Rainbow Chard Slaw with Yogurt Dressing
This vibrant Rainbow Chard Slaw combines finely shredded chard leaves and stems with crisp red cabbage and carrots, all tossed in a creamy, tangy Greek yogurt dressing for a refreshing and healthy side.
For 4 servings
Prepare Vegetables: Thoroughly wash the rainbow chard. Separate the leaves from the colorful stems. Finely shred both the chard leaves and stems. For the stems, you can slice them thinly crosswise. Finely shred the red cabbage and peel and grate or julienne the carrots. Combine all shredded vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Combine Slaw: Pour the prepared dressing over the shredded vegetables in the large mixing bowl.
Toss Thoroughly: Using tongs or clean hands, gently but thoroughly toss the vegetables with the dressing until every piece is evenly coated.
Rest and Marinate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 10-15 minutes (or up to 30 minutes) to allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to slightly soften, enhancing the texture.
Serve: Give the slaw another quick toss before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or other herbs if desired.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Uniform Shredding: For the best texture, aim for uniformly thin shreds of all vegetables. A mandoline slicer can be very helpful for the chard stems and cabbage, but a sharp knife works too.
- 2Don't Overdress: Start with slightly less dressing than you think you need and add more if necessary. You want the vegetables coated, not swimming.
- 3Resting is Key: Allowing the slaw to rest for at least 10 minutes helps the vegetables absorb the dressing's flavors and slightly tenderizes them, improving the overall texture.
- 4Freshness Matters: Use the freshest chard and vegetables possible. This slaw relies heavily on the crispness and vibrant taste of its raw ingredients.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Kick
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the dressing for a fiery twist.
Nutty CrunchNutty Crunch
Incorporate 1/4 cup of chopped toasted walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds for added texture and healthy fats.
Herbaceous BoostHerbaceous Boost
Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of fresh chopped herbs like dill, mint, or cilantro into the dressing for a different aromatic profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Nutrients
Rainbow chard is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like magnesium and potassium, supporting overall health.
High in Fiber
The combination of chard, cabbage, and carrots provides significant dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting satiety.
Lean Protein Source
Greek yogurt in the dressing offers a good source of lean protein, contributing to muscle repair and keeping you feeling full longer.
Frequently asked questions
You can prepare the vegetables and dressing separately up to a day in advance. Combine them no more than 1-2 hours before serving to maintain optimal crispness.
