Swiss chard isn’t usually the first leafy green that comes to mind when people think of salads, but this Swiss Chard Salad with Oranges and Citrus Vinaigrette might just change your perspective. With its vibrant rainbow stems, earthy flavor, and tender-yet-hearty leaves, Swiss chard is the perfect green to pair with bright, juicy oranges and a zippy homemade citrus vinaigrette. This salad is colorful, refreshing, and bursting with vitamins—exactly what your plate needs during citrus season.

This dish is a great way to use seasonal produce and make something that feels elegant but takes very little effort to prepare. The sweetness of the oranges balances the slightly bitter notes of the chard, while the citrus dressing ties it all together with a tangy, refreshing kick. If you’re looking for a new go-to salad that’s anything but boring, this is the one.

Why Use Swiss Chard in Salad?

Swiss chard is often used in cooked dishes—sautéed, baked into gratins, or stirred into soups—but when it’s young and fresh, the leaves are tender enough to enjoy raw. Chard adds a hearty texture and slightly earthy flavor, making your salad more filling and complex than traditional lettuce-based options.

Its stems range from ruby red to bright yellow to pure white, giving this salad a rainbow effect that’s both beautiful and nutritious. Swiss chard is rich in vitamins K, A, and C, as well as magnesium and antioxidants. If you’re looking to add more leafy greens to your diet in a fun and flavorful way, this salad is a great place to start.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this salad, all you need are a few simple ingredients, most of which are easy to find year-round.

Fresh Swiss chard (rainbow or green), stems removed and leaves sliced thin
Oranges (navel, cara cara, or blood orange), peeled and sliced into rounds or segments
Thinly sliced red onion or shallots
Sliced almonds or walnuts, toasted
Optional: avocado slices, dried cranberries, or vegan feta

For the citrus vinaigrette:

Fresh orange juice
Lemon juice
Olive oil
Dijon mustard
Maple syrup or agave (optional)
Sea salt and black pepper

The combination of oranges and Swiss chard might sound unusual at first, but it’s this contrast that makes the dish so satisfying. You get a blend of sweet, tart, bitter, and nutty—all in one bowl.

How to Make Swiss Chard Salad with Oranges

Start by washing and drying the Swiss chard thoroughly. Remove the thick stems and slice the leaves into thin ribbons. If your chard is very young and tender, you can slice the stems and add them too for color and crunch.

Next, peel the oranges. Use a sharp knife to remove the skin and white pith, then slice the fruit into rounds or segments. This method not only looks beautiful but also ensures the oranges are easy to eat in a salad.

Thinly slice red onion or shallots and soak them in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce the sharpness. Drain and pat dry before adding them to the salad.

Toast your almonds or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until golden and fragrant. Let them cool before using.

In a large salad bowl, combine the chard, oranges, onions, and toasted nuts. If using extras like avocado, dried fruit, or vegan cheese, add them now.

To make the citrus vinaigrette, whisk together 3 tablespoons of orange juice, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional), and 3 tablespoons olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until well coated. Let the salad sit for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the chard to soften slightly.

Flavor Variations and Add-Ins

This salad is versatile and easy to customize. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:

Add quinoa or farro to make it more filling
Swap oranges for grapefruit or mix both
Add pomegranate seeds for extra color and crunch
Include sliced radishes or cucumber for more texture
Use sunflower seeds or pepitas instead of almonds

For a creamy twist, try adding slices of avocado or a dollop of dairy-free yogurt on top. A few sprinkles of flaky salt just before serving take it to the next level.

How to Store and Serve

This salad is best served fresh but holds up well for a few hours in the fridge. If you’re preparing it ahead of time, keep the dressing separate and add just before serving.

Swiss chard doesn’t wilt as quickly as other greens, making this a good candidate for picnics, lunchboxes, or make-ahead dinners. You can even turn it into a wrap filling or use leftovers as a topping for grain bowls.

Serve it with grilled tofu, roasted chickpeas, or a slice of sourdough for a well-rounded, nourishing meal. It also pairs well with soups, pasta, or Mediterranean-style spreads.

Health Benefits

This salad is loaded with nutrients thanks to its powerhouse ingredients. Swiss chard is high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Oranges are a fantastic source of vitamin C, supporting your immune system and skin health. The citrus vinaigrette is light and zesty, without any processed ingredients or excess sugar.

Per serving, this salad provides approximately 200–250 calories, depending on add-ins, and offers fiber, healthy fats, and plant-based protein (especially if you include nuts or seeds). It’s a nutrient-dense, low-calorie dish that feels as good as it tastes.

Final Thoughts

Swiss Chard Salad with Oranges and Citrus Vinaigrette is a celebration of color, contrast, and seasonal ingredients. It’s simple enough for a weekday lunch, yet beautiful and unique enough to serve at gatherings. If you’ve never used Swiss chard raw before, this salad is the perfect introduction.

Give it a try when oranges are at their juiciest and chard is fresh at the market. It’s a vibrant way to enjoy leafy greens while waking up your taste buds with bold citrusy flavor. One bowl, and you’ll be hooked on this underrated salad star.