Citric Acid Free Cilantro-Lime Swiss Chard and Apple Salad
Bright, crisp, and loaded with fresh flavor, this leafy salad brings together tender Swiss chard ribbons, juicy apple slices, and a zesty cilantro-lime dressing that feels anything but ordinary. The dressing is whisked together from scratch using fresh lime juice, olive oil, raw honey, and ground cumin, so you know exactly what's going in — no mystery additives or processed flavor enhancers to worry about. For anyone navigating a citric acid sensitivity, that distinction matters more than most people realize, since the additive hides in a surprising number of bottled dressings and packaged salad kits. Here, the tang comes entirely from freshly squeezed limes, which deliver brightness without the processed acid that can cause problems. Toasted pumpkin seeds get a quick turn in a dry skillet until they pop and turn golden, adding a satisfying crunch that makes this feel like a complete dish rather than a simple side. A touch of jalapeño is optional but highly recommended if you want a little heat woven through every bite. Toss it all together and serve immediately so the chard stays lively and the seeds keep their crunch.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the salad
- 1 large bunch swiss chard (about 10 oz), stems removed, leaves thinly sliced into ribbons
- 1 large crisp apple (such as honeycrisp or granny smith), cored and thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
For the dressing
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
- 1 tsp raw honey
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely minced (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat a small dry skillet over medium heat. Add the pumpkin seeds and toast, stirring frequently, until they begin to pop and turn golden, about 2–3 minutes. Watch closely, as they can brown quickly. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- 2
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, honey, cumin, salt, pepper, and jalapeño, if using, until the dressing is well combined and slightly emulsified.
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