15 Best Ways to Cook Swiss Chard

Swiss chard with pepper flakes on a white plate
Photo: Buckwheat Queen

You might have a glut of Swiss chard in your garden or seen bunches at the farmers' market. These recipes will help you use it all, from simple sautés to quiches and soups. Chard leaves have lots of flavor on their own and a tenderness somewhere between spinach and kale: Soft enough for fresh salads and quick sautés, but hearty enough for braises and bakes. Be sure not to toss those pretty pink and rainbow-colored stems: They can be cooked a little before you add the leaves or saved for another sauté or stir-fry.

01 of 15

Sautéed Swiss Chard with Parmesan

Sauteed Swiss Chard with Parmesan Cheese
Dianne

No part of the Swiss chard goes to waste in this simple sauté: The stems soften with garlic, onion, and a splash of white wine. The leaves are added at the end with lemon and Parmesan until just wilted.

02 of 15

Swiss Chard and Pecan Pesto

Swiss Chard and Pecan Pesto
Nana Aoki

Just like spinach, Swiss chard blends beautifully with basil in a cheesy, nutty pesto. Instead of the usual pine nuts, pecans add lots of toasty flavor here. Toss with pasta or dollop over seared fish or chicken.

03 of 15

Chard Tacos

Chard Tacos
Courtney Wild

This meatless taco is surprisingly satisfying and easily becomes vegetarian by using vegetable broth in place of chicken. "Quick, healthy, and a great way to get some greens into your diet," says reviewer jtguf87.

04 of 15

Pan Fried Swiss Chard

Pan Fried Swiss Chard
sanzoe

Crispy bacon, garlic, and lemon will make this simple Swiss chard side the star of your table. Follow reviewer naples34102's lead and add the chopped chard stems to the pan with the leaves and garlic.

05 of 15

Bacon and Potato Frittata with Greens

Bacon and Potato Frittata with Greens
Kat S.

Chef John uses a whole bunch of Swiss chard in this bacon and potato frittata that's perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner. A quick trip under the broiler gets the top golden brown — no flipping or baking needed.

06 of 15

Swiss Chard with Garbanzo Beans and Fresh Tomatoes

Swiss Chard with Garbanzo Beans and Fresh Tomatoes
njmom

Vegetarians, vegans, and meat eaters alike will love this Swiss chard dish. The greens wilt in the pan with sautéed shallot and garbanzo beans, with fresh tomato added at the end. Serve on its own, as a side, or topped with a fried egg.

07 of 15

Lentil Lemon Soup

Lentil Lemon Soup
seashworth

Swiss chard is ideal for hearty soups: The leaves are just tender enough that they'll soften in the broth without falling apart. It's the starring green in this lemony, Lebanese-inspired lentil soup.

08 of 15

Sautéed Swiss Chard with Mushrooms and Roasted Red Peppers

Sauteed Swiss Chard with Mushrooms and Roasted Red Peppers
Staci

Recipe creator BramptonMommyof2 invented this mushroom and Swiss chard sauté using what she had in the fridge, and the results were worth repeating. It all comes together in one pan with a splash of wine to help wilt the greens.

09 of 15

Fennel and Apple Salad

Fennel Apple Salad
titigonzales

While usually sautéed or simmered, Swiss chard can also be enjoyed fresh, just like lettuce or spinach. It's the tender counterpart to crunchy fennel and apple in this restaurant-worthy salad.

10 of 15

Italian-Style Swiss Chard

Swiss chard with pepper flakes on a white plate
Buckwheat Queen

Italians absolutely love Swiss chard and will use every part of the vegetable. The pink stalks really pop in this traditional sauté, seasoned simply with crushed red pepper and fresh garlic.

11 of 15

Pasta with Swiss Chard

Pasta with Swiss Chard
Kimberly Holland

A simple pasta toss lets Swiss chard shine. "Really simple and delicious," says reviewer geneen, an avid gardener. "I have a lot chard in the backyard and I wish I had used two bunches!"

12 of 15

Roasted Swiss Chard with Feta

Roasted Swiss Chard with Feta
Anonymous

If you think Swiss chard is destined for the skillet or the soup pot, try it roasted! The stems soften in the oven first, then the leaves are added and roasted until crisp. "Stunningly good," says user domiechan.

13 of 15

Salmon and Swiss Chard Quiche

Salmon and Swiss Chard Quiche
Jessica

Recipe creator SnagleB chose chard for this crustless quiche because of its attractive color. The green co-stars with gently poached salmon in this easy breakfast.

14 of 15

Swiss Chard with Pinto Beans and Goat Cheese

Swiss Chard with Pinto Beans and Goat Cheese
Magda Bunning

Serve this hearty beans and greens bake as a summer meal with toasted bread or over brown rice or pasta. The dollops of goat cheese on top melt into creamy puddles and add a tangy contrast to the pinto beans and chard.

15 of 15

Red Chard with Feta and Tomatoes

Red Chard with Feta and Tomatoes
barbara

Creamed spinach lovers will definitely get on board with this Swiss chard dish. Wilted leaves join sautéed stems, tomato, and feta in the pan, then heavy cream brings it all together.

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