Gluten 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 a punchy cilantro-lime dressing that tastes like it took way more effort than it did. The combination of bitter greens and sweet-tart apple is genuinely addictive, and the toasted pepitas add a nutty crunch that ties everything together. Toasting the pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet for just a couple of minutes is a small step that makes a big difference — don't skip it. The dressing comes together in one bowl with olive oil, fresh lime juice, honey, cumin, and cilantro, and if you're feeling bold, a minced jalapeño takes it somewhere really special. Every single ingredient here is naturally free of gluten, so there's no swapping, substituting, or label-reading required — just straightforward, wholesome cooking. Toss it all together right before serving so the chard stays vibrant and the apple slices keep their snap. It works beautifully as a light lunch on its own or as a fresh, unexpected side alongside grilled proteins.
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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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