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    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

    Sauteed Rainbow Chard

    Published: Sep 13, 2022 by Kate Hackworthy · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Jump to Recipe
    A serving dish of chard, with text: How to make Parmesan Sautéed Rainbow Chard.
    A serving dish of chard, with text: Parmesan Sautéed Rainbow Chard.

    This easy Sauteed Rainbow Chard with Garlic and Parmesan recipe can be prepared in minutes and is packed with flavor and nutrients! Serve this healthy and pretty vegetable side dish with any main course!

    Close up of sauteed rainbow chard topped with grated parmesan cheese.
    Sautéed Rainbow Chard.

    This side dish is so easy and pretty! Sauteed Rainbow Chard is really easy to make and the flavors are enhanced with parmesan and garlic.

    Nature does a wonderful job at providing beautiful colorful vegetables for us to enjoy.

    Swiss chard is one of those vegetables that come in many colors, but the rainbow chard variety is especially pretty with its mix of yellow, orange, pink, red, and purple stems.

    Swiss chard contains nutrients and health benefits, including vitamins A, C, and K, magnesium, iron, and fiber.

    This leafy green is also low in calories, with only 35 calories in one cup!

    While there are many ways to enjoy this leafy green, sauteed rainbow chard is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy this nutrient-rich vegetable. Garlic and Parmesan add wonderful flavor to the dish while keeping it light.

    Serve this healthy side dish with your favorite main course. This dish is also delicious when served cold, making it a great option for meal prep or potlucks!

    For more vegetable side dishes, try Buttered Sautéed Leeks, Roasted Miso Cauliflower, or Air Fryer Beets.

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Top tips
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Variations
    • Storage
    • FAQs
    • More Vegetable Side Dishes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    This healthy side dish takes just minutes to prepare.

    It's packed with nutrients and fiber which support a healthy lifestyle.

    The garlic and parmesan add salty, savory flavor to the dish, which compliments the chard well.

    A great way to use rainbow swiss chard when it's in season.

    A pile of uncooked rainbow chard.
    Rainbow Chard

    Ingredients

    • Rainbow Chard - You can find rainbow chard at the farmers market or in your local grocery store in the leafy green section.
    • Butter - Used to saute the greens, which add a buttery flavor and help them wilt down properly.
    • Garlic - Freshly chopped, garlic adds a bold complimentary flavor that pairs well with leafy greens.
    • Grated Parmesan - Gives the greens a salty, cheesy taste.
    • Salt & Pepper - Balances and enhances the natural flavor of the vegetables.

    Please see the recipe card below for quantities.

    Instructions

    Wondering how to make this Sauteed Rainbow Chard recipe? It's easy! Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then, scroll down for the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.

    Chopping the chard leaves and stems.

    Prepare the rainbow chard: Thoroughly was the chard, then cut off the rough stems. Using a sharp knife, roughly chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.

    Butter and garlic in a pan.

    Wilt the chard: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add in the garlic chard stems and leaves. Then, add in the chopped chard leaves and saute for about three minutes until wilted down.

    Sauteeing the rainbow chard.

    Garnish and serve: Plate the sauteed chard and top with grated parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

    Serving dish of sauteed rainbow chard next to a block of parmesan and a grater.

    Top tips

    If your chard has stems larger than a finger wide, cook the stems first, then add the leaves.

    Sautee, stirring, for 2-3 minutes or until the leaves wilt.

    Choose a rainbow chard that is deep green in color with crisp leaves. Avoid chard that has yellowing leaves or limp stems.

    Make sure your skillet is set to medium heat. Heat that is too low will make the greens tough, and heat that is too high will make them mushy.

    Serving Suggestions

    Drizzle your Sautéed Rainbow Chard with homemade Chili Garlic Oil for a spicy side dish.

    Pair with a hearty main course such as Mushroom Wellington.

    Make it vegan: Top with Vegan Parmesan Cheese and swap the butter for vegan cooking oil.

    Toss leftovers with a serving of Green Pasta to add more nutrients and fiber.

    Serve it as an everyday side dish, or serve it as a pretty brightly colored holiday side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas! Try it with these Vegetarian Christmas Recipes.

    Variations

    Instead of parmesan cheese, top with crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese.

    Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.

    For an extra flavor boost, squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the sauteed chard just before serving.

    Add your favorite seasonings such as smoked paprika, cumin, or chili powder.

    For a plant-based variation, substitute the butter for olive oil and use a vegan parmesan cheese alternative.

    Storage

    This greens dish is best served immediately. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and consume them within two days. Freezing is not recommended.

    Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.

    Table with a serving dish of sauteed rainbow chard.

    FAQs

    Do you eat the stems on rainbow chard?

    The stems are edible but can be tough. If you want to include them in this recipe, if they're thicker than your thumb, cook them first for about three minutes before adding the leaves. Thinner stems can be cooked with the leaves.

    What is the best way to clean rainbow chard?

    Thoroughly rinse the chard under cool water. Make sure to remove any dirt or sand that may be clinging to the leaves and dry with a salad spinner.

    How do you store rainbow chard?

    It's best to consume rainbow chard within two days of purchasing it. Store it in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.

    More Vegetable Side Dishes

    • Sauteed Buttered Leeks
    • Green Beans Almondine
    • Green Salad with Pumpkin Seed Dressing
    • Carrot Top Salad with Chickpeas

    📖 Recipe

    Table with a serving dish of chard.

    Sauteed Rainbow Chard

    Kate Hackworthy | Veggie Desserts
    This easy Sauteed Rainbow Chard with Garlic and Parmesan side dish recipe can be prepared in minutes and is packed with flavor and color!
    5 from 4 votes
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    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 3 mins
    Total Time 8 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 67 kcal

    Equipment

    • Sautee pan

    Ingredients
     

    • 4 cups rainbow chard (125g)
    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
    • 1 ½ tablespoons grated parmesan
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper

    Instructions
     

    • Cut the stems of the rainbow chard, then roughly chop the leaves.
    • Heat the butter in a pan over a medium heat, then add the garlic, and chard stems and leaves.
    • Sautee, stirring, for 2-3 minutes or until the leaves wilt.
    • Add to a serving dish and top with the parmesan.

    Notes

    If your chard has stems larger than a finger wide, cook the stems first, then add the leaves.
    Sautee, stirring, for 2-3 minutes or until the leaves wilt.
    Choose a rainbow chard that is deep green in color with crisp leaves. Avoid chard that has yellowing leaves or limp stems.
    Make sure your skillet is set to medium heat. Heat that is too low will make the greens tough, and heat that is too high will make them mushy.
    Serving Suggestions
    Drizzle your Sautéed Rainbow Chard with homemade Chili Garlic Oil for a spicy side dish.
    Pair with a hearty main course such as Mushroom Wellington.
    Make it vegan: Top with Vegan Parmesan Cheese and swap the butter for vegan cooking oil.
    Toss leftovers with a serving of Green Pasta to add more nutrients and fiber.
    Serve it as an everyday side dish, or serve it as a pretty brightly colored holiday side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas! Try it with these Vegetarian Christmas Recipes.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 67kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 149mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.4gVitamin A: 2394IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg

    The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.

    Tried this recipe?Mention @kateveggiedesserts or tag #veggiedesserts! I love seeing your recreations.

    More Side Dish Recipes

    • Broccoli and Cheese Sauce
    • Easy Baked Polenta Fries
    • Crock Pot Black Beans
    • Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Goat Cheese
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Gina

      September 16, 2022 at 12:53 pm

      5 stars
      All about this recipe! It was so fresh, beautiful, and a side dish even the kids loved! The rainbow colors helped!

      Reply
    2. Gina Abernathy

      September 13, 2022 at 2:10 pm

      5 stars
      Such a healthy side dish. Love the addition of garlic and parm.

      Reply
    3. Janessa

      September 13, 2022 at 1:11 pm

      5 stars
      I have so much chard in my garden and was looking for a tasty way to cook it. This was excellent! I added a sauteed onion as well and there we ate it all.

      Reply
    4. Jovita

      September 13, 2022 at 1:04 pm

      5 stars
      This sauteed rainbow chard looks really appetizing and is easy to make. It makes a delicious side dish for chicken or fish.

      Reply

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    Kate Hackworthy in the kitchen

    Hi, I'm Kate, a journalist, author and multi-award-winning food blogger. I hope you enjoy my vegetarian and vegan recipes. About Me

    Collage of press logos.

    Popular recipes

    • The BEST Easy Red Lentil Dahl
    • Easy Naan Bread Recipe (yeast-free)
    • Mini Baked Potatoes
    • Easy Lentil Soup

    Healthy Recipes

    • Butternut Squash Salad
    • Easy Healthy Cabbage Soup
    • Easy Vegan Ramen (15 minutes)
    • Rajma Masala (Kidney Bean Curry)

    My cookbook

    Veggie Desserts and Cakes Cookbook cover.

    Check out my Veggie Desserts Cookbook, full of tasty desserts with vegetables!

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