Rainbow Chard Slaw with Yogurt Dressing
A vibrant, crunchy slaw that swaps cabbage for tender rainbow chard leaves and stems. Tossed in a creamy, tangy yogurt dressing with a hint of lemon and a whisper of garlic, it's a refreshing side that's ready in minutes. Perfect alongside grilled meats, burgers, or as a light lunch on its own.
For 4 servings
- prep
Prep the rainbow chard.
1.Wash the chard leaves and stems thoroughly.2.Separate the leaves from the stems. Slice the stems crosswise into thin half-moons.3.Stack the leaves, roll them into a tight cigar shape, and slice thinly into ribbons. - prep
Julienne the carrot and slice the onion.
Peel the carrots and cut them into thin matchsticks. Thinly slice the red onion half.
- mix
Make the yogurt dressing.
1.In a small bowl, add the yogurt, lemon juice, and olive oil.2.Add the minced garlic, black pepper, and salt.3.Whisk until smooth and well combined. - mix
Toss the slaw.
In a large bowl, combine the sliced chard stems, chard ribbons, julienned carrot, and sliced red onion. Pour the yogurt dressing over the vegetables and toss well with your hands or tongs until everything is evenly coated.
TIPMassage the dressing into the chard for a minute to slightly soften the leaves. - serve
Serve immediately or let it rest.
Serve the slaw right away for maximum crunch, or let it sit in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For tender stems, slice them thinly so they blend seamlessly with the leaves.
- 2Pat the chard dry after washing to prevent a watery dressing.
- 3Use Greek yogurt for a thicker, creamier dressing that clings to every ribbon.
- 4Let the dressed slaw rest 15–20 minutes for flavors to meld without losing crunch.
- 5Reserve a few chard ribbons on top as a colorful garnish before serving.
- 6If making ahead, keep dressing separate and toss just before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
High-protein
Add 1 cup shredded cooked chicken or a handful of toasted chickpeas for a more substantial lunch bowl.
veganVegan
Replace Greek yogurt with a thick plant-based yogurt (like coconut or soy) and use maple syrup instead of honey if sweetness is desired.
herbaceousHerbaceous
Stir in ¼ cup chopped fresh dill, mint, or parsley for a bright, garden-fresh twist.
spicySpicy
Add a finely minced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for gentle heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins A & K
Rainbow chard provides a hefty dose of vitamin K for bone health and vitamin A for vision and immunity, along with fiber from the stems and leaves.
Probiotic Support
The yogurt dressing introduces live active cultures that can aid digestion and gut health when using yogurt with live cultures.
Low-Calorie Crunch
This slaw delivers satisfying volume and crunch without heavy mayonnaise, keeping it light and waistline-friendly.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, any Swiss chard variety works—rainbow chard just adds more color. The flavor and texture are nearly identical.
