Rainbow Chard With Olive Oil And Lemon Juice Recipe

I love this recipe because it turns simple, vibrant rainbow chard into a deliciously tangy and savory dish that feels both nourishing and indulgent. It’s a perfect side that’s easy to whip up, making it a staple in my quest for quick, healthy meals with a punch of flavor.

One of my favorite greens is rainbow chard. Its vibrant colors and nutritional benefits make it a standout.

As with many of my go-to vegetables, I adore chard for its close relationship with nutrition. This hearty green is packed with vitamins A, C, and K.

Its robust flavor—when made with a very abundant and bountiful amount of garlic—is complemented beautifully by the refreshing zest of lemon juice, a supremely healthful dish drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with a wee bit of salt and pepper.

Ingredients

Rainbow Chard:
Loaded with vitamins A, C, and K; gives fiber and antioxidants.

Olive Oil:
Has healthy monounsaturated fats; provides anti-inflammatory benefits.

Garlic:
Contributes taste; bolsters immune function with sulfur compounds.

Lemon Juice:
Imparts tartness and clearness; exceptionally rich in ascorbic acid.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 bunch rainbow chard
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Rinse the rainbow chard under cold running water to eliminate any remaining dirt or grit. Cut off the ends, and then pull apart the stems and leaves.

2. Dice the stalks into small, cube-like pieces and give the leaves a rough chop.

3. In a large skillet, over medium heat, warm the olive oil.

4. Place the garlic in the skillet, and cook it for about 1 minute until it is fragrant but not browned.

5. In the skillet, add the chopped chard stems. Cook them for approximately 3-4 minutes until they start to become tender.

6. Add the chard leaves and cook for another 3-5 minutes until they are wilted and tender.

7. Juice one lemon over the chard so that it is completely coated with lemon juice.

8. Add salt and black pepper to taste for seasoning the dish.

9. A dash of red pepper flakes adds heat, if you want it.

10. As a delectable and healthful side dish, they are best enjoyed warm.

Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board
2. Chef’s knife
3. Large skillet
4. Measuring spoons
5. Lemon juicer or reamer
6. Wooden spoon or spatula

FAQ

• Q: Can I use regular Swiss chard instead of rainbow chard? Q: Can Swiss chard be substituted for anything else?
• Q: How should I wash the rainbow chard before cooking? Wash the chard in cold water, taking special care with the gritty stems, and dry thoroughly with a clean towel.
• Q: Can I add other spices or herbs to this recipe?B: Certainly! You can enhance the flavor profile of the dish by incorporating ingredients such as herbs or spices. For instance, adding parsley can give the dish a fresh taste, while cumin can introduce a warm, earthy flavor.
• Q: Is it okay to use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?Using fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor; however, bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
• Q: How should I store leftovers?Place any surplus food in a container that seals tightly, then put it in the refrigerator. There it will stay fresh for up to two days.
• Q: Can I prepare this dish in advance?Yes, preparation can be done a few hours ahead. The dish, however, is best enjoyed fresh. This is largely due to maintaining the texture of the chard.
• Q: What can I serve with this dish? This meal works beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu as the protein element for a fully balanced dinner.

Substitutions and Variations

Swiss chard: Rainbow chard or spinach
Olive oil: avocado oil; or grapeseed oil
Clove of garlic, minced: garlic powder or shallots
Juiced lemon: lime juice or apple cider vinegar
Red pepper flakes are made from cayenne pepper or chili powder.

Pro Tips

1. Maximize Flavor with Garlic To ensure the garlic infuses the oil with maximum flavor, start by gently crushing the garlic clove with the flat side of a knife before mincing. This releases more of the garlic’s oils and enhances the aromatic qualities during cooking.

2. Lemon Zest for Extra Citrus Kick Before juicing the lemon, consider grating some of the lemon zest and adding it towards the end of cooking. This will give the dish an additional layer of bright and zesty flavor.

3. Balance the Bitterness Rainbow chard can have a slightly bitter taste. To balance this, add a small pinch of sugar or a drizzle of honey along with the lemon juice to mellow out the bitterness and enhance the natural sweetness of the chard.

4. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan When adding the chard leaves to the skillet, ensure they’re not overcrowded to allow for even cooking. If necessary, cook the leaves in batches, as this helps maintain their vibrant color and texture.

5. Enhance with Texture For added texture and a bit of crunch, garnish the cooked chard with toasted nuts like pine nuts or almonds before serving. This not only improves the texture but also adds richness and depth to the dish.