Sesame Free Cilantro-Lime Swiss Chard and Apple Salad
Bright, zippy, and genuinely satisfying, this leafy salad brings together earthy Swiss chard, crisp apple slices, and a cilantro-lime dressing that tastes like it took way more effort than it did. The combination of bitter greens and sweet-tart apple is a natural pairing, and the toasted pumpkin seeds add a nutty crunch that makes every bite feel complete. Sesame can sneak into dressings and seed blends more often than you'd expect, so it's a relief to have a recipe built entirely around clean, straightforward ingredients with no hidden surprises. The dressing comes together with a quick whisk — olive oil, fresh lime juice, honey, cumin, and a handful of chopped cilantro — and coats the chard beautifully without any bottled sauces or mystery additives. A touch of minced jalapeño is optional, but it adds a gentle heat that really brings the whole thing to life. This is the kind of salad that works as a light lunch, a vibrant side dish, or something you throw together when you want something fresh and a little unexpected on the table.
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!