Gelatin Free Cilantro-Lime Swiss Chard and Apple Salad
Bright, zesty, and packed with texture, this leafy salad brings together silky Swiss chard ribbons, crisp apple slices, and golden toasted pepitas for a combination that feels both fresh and satisfying. The cilantro-lime dressing is the real star — whisked together with olive oil, fresh lime juice, honey, and a touch of cumin, it's tangy, slightly sweet, and just herby enough to make every bite interesting. A minced jalapeño is optional, but if you like a little heat, it fits right in without overwhelming the other flavors. Toasting the pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet for a couple of minutes adds a nutty crunch that takes the whole thing to another level. Every single ingredient here is naturally free of animal-derived gelling agents, so there's nothing to second-guess or swap out — just clean, whole-food components that come together beautifully. Toss it right before serving so the chard stays vibrant and the apple slices hold their crispness. It's the kind of salad that works as a light lunch on its own or as a bold, colorful side alongside almost anything.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
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.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!