From savory galettes and pastas to brothy soups and simple sauteed side dishes, these Swiss chard recipes make the most of this nourishing leafy green.
1/16
Chicken Potpie Galette with Cheddar-Thyme Crust
From the Recipe Creator:
This gorgeous galette takes traditional chicken potpie and gives it a fun open-faced spin. The rich filling and flaky cheddar-flecked crust make it taste so homey. It's lovely for fall and winter dinners, but you can enjoy it anytime. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 342 calories, 21g fat (12g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 594mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
2/16
Sausage and Swiss Chard Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
I whipped up lunch with fresh produce from the farmers market, and the result was amazing. The pasta absorbs the cooking liquid quickly, so serve immediately to guarantee the best texture. —Kate Stiltner, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 487 calories, 25g fat (6g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 726mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein.
3/16
Pickled Rainbow Chard
From the Recipe Creator:
Pickling adds pop to fresh foods, especially Swiss chard stems. In this easy fridge method, sweet meets tart and it all balances out overnight. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 48 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 211mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
4/16
Over-the-Rainbow Minestrone
From the Recipe Creator:
This colorful soup is vegetarian-friendly and full of fresh flavors from a rainbow of vegetables. You can use any multicolored pasta in place of the spirals. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 231 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 1015mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 9g protein.
5/16
Clam Stew
From the Recipe Creator:
Every summer my family digs clams on the shores of Block Island, Rhode Island. This dish highlights the fresh sweet and salty flavor of the clams, and the chorizo adds a little kick. Fresh Swiss chard greens from our garden, corn and cannellini beans round out the flavor profile. The best part, though, is dipping bread into the delicious broth! This is quick and easy to put together and is a perfect appetizer or dinner on a summer night! —Pamela Gelsomini, Wrentham, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 265 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 729mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.
6/16
Garden-Fresh Rainbow Chard
From the Recipe Creator:
Chard, a member of the beet family, is prized for its green leaves and colorful stalks. Stir up these good-for-you greens with garlic and red onion. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 115 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 631mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat.
7/16
Sausage & Swiss Chard Lasagna
From the Recipe Creator:
Rustic and comforting, I found this rich and cheesy lasagna to be a great way to get kids to eat healthy greens—it's such a tasty casserole they'll never know the Swiss chard is there! —Candace Morehouse, Show Low, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 470 calories, 31g fat (14g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 896mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein.
8/16
Chinese Chard with Almonds
From the Recipe Creator:
The chard in my garden inspires all kinds of recipes. This one makes an amazing side dish, especially in spring. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 156 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 611mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch.
9/16
Roasted Butternut Linguine
From the Recipe Creator:
Squash is one of our favorite vegetables, and this is my husband's preferred fall dish. He looks forward to it all year! —Kim Caputo, Cannon Falls, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 384 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 344mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 10g protein.
10/16
Swiss Chard with Onions & Garlic
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make this sauteed Swiss chard a main dish by serving it with pasta, but it’s also a tasty side dish all on its own. My boys love it and ask for it often. —Rebekah Chappel, Portales, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 159 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch.
11/16
Chard with Bacon-Citrus Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
Chard is a leafy veggie often used in Mediterranean cooking. I dress it with orange juice and bacon, and the family gobbles it up. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 162 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 655mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
12/16
Rigatoni Chard Toss
From the Recipe Creator:
I had to get my firefighter husband to eat more fruits and veggies to lower his cholesterol and triglycerides. Fresh chard and tomatoes add a lot of fiber and vitamins to our diets, but we love this recipe for the flavor. While he would never admit to eating "health food" around the firehouse, this dish is one of many that made his trips to the doctor much more pleasant! —Carolyn Kumpe, El Dorado, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 159 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 291mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
13/16
Swiss Chard Bean Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty soup combines nutritious Swiss chard with other garden favorites. Its light broth is surprisingly rich in flavor, and the grated Parmesan packs an additional punch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 94 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 452mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
14/16
Spring Greens Quiche
From the Recipe Creator:
Leafy greens brighten this savory pie—the ideal comfort food for spring. Add a side of healthy vegetables, a salad or fruit and you have a light and satisfying lunch.—Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 465 calories, 35g fat (17g saturated fat), 219mg cholesterol, 515mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
15/16
Chard & White Bean Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to prepare dishes without gluten or dairy products, and this recipe meets the criteria when you use gluten-free pasta. It's proof you can use delicious, healthy products to create a crowd-pleasing meal. It's also soy-free, nut-free and vegetarian. —Amie Valpone, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups pasta mixture with 1/2 cup sauce: 369 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 801mg sodium, 67g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 13g fiber), 14g protein.
16/16
Sausage & Greens Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
I always have an abundance of fresh vegetables on hand, so I wanted to create a delicious soup to enjoy during the colder months. I think I found a winner! —Angie Pitts, Charleston, South Carolina.
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 155 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 658mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 medium-fat meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
Swiss Chard Recipes FAQ
What’s the best way to clean Swiss chard?
The best way to clean Swiss chard is to rinse the leaves and stems thoroughly under cold running water, gently rubbing away any dirt or grit, especially at the base of the stems. For a more thorough cleaning, separate the leaves from the stems and soak both in a large bowl of cold water. Then, lift them up, allowing the dirt to stay behind and settle at the bottom of the bowl.
Once washed, pat everything dry with a clean towel or use a salad spinner to expel the excess water. Use the chard right after it’s washed, or wrap it in paper towels and place it in a loosely sealed bag in the fridge, and it will stay crisp for days.
Can Swiss chard be eaten raw?
Swiss chard can be eaten raw, especially when the leaves are young and tender. Its mildly earthy flavor makes it a great addition to summer salads, wraps and grain bowls, particularly when paired with bright dressings like lemon vinaigrette or creamy toppings like goat cheese. Rip the leaves into bite-size pieces or cut into ribbons for easier chewing. If the stems are tough or fibrous, slice them thinly or marinate them briefly in vinegar or lemon juice to soften the texture.
Is Swiss chard a good substitute for spinach?
Swiss chard is a great substitute for spinach since they both have a deep, grassy flavor and cook in a similar amount of time. You can use just the chard leaves in equal amounts to replace spinach in a recipe or include the chopped or sliced stems for more crunch and flavor.
