| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 265 | 20g | 5g | 16g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 3g | 6g | 0.5g |
There is a certain magic to the vibrant concoctions of colors, flavors and textures that culinary exploits can yield, and the unique Mediterranean-Style Swiss Chard Salad is no exception. While my cooking compass usually guides me towards the blue shores of the Atlantic, I find there’s profound joy in steering my culinary ship towards the Mediterranean now and then. Each hearty bite of this exuberant salad sends my palate on an exhilarating journey to the sun-drenched countries bordering the azure sea. Just take a look at this gorgeous salad! The luscious greens, warmth of juicy tomatoes, creamy feta cheese, tangy kalamata olives, and a citrusy dressing – it musters all the vibrant colors and flavors that you’d expect on a sun-lit terrace in Greece.
Why this Recipe Captivates Me
What I particularly appreciate about the Mediterranean-Style Swiss Chard Salad is how it intertwines health and flavor effortlessly. In essence, it harnesses the power of Swiss chard, a leafy green that’s not only delicious but also loaded with health benefits. Each serving comes packed with vitamins K, A, and C, and it’s a solid source of magnesium, potassium, and iron too. Studies even suggest that Swiss chard has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which may contribute to cardiovascular health (source).
However, it’s not merely the well-being-in-a-contemporary-way aspect of it that appeals to me. This recipe has served my family exceptionally well in our goal of introducing a wider variety of vegetables into our diets, particularly those of my daughters, Erin and Samantha. From its inviting presentation to its tangy zest, it entices even the most dedicated vegetable skeptics.
An Ode to Versatility
Another aspect of the Mediterranean-Style Swiss Chard Salad that I absolutely adore is its versatility. It’s a delightful dish much like the traditional Greek salad, yet it introduces the distinct, lightly bitter taste profile of the Swiss chard. It works not only as a standalone course but it’s equally delightful when served alongside diverse main dishes. Picture, for instance, a plate of chargrilled lamb chops, spicy Moroccan tagine, or even a coastal New England BBQ – this salad can effortlessly elevate the entire meal.
That’s the beauty of this recipe – it keeps me anchored to my seafood-centric cooking roots while allowing me the freedom to explore the vast culinary sea. It’s truly a recipe that you’ll fall in love with if you give it the opportunity to shine on your dining table!
What You’ll Need
- 1 bunch of Swiss chard, stems removed
- 2 large oranges
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and diced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Method
Step One
Start by preparing your Swiss chard. Wash it thoroughly to remove any dirt, then remove the stems by cutting along each side of the stem with a sharp knife. Once done, chop the chard into small, bite-sized pieces.
Step Two
Peel the oranges and remove any seeds. Separate the segments and cut them into small chunks. Set these aside for later.
Step Three
In a small bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice and the extra-virgin olive oil. Mix well and also set this aside.
Step Four
Turn your attention to your remaining vegetables. Finely chop the red onion, then peel and dice the cucumber. Halve the cherry tomatoes and slice the Kalamata olives.
Step Five
Take a large salad bowl and start combining your ingredients. Add in your Swiss chard, chunked oranges, chopped red onion, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss this together until everything is well mixed.
Step Six
Now it’s time to add some fresh herbs for flavor. Chop up your fresh mint and parsley, then sprinkle this into your salad. Mix well to evenly distribute the herbs throughout the salad.
Step Seven
Season your salad with the fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste. Then, pour over the lemon juice and oil dressing and toss again to ensure everything is thoroughly coated.
Step Eight
Your Mediterranean-Style Swiss Chard Salad is now ready to serve. Enjoy it as a refreshing side dish, or make it the star of the show by serving it as a main course.
