Looking for a great way to cook rainbow chard? You've come to the right place! This simple sautéed Swiss chard recipe is vibrant, quick and delicious! Plus it's easy to make and ready in under 15 minutes.
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We are regularly greeted with a bunch of beautiful chard in our veggie bag from our local CSA, and this is one of our favourite ways to prepare it! Keep an eye out at your local farmer's market in summer if you aren't sure where to source it.
Chard can have a slightly bitter taste to it, but a dash of lemon, a good sprinkle of salt and pepper, and some sweetness from onion, makes it bright and balances the flavours in a delicious way!
What is rainbow chard?
Rainbow chard is a leafy vegetable with colourful stems in the same family as beet/beetroot. A bunch of rainbow chard is actually a mix of different varieties of chard and may include a mix of red, pink, yellow or white stemmed chard.
This leafy green is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and potassium so it's a nutritious addition to your diet.
Ingredient tips
Here's everything you need to make this colourful dish:
- Rainbow chard: Both the leaves and stems are edible, but take different time to cook in this recipe, so keep them separately as you prepare the chard.
- Lemon: Adding a squeeze of lemon is a great way to brighten any dish made with leafy greens. You can also add a sprinkle of lemon zest for extra tang.
- Red pepper flakes / chilli flakes are optional, but add a gentle heat that enhances the dish.
Step by step pictures
Here's how to make this delightful sautéed rainbow chard. For the full, adjustable and printable recipe, see the recipe card at the end of the post.
Step 1 - Start by washing the Swiss chard thoroughly. Separate the leaves from the stems, and roughly chop the leaves. Slice the stems into 1-inch pieces.
Step 2 - In a frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Swiss chard stems and onion, and sauté for about 3 minutes until they start to soften.
Step 3 - Next, add the minced garlic, chard leaves, salt, pepper, and water to the pan. Continue sautéing for another 3-4 minutes, until the leaves have wilted down and become tender to your liking.
Step 4 - Sprinkle the lemon juice over the sauteed chard and stir it in. Remove the pan from the heat and serve.
Top Tip
I find the best method to wash a large bunch Swiss chard is to submerse it in water in the sink and then drain on a kitchen towel. You can also clean it in a salad spinner in smaller batches too.
Substitutions and variations
Here are a few ideas for varying this recipe:
In addition to rainbow chard, you could use other leafy veg, such as beet greens, spinach or kale.
Instead of onion, you can use shallot or leek. You could also add scallions or spring onions when adding the chard leaves.
As an alternative to lemon, add balsamic vinegar to taste.
Add a small handful of golden raisins when you add the leaves to add extra sweetness and variety.
Serving
Sauteed rainbow Swiss chard pairs well with a variety of dishes.
It naturally pairs well with pasta dishes, like our Creamy Mushroom Pasta or Tahini Pasta.
In the summer, it's an excellent accompaniment to our Breaded Tofu served with quinoa or rice.
For chillier days, it makes a simple side dish perfect for Lentil Shepherd's Pie or other hearty main dishes.
As a garnish, I like to add a sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds, such as pine nuts, almonds or sunflower seeds for a delightful crunch.
Storage
Leftover sauteed greens can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
FAQs
Absolutely! While rainbow chard adds a pop of colour, you can use any type of chard, such as Swiss chard or red chard, with equally delicious results.
More tasty side dishes
I hope you loved this sauteed rainbow chard recipe! If you're looking for more vegetable side dishes, here are three others to try:
Chard Salad (another easy Swiss chard recipe for you to enjoy!)
Roast Carrots with Maple and Mustard
Quick Pickled Cucumbers (delicious and refreshing for summer!)
📖 Recipe
Sauteed Rainbow Chard
Ingredients
- 1 bunch (225 g / 8 oz) swiss chard leaves + stems
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pinch sea salt or to taste
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 1 tbsp water
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash the chard and separate the leaves from the stems. Roughly chop the leaves and slice the stalks into 1-inch pieces.1 bunch (225 g / 8 oz) swiss chard
- In a frying pan on medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chard stems and onion and sauté for 3 minutes.2 tbsp olive oil, 1 small onion
- Add the garlic, chard leaves, salt, pepper, water and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for another 3 - 4 minutes until the leaves have wilted down and are tender to your liking.2 cloves garlic, 1 pinch sea salt, 1 pinch black pepper, 1 tbsp water, ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- Sprinkle over the lemon juice and stir it in. Remove from heat and serve.1 tbsp lemon juice
Nutrition
This information is calculated per serving and is an estimate only.
Pat Ferguson says
I made this last night. So delicious! Thank you.
Sophie and Paul says
Delighted you enjoyed it Pat! Thanks so much for leaving a comment and review, we really appreciate it 🙂