Paleo Cilantro-Lime Swiss Chard and Apple Salad
Bright, zesty, and genuinely satisfying, this leafy salad brings together tender Swiss chard ribbons, crisp apple slices, and toasted pumpkin seeds in a way that feels both fresh and substantial. The cilantro-lime dressing is the real star — whisked together with olive oil, fresh lime juice, raw honey, and a touch of cumin, it has that punchy, slightly smoky depth that makes every bite interesting. A minced jalapeño is optional, but if you like a little heat, don't skip it. Toasting the pepitas in a dry skillet for just a couple of minutes unlocks a nutty richness that store-bought roasted seeds simply can't match. Every component here — the greens, the fruit, the seeds, the dressing — fits cleanly within a grain-free, whole-food approach without any substitutions or workarounds required. The contrast between the earthy chard, sweet-tart apple, and tangy dressing is the kind of combination that makes people ask for the recipe before they've even finished their plate. Toss it right before serving so the chard stays vibrant and the seeds keep their satisfying 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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