spicy. It’s a fast, healthy side you can make in one pan.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch rainbow chard
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse and chop the rainbow chard, stems and leaves separate.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium (about 350°F or 175°C).
3. Add stems, cook 3-4 minutes until soft.
4. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cook 1 minute.
5. Toss in leaves, cook until wilted, 3-5 minutes.
6. Off the heat, stir in lemon zest and salt. Serve warm.

7) Swiss Chard Pasta with Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes

Pasta, Swiss chard, garlic, and a hit of red pepper flakes—honestly, what’s not to like? Sauté garlic and pepper flakes in olive oil to build flavor.

Add the Swiss chard and cook just until it wilts, then toss with cooked pasta. Keep it quick so the chard stays tender and green.

This one’s perfect for a weeknight. It’s fresh, light, and still totally satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch Swiss chard, washed and chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 ounces pasta (like linguine or spaghetti)
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package, drain, and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium.
3. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté 1 minute.
4. Add Swiss chard, cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Toss in pasta, mix well.
6. Salt to taste and serve warm.

8) Swiss Chard and Mushroom Sauté with Thyme

You can whip up a pretty tasty dish with Swiss chard, mushrooms, and fresh thyme. First, wash the chard and trim off the stems.

Slice the mushrooms into bite-sized pieces. Heat some olive oil or butter in a pan over medium heat.

Toss in garlic and shallots, then sauté until they smell fragrant—maybe a minute or two. Add the mushrooms next and cook them until they let go of their moisture and start to brown a bit.

Throw in the Swiss chard and fresh thyme leaves. Cook until the chard wilts and softens.

Season with salt and pepper, tasting as you go. I like serving this with rice or barley, but honestly, it works with whatever you have.

Ingredients

• 1 large bunch Swiss chard
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 shallot, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash Swiss chard and trim stems.
2. Heat oil or butter over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and shallot; sauté until fragrant.
4. Add mushrooms; cook until browned.
5. Stir in Swiss chard and thyme; cook until wilted.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

9) Swiss Chard Gratin with Cream and Cheese

This Swiss chard gratin is creamy, cheesy, and honestly a little bit decadent. The chard gets tender, then you mix it up with a rich cream sauce.

Pile on cheese and crispy breadcrumbs for some crunch. It’s simple to make but feels a bit fancy.

I’d serve this as a side for dinner, or even as a light main if you’re not super hungry. Baking really brings out the earthy flavor of the chard.

If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of nutmeg or some fresh thyme. Romano or Parmesan cheese on top gives it that salty, sharp finish.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Swiss chard, washed and chopped
• 1 ¾ cups heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
• ½ cup grated Romano or Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Swiss chard in boiling water for 3-4 minutes. Drain and squeeze out excess water.
3. In a bowl, mix cream, mustard, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine chard with the cream mixture and place in a buttered baking dish.
5. Mix cheese and breadcrumbs, then sprinkle evenly on top.
6. Dot butter over the breadcrumbs.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.

10) Swiss Chard and Potato Frittata

Swiss chard and potato frittata is one of those meals you can make whenever. The potatoes give it some heft, and the chard adds a fresh, leafy bite.

If you want a bit of smoky flavor, toss in some smoked paprika. It’s a great way to use up extra veggies, honestly.

This works for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner. You can always add cheese or herbs if you’re feeling it.

Start by cooking the potatoes so they soften up. Then sauté the Swiss chard, and pour the eggs over everything.

Pop the pan in the oven to finish. You’ll know it’s done when the frittata is set and lightly golden.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 5 baby potatoes, cut into small cubes
• 1/2 bunch Swiss chard, chopped
• 6 large eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: smoked paprika

Cooking Instructions

1. Crank your oven up to 375°F (190°C).

2. Splash some olive oil into an oven-safe skillet, then set it over medium heat.

3. Toss in the potatoes. Let them cook, stirring now and then, until they’re soft—figure about 10 minutes.

4. Next, add the Swiss chard. Stir it around until it wilts down and gets glossy.

5. Grab the eggs. Beat them up with salt, pepper, and a little paprika if you’re in the mood.

6. Pour the eggs right over the veggies in your skillet. Try to get them as even as you can, but don’t stress.

7. Let it cook on the stove for 2-3 minutes until you see the edges start to set.

8. Slide the skillet into the oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until those eggs look set all the way through.

9. Give it a few minutes to cool off before you slice and serve.