Description
This delicious Swiss Chard Salad is a simple, fresh side dish that combines tender Swiss chard leaves with crisp apple slices, crunchy pecans, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Tossed in a zesty lemon garlic dressing, this salad offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 large bunch Swiss chard (red, green, or rainbow)
- 1 large apple (Honeycrisp is recommended)
- 1/2 cup pecans
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan (preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 lemon, juice only
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make dressing: In a small jar or bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Shake or whisk vigorously until well combined. Set aside for the flavors to meld.
- Prepare Swiss chard: Rinse the Swiss chard thoroughly. Remove the thick bottom stems, leaving the thinner parts for added texture and color if desired. Stack several leaves, roll them tightly, and slice crosswise into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice apple and grate cheese: Core and thinly slice the apple into small, bite-sized pieces. If you haven’t pre-grated the parmesan, grate it fresh now for the best flavor.
- Assemble salad: Place the chopped Swiss chard in a large serving bowl or plate. Top with sliced apples, pecans, and grated parmesan. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Season and serve: Taste the salad and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh and crisp textures.
Notes
- If you prefer a milder green, the Swiss chard stems can be fully removed.
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the salad.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to a day; just toss again before serving.
- Feel free to substitute the apple with pears or crisp peaches for a seasonal twist.
