Recipe

20 Chard Recipes That Everyone Will Love

Source : instagram

Chard also known as Swiss chard refers to a green leafy vegetable.  It contains a good amount of vitamin A and vitamin C and is famous as a home garden vegetable. It's widely popular because of its ease of culture, productivity, and tolerance to moderately hot weather. 

It is often mistaken for spinach, however, these two are totally different species.  It has occupied a good space in the kitchen for a healthy diet and is called by names such as silver beet, perpetual spinach, beet spinach, seakale beet, or leaf beet.

Likewise, the regular intake of Swiss chard has many health benefits along with a brilliant taste. You may or may not have tried this. Well, today's article is all about the chard recipes that everyone will love. Review the recipes to try at home for surprising results.

1. Sauteed Chard with Garlic

Swiss chard is a wonderful option with sauteed vegetables. It pairs up with garlic making it quick, easy, and delicious.

This recipe is not only delicious but rich in Protein, Potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Fiber which help improve heart health and bones. It contains about three times the recommended daily intake of vitamin K and 44 percent of the recommended amount of vitamin A.

Ingredients

  •  Chard, olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper

Instructions

  1. To make this recipe, first of all, you need to rinse, separate stems and leaves, and chop both.
  2. Then, heat olive oil in a skillet, and cook garlic until golden (sautee).'
  3. Now, you can add chard stems, and cook until soft (3-4 mins).
  4. Then, add some chard leaves, and cook until wilted (4-5 mins).
  5. Finally, your dish is ready, you can season it (salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes) and serve it. Lemon is optional.

Tips

  1. Use fresh garlic to enhance the flavor better than pre-minced.
  2. A squeeze of lemon juice before serving adds a fresh, tangy flavor.
  3. Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for extra texture and flavor.

2. Chard and Potato Gratin

Source : thetasteedit

Chard and Potato Gratin is a lovely dish that consists of protein, calories, sodium, potassium, Vitamin C, and fat. Not only from a health point of view, the recipe is very tasty and looks amazing when it is ready to be served. 

Ingredients

  • Chard, potatoes, heavy cream, garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper

Instructions

  1. You need to wash potatoes and chard and start slicing potatoes.
  2. Then, layer sliced potatoes and chard in a baking dish, and pour over a mixture of cream, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  3. Now, top it with Parmesan and bake at 375°F until golden and bubbly.
  4. Your dish is ready, serve it.

Tips

  1. Use a mandoline for thin, even potato slices.
  2. Let the gratin rest for 10 minutes before serving for easier slicing.

3. Chard and White Bean Soup

Chard and White Bean Soup is a wonderful option for a weeknight meal. It's easy to make and is delicious which everyone will love. If you love soup and prefer it in your regular diet, then you should give it a try to chard and white bean soup. You will love the outcome.

Ingredients

  • Chard, white beans, vegetable broth, onions, garlic, carrots, celery, thyme, bay leaf, salt, pepper

Instructions

  1. To prepare this nutritional soup, you need to heat olive oil in a pot, and saute onion until translucent.
  2. Then, add garlic, and cook until fragrant.
  3. Now, you can add broth and beans: Pour in vegetable broth, and add white beans. Bring to a simmer.
  4. You should add chopped chard, thyme, and rosemary and simmer until the chard is tender (about 10 minutes).
  5. Now, season (salt, pepper, and lemon juice if using) and serve. 

Tips

  1. Rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium content.
  2. Fresh thyme and rosemary can enhance the flavor even more.
  3. Add cooked sausage or chicken for extra protein.
  4. Pair with crusty bread for a more filling meal.

4. Chard and Feta Stuffed Chicken

Chard and Feta Stuffed Chicken is a wonderful option for a weeknight meal. Not just that it is also a preferred choice to impress the guests. If you have chard at home then try this recipe, you will love the result.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts, chard, feta cheese, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper

Instructions

  1. To make this delightful recipe, you need to preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Now, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan, saute garlic until fragrant, add chard, and cook until wilted.
  3. Then, combine sauteed chard with feta cheese.
  4. Put a pocket in each chicken breast. Stuff with chard and feta mixture. Secure with toothpicks or twine.
  5. Then, you need to heat the remaining olive oil in an ovenproof skillet. Sear chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown.
  6. Finally, transfer the skillet to the oven, and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.

Tips

  1. You can use toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the stuffing in place during cooking
  2. Let chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy
  3. Mix in fresh herbs like dill or parsley with the chard and feta for extra flavor

5. Chard and Mushroom Risotto

Source : delish

Chard and Mushroom Risotto is a brilliant recipe if you want nutrition and taste in the same dish. Well, this recipe is often low in calories, fat-free, and contains high fibers. It also works as a long-lasting energy source so you should definitely give it a try once. 

Ingredients

  • Chard, Arborio rice, mushrooms, onions, garlic, vegetable broth, white wine, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, pepper

Instructions

  1. First of all, you need to heat olive oil and cook onion and garlic until soft. Add mushrooms, and cook until tender. Then, add chard, and cook until wilted.
  2. Now, stir in Arborio rice until translucent and add wine (optional), then cook until absorbed.
  3. You need to add warm broth, stirring until absorbed and the rice is creamy (about 18-20 mins).
  4. Finally, stir in butter, and Parmesan, then season with salt and pepper.

Tips

  • Stir constantly for creamy texture.
  • Use warm broth for consistent cooking.
  • Let rest before serving for best flavor absorption.

6. Chard and Ricotta Cannelloni

Chard and Ricotta Cannelloni is an amazing recipe that you can make for chard variety. It has a wonderful taste with cheese richness and is good for your heart health. You can include this in your regular diet, I am sure you will love it.

Ingredients

  • Chard, ricotta cheese, cannelloni pasta, marinara sauce, Parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper

Instructions

  1. You need to preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Then, heat olive oil in a pan, and saute garlic until fragrant. Add chard, and cook until wilted. Let cool.
  3. Now, take a bowl, and combine ricotta, Parmesan, egg, cooked chard, salt, and pepper.
  4. Now, fill the cannelloni tubes with the ricotta mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
  5. Then, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Arrange stuffed cannelloni in a single layer.
  6. Cover with remaining marinara sauce. Bake covered for 25 minutes. Uncover, and bake for 10 more minutes until bubbly and golden.

Tips

  1. Par-boil cannelloni tubes before stuffing if they're not pre-cooked.
  2. Use a piping bag to make filling cannelloni easier and less messy.
  3. Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking for easier serving.

7. Chard and Chickpea Stew

Chard and Chickpea Stew is a heartful and flavorful recipe that anyone will love. It is quick to make and contains many health benefits. Rich in protein and vitamins, this can be a delightful option for both taste and health.

Ingredients

  • Chard, chickpeas, tomatoes, onions, garlic, cumin, paprika, olive oil, salt, pepper

Instructions

  1. First of all, you need to heat olive oil in a pot, and saute onion until translucent. Add garlic, and cook until fragrant.
  2. Stir in diced tomatoes, ground cumin, smoked paprika. Then cook for 2 minutes.
  3. You need to add chopped chard and chickpeas to the pot. Then, stir to combine.
  4. Pour in vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until chard is tender.
  5. Now, season it with salt and pepper to taste and serve.

Tips

  1. Add a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley before serving.
  2. Adjust cumin and paprika to taste for a personalized flavor profile.

8. Chard and Sweet Potato Hash

Have you ever tried Swiss chard and sweet potato hash? Well, this can be the best meal option if you want variation with chard.  You can incorporate many vegetables in this dish to enhance the taste.

Ingredients

  • Chard, sweet potatoes, onions, bell peppers, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper

Instructions

  1. To make this chard recipe, you need to heat olive oil in a skillet and add diced sweet potatoes. Cook until tender.
  2. Now add chopped chard leaves, and cook until wilted.
  3. Then, season the mixture with salt, pepper, and any desired spices (like paprika or cumin).
  4. Optionally, you can top it with a fried egg or serve as a side dish.

Tips

  1. Pre-cook sweet potatoes to save time.
  2. Let sweet potatoes develop a golden crust for added flavor.
  3. Mix in cooked sausage or bacon for additional protein and flavor.

9. Chard Pesto Pasta

Source : food52

Pesto Pasta is considered a healthy diet and its combination with chard is just like cheery on cake. If you are a pasta lover and want some healthy additions to your pasta, then you should definitely opt for this magical dish.

Ingredients

  • Chard, pasta, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, pepper

Instructions

  1. To prepare this dish, you need to boil chard leaves for 1-2 minutes, then transfer to ice water. Drain and squeeze out excess water.
  2. In a food processor, you need to blend blanched chard, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Now cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water.
  4. Finally, it's time to toss cooked pasta with chard pesto, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
  5. 5. You can serve this by garnishing it with extra Parmesan cheese and pine nuts if desired.

Tips

  1. Add more olive oil or pasta water for a smoother texture.
  2. Substitute pine nuts with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
  3. Store leftover pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

10.  Chard and Bacon Quiche

 Chard and Bacon Quiche is a wonderful chard recipe that everyone will love. It has a creamy texture that is perfect for people of all age groups. Actually, it takes longer time than a usual recipe, however, the result after the hard work will impress anyone. Have you tried it? 

Ingredients

  • Chard, bacon, eggs, cream, cheese, pie crust, garlic, salt, pepper

Instructions

  1. To prepare this wonderful recipe, you need to preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Then, heat olive oil in a pan, and saute chard until wilted. Let cool.
  3. You need to line the pie crust in a baking dish and spread chard, bacon, and cheese evenly in the crust.
  4. Then, take a bowl, and whisk eggs, milk (or half-and-half), salt, and pepper.
  5. Now, you need to pour the egg mixture over chard, bacon, and cheese in the pie crust.
  6. Again, you need to bake the mixture for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
  7. Finally, to serve this recipe, let it cool slightly before slicing.

Tips

  1. Pre-bake the pie crust for a few minutes before adding fillings to prevent a soggy bottom.
  2. Add caramelized onions or mushrooms for extra flavor.
  3. Allow the quiche to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing for easier serving.

11.  Chard and Lentil Salad

Chard and Lentil Salad is an amazing option if you want variation with Swiss chad. Well, this dish contains Vitamins, Minerals, Protein, and fiber that can work as the ultimate power bowl. 

Ingredients

  • Chard, lentils, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper

Instructions

1. To make this healthy diet, you need to cook lentils until tender, then cool them.
2. Then to prepare chad, blanch briefly, and drain well.
3. Now, to make dressing, just whisk olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper.
4. Then, mix lentils, chard, tomatoes, onion, and feta.
5. Finally, your dish is ready, you can toss it with dressing.

Tips

  1. You can enhance the dish with parsley or basil.
  2. Store without dressing until serving.
  3. Try quinoa or chickpeas instead of lentils.

12. Chard and Goat Cheese Tart

Chard and Goat Cheese Tart is a special dish that comes out as an interesting recipe for chard. It is popular for festivals and occasions. Actually, it is a delightful vegetarian food option that you can enjoy anytime.

Ingredients

  • Chard, goat cheese, puff pastry, eggs, cream, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper

Instructions

  1. First of all, you need to preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Then, use store-bought or homemade pie dough, line the tart pan, and chill.
  3. You can heat olive oil, saute chard until wilted, and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Then, assemble the spread chard in a tart crust, and crumble goat cheese over it.
  5. Now, whisk eggs, cream (or milk), salt, and pepper. Pour over chard and cheese.
  6. It's time to bake for 30-35 mins until set and golden.
  7. Finally, you can serve the dish by cooling slightly before slicing.

Tips

  1. Add caramelized onions or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
  2. Pre-bake crust briefly to avoid a soggy bottom.
  3. Try different cheeses like feta or Gruyere.

13. Chard and Quinoa Pilaf

Source : thewimpyvegetarian

Chard and Quinoa Pilaf is another delightful option if you want variation in your chard diet. Well, this vegan dish combines quinoa and chard along with mushrooms and lentils. You should definitely give it a try once, you will love it.

Ingredients

  • Chard, quinoa, onions, garlic, vegetable broth, olive oil, salt, pepper

Instructions

  1. First of all, you need to rinse the quinoa and cook it according to package instructions.
  2. Then, saute the chopped chard in olive oil until wilted.
  3. It's time to toast nuts, however, it's optional 
  4. Then, you need to mix cooked quinoa, sauteed chard, toasted nuts, and dried cranberries (optional).
  5. Finally, season the mixture with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
  6. To serve the dish, you can garnish it with fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

Tips

  1. Mix in cooked chicken or chickpeas for a heartier dish.
  2. Prepare components separately and combine them just before serving.
  3. Substitute chard with spinach or kale for different flavors.

14. Chard and Tofu Stir-fry

Chard and Tofu Stir-fry is a delightful option for a whole family. Actually, it is a vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free option that can be healthy as well as tasty. You can review this article for the recipe.

Ingredients

  • Chard, tofu, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, bell peppers, onions

Instructions

  1. First of all, you need to press the tofu to remove excess water, then cut it into the cubes.
  2. Then, heat oil in a pan, add tofu and cook until golden. Remove from pan.
  3. Now, add garlic and ginger, and cook until fragrant.
  4. You need to stir-fry chard until wilted.
  5. Finally, it's time to return the tofu to the pan, add soy sauce and sesame oil.
  6. To serve it just garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Tips

  1. Marinate tofu in soy sauce and garlic for extra flavor.
  2. Toss in cashews or water chestnuts for texture.
  3. Enjoy over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

15. Chard and Apple Salad

Chard and Apple Salad sounds healthy, right? Not just from a health point of view, this recipe is a delightful option if you are an apple lover. Everyone will love the juiciness and crunchiness of apples in this recipe. If you have never tried this recipe, then it is the best chard variation you should opt for.

Ingredients

  • Chard, apples, walnuts, goat cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper

Instructions

  1. First of all, you need to remove the stems of the chards and chop the leaves finely.
  2. Then, thinly slice apples (preferably tart varieties like Granny Smith).
  3. To make dressing, just whisk olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper.
  4. Then, you should toss chard, apples, toasted walnuts, and crumbled feta in a bowl.
  5. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
  6. Finally, you should garnish the dish with additional walnuts and feta and serve.

Tips

  1. Slice apples just before serving to prevent browning.
  2. Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for different flavors.
  3. Add a sprinkle of dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds for sweetness.

16. Chard and Leek Gratin

Source : carolinescooking

Chard and Leek Gratin is a delightful option for chard varieties. It is quite easy to make and amazingly comforting, mostly smothered in a delicious cheesy sauce. You can have it as a lunch or meal. 

Ingredients

  • Chard, leeks, heavy cream, garlic, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper

Instructions

  1. To make this cheesy bliss, you need to preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Then, cook sliced leeks in butter until softened.
  3. To make chards, just remove stems, chop leaves, and saute until wilted.
  4. Now, combine leeks, chard, cream, grated Gruyère cheese, salt, and pepper.
  5. Then, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, and top it with breadcrumbs and more cheese.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Tips

  1. Add breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
  2. Let rest before serving for easier slicing and better flavors.

17. Chard and Bean Burritos

Chard and Bean Burritos are a special variety of chard that just goes magically with cheese and brown rice. You can try this recipe at home, your homies will love it. 

Ingredients

  • Chard, black beans, tortillas, onions, garlic, cumin, chili powder, cheese, lime juice, salt, pepper

Instructions

  1. First of all, you need to cook chopped chard and diced onions in olive oil until wilted.
  2. Then, you need to stir in drained and rinsed black beans, and season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Kindly, heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
  4. Now, spoon the chard and bean mixture onto the tortillas, and top with salsa, avocado slices, and cheese.
  5. Fold in the sides of the tortilla, and roll up tightly.
  6. Optionally, grill or bake burritos until crispy.

Tips

  1. Use refried beans or add cooked rice for extra filling.
  2. Wrap individually and freeze for quick meals later.
  3. Top with sour cream and cilantro before serving.

18. Chard and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Chard and Ricotta Stuffed Shells can be the best option for chard variation. Well, this dish perfectly fits as the main dish on holidays. You can incorporate many veggies and cheese as per your desire.   

Ingredients

  • Chard, ricotta cheese, jumbo pasta shells, marinara sauce, Parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper

Instructions

  1. To prepare this amazing dish, you need to boil jumbo pasta shells until al dente, drain, and cool.
  2. Then, mix ricotta cheese, sautéed chard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  3. Now it's time to fill each shell with ricotta and chard mixture.
  4. Gently, spread the marinara sauce in a baking dish, and arrange stuffed shells.
  5. Cover with foil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.
  6. Then, you can serve the dish. Optionally, you can garnish it with grated Parmesan and fresh basil.

Tips

  1. Stuff shells ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
  2. Mix in cooked ground sausage or turkey for added protein.
  3. Freeze unbaked shells for a convenient make-ahead meal.

19. Chard and Black Bean Tacos

Chard and Black Bean Tacos, have you tried this before? Well, this is a healthy and tasty chard variety that everyone will love. It is a quick as well as flavorful recipe, you should definitely give it a try too.

Ingredients

  • Chard, black beans, tortillas, onions, garlic, cumin, chili powder, lime juice, salt, pepper

Instructions

  1. To make this chard recipe, you need to cook chopped chard and diced onions in olive oil until wilted.
  2. Then, stir in drained and rinsed black beans, and season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Kindly heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
  4. Now, you need to spoon the chard and bean mixture onto the tortillas.
  5. Add toppings like salsa, avocado slices, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
  6. Finally, you can serve it. Optionally, you can add cheese or sour cream.

Tips 

  1. For extra crunch, add diced bell peppers or corn kernels.
  2. Substitute black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans.
  3. Adjust the chili powder and cumin to suit your taste preferences.
  4. Fresh toppings like chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or a dollop of Greek yogurt can add freshness and contrast.

20. Chard and Sausage Frittata

Chard and Sausage Frittata is a savory egg-based dish that integrates sauteed Swiss chard (a leafy green vegetable), crumbled sausage, and eggs. This is both delicious as well as healthy. If you don't know the recipe, then you can review the article.

Ingredients

  • Chard, sausage, eggs, cheese, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper

Instructions

  1. To make this delicious recipe, you need to cook crumbled sausage in a skillet until browned. Add chopped chard, and cook until wilted.
  2. Then take a bowl, and whisk eggs with salt and pepper.
  3. Now, kindly pour eggs over the sausage and chard mixture in the skillet.
  4. Cook over medium heat until edges set.
  5. Then, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven (375°F / 190°C) and bake for 10-12 minutes until the center is set.
  6. Finally, slice and serve it hot, optionally garnish with grated cheese and fresh herbs.

Tips

  1. Use oil or butter to prevent sticking.
  2. Add onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor.
  3. Fresh salad or crusty bread complements the frittata well.