Mediterranean Diet Friendly Cilantro-Lime Swiss Chard and Apple Salad
Raw leafy greens paired with crisp fruit and a bright citrus dressing is exactly the kind of dish this way of eating was made for. Swiss chard ribbons bring a slightly earthy, mineral depth that holds up beautifully against tart apple slices, and together they create a texture contrast that keeps every bite interesting. The dressing is built on extra virgin olive oil and fresh lime juice — two ingredients that do a lot of heavy lifting here — rounded out with cilantro, cumin, and a touch of honey for balance. A handful of toasted pumpkin seeds gets scattered over the top, adding a satisfying crunch and a boost of plant-based healthy fats that fit right in with the whole-food philosophy behind this style of cooking. If you like a little heat, the optional jalapeño weaves a gentle warmth through the dressing without overwhelming the freshness of the other ingredients. Everything comes together quickly once the seeds are toasted, making this an ideal choice when you want something vibrant and nourishing without spending much time at the stove.
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!