What To Do With Fresh Swiss Chard

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There are so many delicious things to do with fresh swiss chard, and it’s one of the most versatile greens you can bring into your kitchen.
 
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just brought a giant bunch home from the farmers market, figuring out what to do with fresh swiss chard is easier than you might think.
 
This leafy green is packed with nutrients and has a flavor that’s a bit earthier and more robust than spinach, which makes it perfect for a wide range of dishes.
 
If you’ve been wondering what to do with fresh swiss chard because it’s taking up space in your fridge, you’re in the right place.
 
In this post, we’ll explore the best ways to cook fresh swiss chard, how to store it, and some creative ideas that go beyond the basic sauté.
 
Let’s dive into the wonderful world of this leafy green and get you excited to use it.
 

Why Cooking With Fresh Swiss Chard Is So Rewarding

When you know what to do with fresh swiss chard, you unlock a secret weapon for quick and healthy meals.
 
The key is to understand that both the broad, colorful leaves and the crunchy stems are edible, but they cook at different rates.
 
Learning what to do with fresh swiss chard means treating these parts with a bit of care to get the best texture and flavor.
 
Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be adding fresh swiss chard to everything from pasta to soups.
 

1. The Classic Sauté with Garlic and Olive Oil

The most straightforward answer to what to do with fresh swiss chard is to sauté it, just like you would spinach.
 
Start by heating a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
 
Add a few cloves of minced garlic and the chopped chard stems first, cooking them for a couple of minutes until they start to soften.
 
Then, toss in the chopped leaves with a pinch of salt and a dash of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
 
Stir everything until the leaves have wilted down, which takes just a few minutes, and you have a perfect side dish.
 
This simple method is a fantastic way to use fresh swiss chard because it highlights its natural flavor without overpowering it.
 

2. Adding It to Soups and Stews

Another great answer to what to do with fresh swiss chard is to add it to soups, stews, and curries.
 
Unlike more delicate greens, chard holds its shape fairly well, so it won’t turn into a mushy mess.
 
Just chop the leaves and stems and stir them into your pot during the last 10 to 15 minutes of cooking.
 
This is a wonderful way to use fresh swiss chard to add color, texture, and a boost of vitamins to a comforting bowl of soup.
 
A white bean and chard soup is a classic pairing, as the creamy beans balance the earthy greens perfectly.
 

3. The Trick to Cooking with Chard Stems

Many people wonder what to do with fresh swiss chard stems, and they’re actually a treat you shouldn’t throw away.
 
The stems are crunchy and mildly sweet, similar to celery or asparagus.
 
One of the best things to do with fresh swiss chard stems is to chop them and cook them like you would onions or celery as a base for any dish.
 
Alternatively, you can pickle them for a tangy, crunchy snack, or roast them alongside other root vegetables.
 
If you’re sautéing, just give the stems a head start in the pan before adding the leaves so they have time to become tender.
 

Creative Ideas For What To Do With Swiss Chard

If you’re tired of the same old side dishes, there are plenty of creative answers to what to do with fresh swiss chard.
 
Think of it as a substitute for spinach in almost any recipe, from quiches to casseroles.
 
Here are a few of our favorite ways to use fresh swiss chard that take it to the next level.
 

1. Bake It Into a Savory Tart or Frittata

Using fresh swiss chard in a baked egg dish is a brilliant move.
 
For a frittata, sauté the chard with some onions, then pour beaten eggs over the top and cook until set.
 
For a more elegant meal, use fresh swiss chard to make a beautiful savory tart.
 
Just layer the sautéed chard with ricotta cheese inside puff pastry, and you have a stunning appetizer or light dinner.
 
The chard adds a lovely depth of flavor that pairs really well with the richness of the eggs and cheese.
 

2. Blend It Into a Green Smoothie

For a boost of nutrients in the morning, you can even use fresh swiss chard in your smoothies.
 
Its flavor is a bit more pronounced than spinach, but when you pair it with sweet fruits like bananas, mangoes, or berries, you’ll barely notice it’s there.
 
Roughly chop a handful of fresh swiss chard leaves and toss them into your blender with your other favorite ingredients.
 
This is one of the simplest and healthiest things to do with fresh swiss chard, especially if you have a large bunch to work through.
 

3. Use the Large Leaves as Wraps

For a gluten-free and low-carb alternative to tortillas, use fresh swiss chard leaves as wraps.
 
Blanch the large leaves for just a few seconds to make them pliable, then pat them dry.
 
Fill them with a mixture of rice, beans, grilled chicken, or hummus and veggies.
 
You have a vibrant and healthy wrap that’s perfect for lunch.
 
This is a creative answer to what to do with fresh swiss chard that feels new and exciting.
 

How To Store Fresh Swiss Chard For Later

Knowing what to do with fresh swiss chard also includes knowing how to keep it fresh for as long as possible.
 
The biggest enemy of fresh swiss chard is moisture, which causes it to rot quickly.
 
Instead of washing it before storage, wrap the unwashed bunch in a dry paper towel and place it in a resealable bag in the crisper drawer.
 
This will help it last for up to a week.
 
If you have too much to use, you can also blanch and freeze fresh swiss chard for months.
 
Just boil the leaves for two minutes, shock them in ice water, squeeze out the excess water, and freeze them in portions.
 

So, What To Do With Fresh Swiss Chard?

There are endless delicious things to do with fresh swiss chard, and it’s a shame to let this nutritious green go to waste.
 
From the classic garlic sauté to adding it to soups, tarts, smoothies, and even using it as a wrap, fresh swiss chard is incredibly adaptable and always delivers on flavor.
 
So next time you find yourself asking what to do with fresh swiss chard, remember that you can quickly sauté it, bake it into something wonderful, or blend it into a healthy drink.
 
We hope this guide has given you plenty of inspiration for what to do with fresh swiss chard in your kitchen today.