Garlicky Sautéed Swiss Chard
This Garlicky Sautéed Swiss Chard is a vibrant, healthy, and incredibly quick side dish that brings out the best in fresh chard with just a few simple ingredients. The tender stems and wilted leaves are brightened by garlic and a squeeze of fresh lemon, making it a perfect accompaniment to almost any meal.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Chard: Wash the Swiss chard thoroughly under cold running water. Pat dry or use a salad spinner. Separate the stems from the leaves by cutting along the length of the stem. Roughly chop the stems into 1/2-inch pieces and the leaves into 1-inch ribbons. Keep them separate.
Heat the Pan: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Cook the Stems: Add the chopped chard stems to the hot pan. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
Add Garlic & Spice: Stir in the thinly sliced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for another 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Wilt the Leaves: Add the chopped chard leaves to the pan. They will seem like a lot, but they will quickly wilt down. Toss with tongs to combine with the stems and garlic.
Season and Finish: Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the leaves are just wilted and bright green. Remove the pan from the heat.
Brighten with Lemon: Drizzle with fresh lemon juice, season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss once more.
Serve: Serve immediately as a vibrant and healthy side dish.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't Overcrowd the Pan: If you have a very large bunch of chard, you might need to cook it in two batches to ensure it wilts evenly and doesn't steam.
- 2Wash Thoroughly: Chard can sometimes have grit, especially near the stems. Wash it well, and consider soaking it briefly if it's particularly sandy.
- 3Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon juice. A little extra lemon can really make the flavors pop.
- 4Use High Heat: Cooking chard quickly over medium-high heat helps it wilt without becoming mushy, preserving its texture and bright color.
Adapt it for your goals.
Nutty Crunch
Sauté 1/4 cup of pine nuts or slivered almonds in the pan before adding the chard, then set aside and sprinkle over the finished dish.
Cheesy DelightCheesy Delight
Stir in 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan) at the very end, just before serving.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or add a finely minced small chili pepper along with the garlic for more heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins
Swiss chard is an excellent source of Vitamins K, A, and C, crucial for bone health, vision, and immune function.
Antioxidant Powerhouse
Contains powerful antioxidants like beta-carotene and flavonoids, which help protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation.
Good for Digestion
High in dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion and helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this method works well with other sturdy greens like kale or collard greens, though cooking times might vary slightly (kale might need an extra minute or two). Spinach would cook much faster.
