Sauteed Swiss Chard with Parmesan Cheese Recipe

Name: Sauteed Swiss Chard with Parmesan Cheese
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 bunch Swiss chard; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper; 1/2 lemon (juiced); 1/3 cup parmesan cheese

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This sauteed Swiss chard with parmesan cheese recipe is a bright, tasty, and easy side dish that is loaded with flavor in every bite. Fresh greens are chopped and sauteed with garlic and olive oil, and topped with lemon and freshly grated parmesan cheese in just 15 minutes.

This tasty recipe makes a great side with your favorite protein or pasta. A great one-pan recipe that’s an easy way to enjoy your greens!

sauteed swiss chard with parmesan cheese and lemon with garlic in a pan

Table of Contents

If you’re looking for a simple and fantastic way to cook Swiss chard, this tasty sauteed greens recipe a great side dish! Sauteed in one pan, this 15-minute side dish is a great way to enjoy both the greens and colorful stems of Swiss chard.

You can find Swiss chard in season the spring or summer at local farmer’s markets. It has bright green leaves and colorful stems and is great cooked with garlic and a little olive oil.

This great Swiss chard is the perfect side dish to serve along side pasta! It’s fantastic paired with a creamy rigatoni cacio e pepe or a zesty bucatini pomodoro pasta!

This Sauteed Parmesan Swiss Chard Recipe Is

Bright
Easy To Make
Loaded with Flavor
Citrusy
Garlicky
Ready in 15 Minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need

Swiss Chard

You can use any kind of Swiss chard for this recipe, I used red. You can use rainbow chard, yellow, orange, or a mix of colors.

Olive Oil

For sautéing the garlic and greens together. Extra virgin olive oil has a light fruit flavor which tastes great.

Garlic

Fresh garlic cloves are best for this recipe, and gives this dish so much flavor.

Lemon

Fresh lemon juice is best for this recipe, instead of bottled. Fresh lemon is a great addition to the dish which adds brightness and flavor.

Parmesan cheese

I used freshly grated parmesan cheese, but you can use shredded too. If you don’t have fresh parmesan on hand, you can substitute Romano or even feta cheese if desired.

You can use regular parmesan cheese, a vegetarian parmesan (made without animal rennet), or a vegan version if desired.

Optional Add-Ins

You can add in thinly sliced onion if desired (either yellow or a small red onion).

Add red pepper flakes for a spicier version.

Add toasted pine nuts, walnuts, or sliced almonds for added crunch.

Be sure to visit the recipe card below for full ingredient amounts and recipe instructions!

rainbow swiss chard sauteed with parmesan cheese and lemon and garlic on a plate ready in 20 minutes

How to Make This Recipe

Wash and thoroughly dry the Swiss chard. Chop the Swiss chard stems, center ribs, and leaves, and separate them. The stems and ribs, and the leaves have different cooking times.
In a large skillet or pan, add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Heat the pan over medium heat, and add in the chopped stems. Sauté the stems for 7-8 minutes until they begin to soften.
Add in the garlic, and sauté for an additional 2 more minutes. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the Swiss chard leaves. Cover with a lid, and continue to cook on medium heat for 4 minutes until the leaves wilt.
Remove the lid and add the lemon juice. Cover for 4 more minutes. Remove from heat, and add the freshly grated parmesan cheese, serve hot.
Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Recipe FAQs

What does Swiss chard taste like?

Swiss chard is a dark leafy green, which has a slightly bitter taste. It’s similar in texture to spinach or kale when cooked, and is fantastic with a little olive oil, salt, and parmesan cheese.

How long does sauteed Swiss chard last?

If you have leftovers, refrigerate the Swiss chard in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Can you freeze Swiss chard?

If you have extra Swiss chard, you can wash, chop, and freeze the leaves. They are great tossed into pastas, soups, stews, or smoothies.

a plateful of red chard with green leaves and fresh parmesan cheese and lemon

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