🔧 General

Best Kale Substitutes: Complete Guide

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Quick Answer

The best kale substitutes are spinach (mild flavor), Swiss chard (similar texture), collard greens (hearty), arugula (peppery), or escarole (mild bitter). Spinach is the most versatile and widely available option.

Best Substitutes

Spinach

1:1

Tender leafy green with mild, sweet flavor and quick cooking time

Best for:

soupssaladssmoothiespasta dishesquiches

Cook much faster than kale, add at the end

Swiss Chard

1:1

Colorful leafy green with earthy flavor and similar cooking properties

Best for:

soupsstir-friesbraised dishespasta dishesquiches

Cook stems first, then add leaves

Collard Greens

1:1

Large, flat leaves with robust flavor and long cooking time

Best for:

soupsbraised dishesstir-friessouthern-style cooking

Remove tough stems, needs longer cooking

Arugula

1:1

Peppery leafy green with bold flavor and tender texture

Best for:

saladspizzapasta dishessoups (added at end)

Add at the end of cooking, great for salads

Escarole

1:1

Mild bitter green with tender leaves and good for cooking

Best for:

soupssaladsbraised dishespasta dishes

Less bitter than kale, great for Italian cuisine

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Kale has tough stems that should be removed before cooking
  • 💡Massage kale with lemon juice and salt to tenderize for salads
  • 💡Great in soups, stir-fries, braised dishes, and smoothies
  • 💡Store in refrigerator crisper drawer wrapped in damp paper towel
  • 💡Use within 3-5 days for best flavor and texture
  • 💡Pairs well with garlic, lemon, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese
  • 💡Can be eaten raw in salads when massaged first
  • 💡Freeze blanched leaves for longer storage

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best substitute for kale?

Spinach is the best general substitute for kale. It has a milder flavor, cooks faster, and is more widely available.

Can I use Swiss chard instead of kale?

Yes, Swiss chard is an excellent substitute for kale. It has a similar earthy flavor and cooking properties, though it's slightly sweeter.

What's the difference between kale and spinach?

Kale is more bitter and has a tougher texture than spinach. Spinach cooks much faster and has a milder, sweeter flavor.

Can I use collard greens instead of kale?

Yes, collard greens work as a substitute, but they're more bitter and need longer cooking time. They're best for hearty dishes like soups and braises.

What's the best kale substitute for smoothies?

Spinach is the best kale substitute for smoothies. It has a milder flavor and blends more easily than kale.

Summary

Discover the best substitutes for kale in any recipe. Learn about spinach, Swiss chard, collard greens, arugula, and other leafy green alternatives with cooking tips and ratios.