Baby red chard leaves are little delicate leaves that look very similar to beet greens. They are actually in the same family, with baby chard leaves being extremely delicate. When chard leaves fully develop, their taste becomes slightly bitter, which is why baby leaves are better for salads. In fact, you may notice that baby chard leaves have an inherent sweetness that is quite palatable.
Chard is a known nutritional powerhouse that contains a variety of nutrients, including beta-carotene, zinc, calcium, manganese, and vitamins C, E, and K. It also contains betalain, which supports the body’s natural detoxification processes. Betalain is not heat-stable, which means that you lose out on this beneficial plant pigment if you cook chard. Fortunately, this salad requires no cooking!
In addition to the baby chard leaves, this salad includes fresh basil and parsley, which add a lovely fragrance and herbaceous flavor. You can absolutely leave the salad as is with the baby chard and herbs, or you can add diced tomatoes and diced cucumbers. The decision is yours to make. Choose your own adventure and enjoy this salad!
- Prep Time:10m
- Total Time:10m
- Serves: 2 servings
- Category: Full Body Cleanse Approved, Salads & Dressings, Raw, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 6 c baby chard leaves
- 1/4 c basil, thinly sliced
- 1/4 c flat leaf parsley, chopped
- 1 c diced tomato (optional)
- 1 c diced cucumber (optional)
For the Dressing
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tbsp. raw apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp. ground mustard seed
- 1 tbsp. coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp. raw agave nectar
Instructions
For the Salad
- Add all of the ingredients to a large salad bowl and gently toss to combine.
- Make sure not to toss too intensely, or else you will bruise the herbs.
- Set aside while you prepare the dressing.
For the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk all of the ingredients until thoroughly combined.
- Alternatively, you can add all of the ingredients to a blender and shake vigorously to blend the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until all of the ingredients are evenly coated. Serve and enjoy.
