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    Home » Recipes » Gluten-free Recipes

    Published: Aug 25, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links.

    How to Cook Swiss Rainbow Chard, Sauteed

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    sauteed rainbow chard in bowl with silver thongs
    swiss chard stems in a pan
    sauteed rainbow chard in bowl with silver thongs on top of small cutting board with onion and rainbow chard in background
    sauteed rainbow chard in bowl with silver thongs
    sauteed rainbow chard in bowl with silver thongs on top of small cutting board
    sauteed rainbow chard in bowl with silver thongs
    sauteed swiss rainbow chard in a big pan with an orange spatula
    sauteed rainbow chard in bowl with silver thongs

    Cooking sauteed rainbow chard is incredibly simple, and this 3-ingredient sauteed rainbow chard is my go-to easy low-carb side dish recipe.

    Jump to:
    • Cooking sauteed rainbow chard is incredibly simple, and this 3-ingredient sauteed rainbow chard is my go-to easy low-carb side dish recipe.
    • Easy Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard Recipe
    • What is Swiss Rainbow Chard?
    • Best way to cook Swiss Rainbow Chard?
    • Why this Swiss chard sauteed with garlic is the best:
    • Ingredients
    • Equipment
    • How To Cook Rainbow Swiss Chard With Garlic
    • Video
    • Storage and Making in Advance
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Top Tips
    • Products
    • Frequently Asked Questions About Rainbow Chard - Sauteed
    • Ways to serve this sauteed rainbow chard recipe:
    • Pin for Later!
    • Recipe
    spatula raising sauteed rainbow chard from pan

    Easy Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard Recipe

    Cooking rainbow chard often seems intimidating.

    Here is this alien-looking vegetable, all sinewy and billowing at the same time. Its stem is hard and colorful, a rainbow of colors in each bunch. But the leaves are a uniform green, with veins of the same color as the stem running through them.

    Do you eat it raw? How does it differ from regular Swiss chard? Do you eat the stems or the leaves? And when it comes to cooking Swiss rainbow chard, what is the best method?

    From my experience playing around with this vegetable, I believe that the best way to cook Swiss Rainbow Chard is by sauteing it. 

    This recipe for rainbow chard is easy, fast and delicious. You’re going to discover a newfound love for this leafy green - and your favorite new way of cooking greens in general.

    Swiss rainbow chard in yellow, pink and orange

    What is Swiss Rainbow Chard?

    A large leafy green, Swiss Rainbow Chard is often also called simply Rainbow Chard.

    It has a strong taste that is somewhat similar to spinach, but the vegetables are not related. The taste of chard is a tad bitter, which is why it goes well with assertive and acidic seasoning like garlic and lemon.

    Pro tip: While regular Swiss chard is green in stem and leaves, Swiss Rainbow Chard comes in a variety of colors across the stems - pink and red (also called Ruby or Rhubarb Chard), orange and yellow, and even white are some of the hues you will find in a bunch of Swiss Rainbow Chard.

    rainbow chard leaves on a cutting board with a knife

    Can you eat Rainbow Chard raw?

    Absolutely! Rainbow Swiss Chard is packed with nutrients like:

    • Vitamin K for skin and bone health
    • Vitamin A for our eyesight
    • Magnesium for our muscles
    • Antioxidants for everything else and to fight cancer
    • Low in calories, carbs and sugar, fat and sodium.

    It makes for a wonderful base in salads when sliced raw, and can be used anywhere you would use spinach. And in fact, raw Swiss chard is actually less bitter than cooked!

    diced rainbow chard stems on a cutting board

    When is Swiss Chard in season?

    Rainbow Swiss Chard is in season in the summer and fall, from July all the way to November.

    How to buy and choose Rainbow Swiss Chard?

    Go for Rainbow Swiss Chard with strong, crisp stems and wild, firm leaves with a lot of bounce. If your stems are very bendy or the leaves are drooping, that bunch of Rainbow Chard has seen better days. But don’t worry - you can still cook wilted Rainbow Swiss Chard, it just won’t be great raw.

    sauteed rainbow chard in bowl with silver thongs on top of small cutting board

    Best way to cook Swiss Rainbow Chard?

    You can braise, saute, roast or make grilled rainbow chard. Just note that the stems take slightly longer to cook than the leaves.

    I recommend sauteing it, as sauteed rainbow chard retains some of its natural qualities, color and nutrients, but it still transforms it just enough so its not raw. Sauteing also softens it a great deal.

    Of course, adding garlic and shallots plays very nicely with the rainbow Swiss chard’s natural acidity, but balances out the bitterness.

    For my sauteed rainbow chard recipe, keep reading!

    What can be a Swiss chard substitute?

    If you don’t have rainbow Swiss chard, you can use:

    • Regular Swiss chard (green)
    • Kale
    • Lacinato kale (also known as dinosaur kale)
    • Spinach
    • Bok Choy

    For more Swiss Chard recipes:

    • Plate of roasted swiss chard and tomatoes on rice, on a white tablecloth
      Red swiss chard and tomatoes is the perfect winter side dish {V, GF, Paleo}
    • A different take on Middle Eastern breakfast, this salty and savoury green shakshuka is a perfect way to celebrate greens & the ultimate Israeli breakfast! Vegetarian, gluten-free.
      Green shakshuka and the ultimate Israeli breakfast {GF}
    • 30 minute weeknight squash and greens curry
      30-minute squash and greens curry, or what my weeknight cooking looks like
    swiss chard stems in a pan

    Why this Swiss chard sauteed with garlic is the best:

    This garlicky sauteed swiss chard makes for my favorite low-carb side dish for fish, chicken and veggie meals alike. I love it because it is:

    • Incredibly easy - ready in 10 minutes
    • Nutritious
    • Requires only 3 ingredients
    • Low in calories
    • Low carb
    • Good for you - it's high in folates, vitamin A and K, and antioxidants!
    • Makes for an easy side dish
    • Delicious - I love the garlicky and lemony taste of this green
    • Beautiful - the vibrant colors of Swiss Rainbow Chard are no less beautiful when cooked
    • Gluten-free, vegan, paleo, keto and Whole 30

    I have been eating largely vegetarian for over 22 years, and this remains one of my favorite ways to eat leafy greens - and to make greens into an easy low carb side dish.

    whole Swiss rainbow chard and whole young onions in a basket

    Ingredients

    To make this sauteed rainbow chard, you will need:

    Rainbow Swiss Chard - choose a nice, firm bunch of perky looking Swiss Chard. You can use all Ruby Swiss Chard, White or Yellow, or even good old green Swissh Chard for this easy Swiss Chard sauteed with garlic recipe.

    Young onions or shallots - I recommend using young onions or shallots for this recipe for garlicky sauteed Swiss chard, as their flavor is much softer. If you can’t find them, omit.

    Garlic - to make Swiss chard sauteed with garlic you need, well, garlic. I don’t recommend skipping it. Garlic salt will also work if you can’t find fresh garlic.

    Equipment

    • Cutting board
    • Chef's knife
    • Large pan (I shot this recipe using the large pan from the Cuisinart Hammered Collection, but I also own and love this professional-grade nonstick pan.
    sauteed rainbow chard in pan

    How To Cook Rainbow Swiss Chard With Garlic

    Making this easy Swiss chard recipe couldn’t be simpler!

    First, slice the stems and the leaves of rainbow chard thinly. The thinner they are, the softer they will be to eat. Keep the stems and leaves separate - don’t worry about the ribs running through the Swiss chard, as they are softer than the stems.

    Preheat a large nonstick pan to medium heat. Then add oil - olive oil or vegetable oil are best.

    Next, add diced shallots or young onions. Let them saute just onions become translucent, 2-5 minutes. Next add the minced garlic, and saute for 1 minute.

    Add the stems of the rainbow Swiss chard. Saute them for 4-5 minutes.

    Add the diced Rainbow chard leaves to the pan. Stir them in well and saute for another 4-5 minutes.

    Remove from heat and serve immediately. Sauteed Rainbow chard can also be reheated in the microwave.

    Note: add a squirt of lemon juice in the end - this is optional, but recommended. A squirt of fresh or refrigerated lemon juice helps play with the acidity and counteracts the slight bitterness of Swiss rainbow chard.

    Video

    Watch this video to see how to make 4-ingredient gluten free and vegan stuffed dates:

    onions and garlic in a pan

    Storage and Making in Advance

    You can store raw Rainbow Swiss Chard in the vegetables drawer for up to 3 days, specifically the one for crisper vegetables. You can also prep it by washing it and wrapping the leaves in moist paper towels, like you would with romaine lettuce.

    You can store this sauteed Rainbow Chard recipe in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

    Is this Swiss Rainbow Chard Sauteed Recipe freezer friendly?

    Yes! You can freeze this for up to 6 months.

    rainbow chard leaves in a pan

    Substitutions

    This recipe for rainbow chard is vegan, gluten-free, paleo, keto and Whoel30 appropriate.

    To make this low fodmap friendly, omit the garlic and shallots.

    Variations

    There are things you can do to this recipe for rainbow chard to make it more versatile or unique. You can make:

    • Sauteed kale with garlic - use kale, and ideally lacinato kale (also known as dinosaur kale) in place of the rainbow Swiss chard in this recipe. It’s delicious!
    • Spicy Sauteed Swiss chard - add a pinch of chili flakes in the last 2 minutes of cooking, or right before serving.
    • Creamy Swiss Chard - add a splash of cooking cream in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
    • Sauteed Rainbow Swiss Chard with Parmesan - Add ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese right before serving.
    • Sauteed Rainbow Swiss Chard with Parmesan and Pine nuts - Add ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons of toasted pine nuts right before serving.
    rainbow chard leaves in a bowl

    Top Tips

    • Choose big, perky leaves of Swiss chard, with crunchy stems. If the stems are bendy, this Swiss chard is not great anymore.
    • You can let your Swiss chard saute longer if you like it more cooked.
    • You can add more or less garlic to this recipe, according to your taste.
    • A squeeze of lemon goes a long way to neutralizing the bitterness of rainbow Swiss chard.
    sauteed rainbow chard in bowl with silver thongs on top of small cutting board with onion and rainbow chard in background

    Products

    The only “tool” you really need for cooking this is a good teflon pan.

    I shot this recipe using the large pan from the Cuisinart Hammered Collection. It's definitely a statement piece, and I save it for my prettiest stir-frys (the handle stays cool, so you can take it from the stovetop, to the oven, and even onto the handle on a trivet).

    I recently discovered OXO non-stick pans, and I LOVE them! All my previous non-stick pans lost their coating very quickly, and this professional-grade nonstick pan has lasted me for a while. I strongly recommend you give them a try!

    Also, when i don't have fresh garlic, I often used freeze-dried garlic or even garlic salt. These are some of the brands I like:

    Frequently Asked Questions About Rainbow Chard - Sauteed

    Is Rainbow Swiss chard good for you?

    Yes! Rainbow Swiss chard is high in folates, iron and nutrients like Vitamin A and Vitamin K and magnesium.

    What is the difference between Rainbow and Swiss chard?

    The color, mostly - as well as slight differences in the strength of the flavor. Ruby, or red Swiss chard, has the most pronounced flavor.

    Can you use regular Swiss chard in this sauteed Swiss chard recipe?

    Absolutely. The flavor will be just as good.

    Ways to serve this sauteed rainbow chard recipe:

    I love serving this rainbow Swiss chard recipe as a side dish with many things. It goes very well:

    Tried and loved this recipe? Please leave a 5-star review below! Your reviews mean a lot to me, so if you've got any questions, please let me know in a comment.

    • with pasta - pasta in tangy yogurt sauce is fantastic, or try this baked feta pasta or vegan pasta primavera.
    • With salmon - pan-fried sockeye salmon, fire-grilled Nordic salmon, Moroccan salmon, or Salmon skewers.
    • With other fish - this cold haddock recipe goes very well with sauteed garlic chard!
    • With chicken - Oven-baked buttermilk chicken, Chicken marbella or paprika roasted chicken.
    • With vegetarian dishes like Cauliflower with tomatoes and capers or buckwheat kasha - you can even replace the kale in the recipe for a side of this sauteed Swiss chard with garlic!
    • Mexican gluten free cornbread.
    • Cast-iron pan-fried Sockeye salmon recipe with mustard, honey and wild herbs, or how to do camping at home
    • two plates of pasta
      Baked feta pasta with blood orange and olives
    • baked buttermilk chicken and potatoes on a plate with fork
      Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes
    • Kasha with caramelized mushrooms and onions
      Buckwheat kasha with caramelized mushrooms and onions

    Pin for Later!

    sauteed rainbow swiss chard in a large pan with an orange spatula

    Recipe

    sauteed rainbow chard in bowl with silver thongs

    Sauteed Rainbow Chard with Garlic and Shallots

    Ksenia Prints
    Cooking sauteed rainbow chard is incredibly simple, and this 3-ingredient sauteed rainbow chard is my go-to easy low-carb side dish recipe.
    4.85 from 20 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipe!
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Total Time 20 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American, Italian, vegetarian
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 31 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 bunch Rainbow Swiss Chard
    • 2 Young onions or shallots
    • 3 cloves Garlic
    • ½ Lemon juice of (optional

    Instructions
     

    • Slice the stems and the leaves of rainbow chard thinly. The thinner they are, the softer they will be to eat. Keep the stems and leaves separate - don’t worry about the ribs running through the Swiss chard, as they are softer than the stems.
    • Preheat a large nonstick pan to medium heat. Then add oil - olive oil or vegetable oil are best.
    • Next, add diced shallots or young onions. Let them saute just onions become translucent, 2-5 minutes. Next add the minced garlic, and saute for 1 minute.
    • Add the stems of the rainbow Swiss chard. Saute them for 4-5 minutes.
    • Add the diced Rainbow chard leaves to the pan. Stir them in well and saute for another 4-5 minutes.
    • Remove from heat and serve immediately. Sauteed Rainbow chard can also be reheated in the microwave.

    Notes

    Note: add a squirt of lemon juice in the end - this is optional, but recommended. A squirt of fresh or refrigerated lemon juice helps play with the acidity and counteracts the slight bitterness of Swiss rainbow chard.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 31kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 2gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.03gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.04gSodium: 162mgPotassium: 354mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 4591IUVitamin C: 31mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword dairy-free, garlic, gluten-free, keto, low carb, paleo, Rainbow chard, shallots, Swiss chard, vegan, whole 30, young onions
    Tried this recipe?Comment + Rate Below!
    Connect on Instagram!Find us @immigrantstable

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    1. megane says

      September 01, 2022 at 6:36 pm

      5 stars
      I love your recipe! So easy and delicious! Simple ingredients with loads of flavour. Thank you!

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        September 14, 2022 at 2:04 pm

        That's all we need when we have good ingredients!

        Reply
    2. Mikayla says

      September 01, 2022 at 7:50 pm

      5 stars
      I opted to cook without the lemon juice this time, was very tasty and beautiful. Next time will use the lemon to see what if I like it better.

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        September 14, 2022 at 2:03 pm

        My husband doesn't love lemon so we often omit it. But I'm a big lemon fan!

        Reply
    3. Andrea Howe says

      September 02, 2022 at 3:11 pm

      5 stars
      Yum, I love swiss rainbow chard and used to cook it all the time when I grew it in my garden. Will definitely need to buy a bunch at the market and cook it up!

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        September 14, 2022 at 2:03 pm

        You are so lucky to have had it just growing! I have to grab it whenever I see it at the market.

        Reply
    4. Enri Lemoine says

      September 02, 2022 at 3:34 pm

      5 stars
      I love Swiss chard. Not only are the rainbow-colored so beautiful, but the flavor reminds me of my childhood. I must go to Whole Foods to get some and make your delicious recipe.

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        September 14, 2022 at 2:02 pm

        Oh that's so awesome. Did someone in your family grow it, or was it served often?

        Reply
    5. Sarah says

      September 02, 2022 at 9:18 pm

      5 stars
      The colors in this make it extra special. It’s honestly great for everyday dinners or a holiday like Thanksgiving.

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        September 14, 2022 at 2:02 pm

        That's why I love rainbow chard - the colors!!!

        Reply
    6. Amy Liu Dong says

      September 03, 2022 at 1:48 am

      5 stars
      Such an easy and delicious side dish.
      I am going to make this recipe this weekend. I am sure my family will love it!

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        September 14, 2022 at 2:02 pm

        I am sure they will too!

        Reply
    7. Gwynn says

      September 03, 2022 at 8:17 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a delicious recipe. My family loved it and I will be making it again soon!

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        September 14, 2022 at 2:01 pm

        That's all I can hope for 🙂

        Reply
    8. Dennis says

      September 04, 2022 at 8:27 am

      5 stars
      Your rainbow chard recipe was the perfect addition to our dinner of roast chicken last night. The grandkids loved it!

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        September 14, 2022 at 2:01 pm

        That makes me really happy!

        Reply
    9. Sean says

      September 04, 2022 at 9:40 am

      5 stars
      Swiss chard is one of my favorite side dishes. This recipe was spot on and I will be making it often.

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        September 14, 2022 at 2:01 pm

        I am thrilled you are also a fan of rainbow chard!

        Reply
    10. Ann says

      September 04, 2022 at 10:30 am

      5 stars
      I have never cooked with rainbow swiss chard before. This sounds delicious, and simple to make! Thanks for the share!

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        September 14, 2022 at 2:01 pm

        Oh you should definitely try it!

        Reply
    11. Moop Brown says

      September 04, 2022 at 1:57 pm

      This rainbow chard looks incredibly colorful and hearty. Seems like a great side dish or addition to any meal.

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        September 14, 2022 at 2:01 pm

        It's a great way to add veggies and bulk up a meal!

        Reply
    12. Adriana says

      September 04, 2022 at 3:33 pm

      5 stars
      Swiss chard is versatile. I have made this several times and even added chickpeas for a complete meal. I am a flexitarian, so I eat a lot of veggies as a main dish.

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        September 14, 2022 at 2:00 pm

        Oh I love the idea of adding chickpeas! I will give that a try for sure

        Reply
    13. Debbie says

      September 04, 2022 at 4:09 pm

      5 stars
      What a beautiful and colorful dish. I will be trying this Rainbow Swiss Chard , it looks amazing and full of flavor.

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        September 14, 2022 at 2:00 pm

        Hope you like it as much as I do

        Reply
    14. Chandice says

      September 04, 2022 at 11:16 pm

      5 stars
      Swiss and rainbow chart can be so bitter but this is a fantastic recipe that cooks the veggie perfectly!

      Reply
    15. Allyssa says

      September 05, 2022 at 5:35 am

      5 stars
      Super loved the seasonings! Turned out really flavorful and tasty! I will make this again for sure! I highly recommend this! Well done!

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        September 14, 2022 at 2:00 pm

        It's such a simple recipe - I am thrilled that you liked it!

        Reply
    16. Loreto and Nicoletta Nardelli says

      September 05, 2022 at 1:08 pm

      5 stars
      We love rainbow chard and make it often! This was such an easy and tasty recipe, thank you for the detailed instructions.

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        September 14, 2022 at 1:59 pm

        I am so glad you're also a fan of rainbow chard! Hope this simple method goes into your regular rotation.

        Reply

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