MSG Free Cilantro-Lime Swiss Chard and Apple Salad
Bright, zippy, and genuinely refreshing, this salad brings together tender Swiss chard ribbons, crisp apple slices, and toasty pumpkin seeds in a way that feels both light and satisfying. The dressing is built entirely from scratch — fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, a drizzle of raw honey, and a pinch of cumin — so you know exactly what's going into every bite with zero mystery additives. That matters more than people realize, since bottled dressings and seasoning packets are some of the sneakiest sources of hidden flavor enhancers. Everything here is whole, real, and straightforward. Toasting the pepitas in a dry skillet for just a couple of minutes adds a nutty crunch that makes the salad feel much more substantial than a simple green toss. The optional jalapeño gives it a gentle kick that plays beautifully against the sweetness of a Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apple. Toss it right before serving and it comes together in minutes — clean, vibrant, and completely from scratch.
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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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