Red Chard Recipe Vegan: Easy & Delicious Plant-Based Meal

If you’re searching for a vibrant, nutritious, and utterly delicious way to enjoy your greens, this vegan red chard recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Red chard, with its jewel-toned stems and lush green leaves tinged with crimson, is not only a feast for the eyes but also packed with essential vitamins and minerals.

Its earthy flavor, reminiscent of spinach but with a touch more bite, pairs beautifully with aromatic garlic, zesty lemon, and the subtle crunch of toasted nuts. This recipe transforms humble red chard into a standout side or light main that’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and brimming with plant-based goodness.

Whether you’re new to leafy greens or a seasoned veggie enthusiast, you’ll love how versatile and quick this dish is. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a stunning plate of sautéed red chard that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or as a showstopping component in a vegan feast.

Ready to discover your new favorite leafy green?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Goes from fridge to table in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
• Ultra-Nutritious: Red chard is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, plus antioxidants and fiber.
• Vibrant & Flavorful: The combination of garlic, lemon, and olive oil brightens up the earthy chard, while toasted nuts add crunch.
• Versatile: Serve as a side, toss with grains, or stuff in wraps or sandwiches.
• 100% Vegan & Gluten-Free: No animal products or gluten here—just wholesome, plant-based ingredients.
• Great for Meal Prep: Keeps well in the fridge and tastes delicious warm or cold.

Ingredients

Equipment

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Mixing bowl (optional, for prepping stems/leaves)
• Lemon juicer (optional)
• Measuring spoons

Instructions

1. Prep the red chard:

   Rinse the red chard thoroughly under cold water to remove any grit. Separate the leaves from the stems.

   Slice the stems into small 1/4-inch pieces and roughly chop the leaves. Set aside in separate piles.

2. Toast the nuts:

   In your large skillet, add the chopped almonds, pine nuts, or walnuts over medium heat. Stir frequently until they turn golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

   Remove immediately and set aside to prevent burning.

3. Sauté the stems:

   Return the skillet to medium heat and add olive oil. Once warm, add the sliced chard stems and a pinch of salt.

   Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.

4. Add garlic:

   Add the minced garlic to the stems and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.

5. Cook the leaves:

   Add the chopped chard leaves to the pan. Stir to combine and cook for about 2-4 minutes.

   The leaves will wilt and turn a vibrant green. Season with remaining salt and black pepper.

   If using, add the red chili flakes now.

6. Finish with lemon:

   Once the chard is wilted but still bright, turn off the heat. Drizzle with lemon juice and toss to coat.

7. Serve:

   Transfer the sautéed chard to a serving platter. Sprinkle with toasted nuts and an extra squeeze of lemon, if desired.

   Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• Switch up the nuts: Try pistachios or sunflower seeds for a different flavor and allergy-friendly option.
• Make it a meal: Toss the cooked chard with cooked quinoa, farro, or lentils for a hearty vegan bowl.
• Add beans: Stir in a can of drained chickpeas or white beans for extra protein.
• Flavor boost: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.
• Try other greens: This recipe works beautifully with Swiss chard, kale, or spinach. For more ideas with chard, check out Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals.
• Meal prep tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Delicious cold or reheated!

“Don’t discard the stems! They’re packed with flavor and nutrients—just slice thin so they cook at the same rate as the leaves.”

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and serving size.

Serving Suggestions

• As a side: Serve alongside roasted vegetables or your favorite plant-based protein. This pairs beautifully with Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves for a comforting meal.
• In a grain bowl: Layer over quinoa, brown rice, or farro, and top with avocado and seeds for a filling lunch.
• Stuffed in a wrap: Tuck sautéed red chard into a whole grain wrap with hummus and shredded carrots for an energizing handheld meal.
• With creamy sauces: Spoon alongside pasta and drizzle with Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes for a decadent treat.
• As a breakfast side: Serve with crispy potatoes and grilled tomatoes for a savory brunch plate.

Conclusion

Red chard is an unsung hero in the world of leafy greens, and this vegan recipe lets its natural beauty and flavor shine. From its vibrant color to its robust nutrition profile, red chard is a stellar addition to any plant-based table.

This simple sauté brings out the best of the vegetable, delivering a dish that’s both elegant enough for entertaining and easy enough for weeknight dinners.

Don’t be afraid to get creative—use this as a template to experiment with different nuts, beans, or grains. Red chard’s mild bitterness and tender texture make it endlessly adaptable.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll find more inspiration in our collection of Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals and other vegetable-forward dishes. Here’s to vibrant, nourishing meals—one leaf at a time!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Saut\u00e9ed Red Chard with Garlic and Lemon”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “This vibrant vegan dish highlights the earthy flavors of red chard, quickly saut\u00e9ed with garlic and finished with a splash of lemon. It makes a perfect side or light main for any meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT10M”, “totalTime”: “PT20M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 large bunch red chard (about 10 oz), stems and leaves separated and chopped”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”, “3 garlic cloves, minced”, “1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes”, “1/4 teaspoon salt”, “1/8 teaspoon black pepper”, “1 tablespoon lemon juice”, “1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Wash and chop the red chard, separating stems and leaves.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add garlic and red pepper flakes; saut\u00e9 for 30 seconds.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chopped chard stems and cook for 2 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in chard leaves, salt, and black pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Saut\u00e9 until leaves are wilted and tender, about 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from heat and drizzle with lemon juice.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Top with toasted pine nuts if desired and serve warm.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “90 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “2 g”, “fatContent”: “7 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “7 g”}}