Out of Kale, one case
Kale substitutes for salad
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Spinach
Same amount as the kale
For salad, the best kale substitutes are spinach (tender), arugula (peppery), Swiss chard (mild), or escarole (slightly bitter). Spinach is the most versatile and widely available option.
- Best for —
- Caesar salad
One casethe full kale card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of kale |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SpinachCaesar salad | Same amount |
| 2 | Arugulamixed green salads | Same amount |
| 3 | Swiss chardmixed green salads | Same amount |
| 4 | EscaroleItalian salads | Same amount |
| 5 | Baby spinachdelicate salads | Same amount |
Spinach
Tender leafy green with mild, sweet flavor good for salads
- Best for
- Caesar salad, mixed green salads, fruit salads, grain bowls
- Cooking time
- No cooking needed
Most versatile, works in any salad.
Arugula
Peppery leafy green with bold flavor and tender texture
- Best for
- mixed green salads, pizza salads, grain bowls, Mediterranean salads
- Cooking time
- No cooking needed
Adds peppery kick, great for bold flavors.
Swiss chard
Colorful leafy green with mild, earthy flavor
- Best for
- mixed green salads, grain bowls, Mediterranean salads, warm salads
- Cooking time
- No cooking needed
Use young, tender leaves for best texture.
Escarole
Mild bitter green with tender leaves and good crunch
- Best for
- Italian salads, mixed green salads, grain bowls, Mediterranean salads
- Cooking time
- No cooking needed
Less bitter than kale, great for Italian cuisine.
Baby spinach
Extra tender spinach leaves with mild, sweet flavor
- Best for
- delicate salads, fruit salads, grain bowls, sandwich salads
- Cooking time
- No cooking needed
Most tender option, good for delicate salads.
The longer answer
About this case
When making salad and you don't have kale, these leafy green substitutes will work well. Each substitute has its own texture and flavor profile, so choose based on your salad type and desired taste.
Tips for substituting kale
8 tips- Massage kale with lemon juice and salt to tenderize for salads
- For other greens, no massaging needed - use fresh
- Wash all greens thoroughly and dry completely before using
- Store greens in refrigerator wrapped in damp paper towel
- Use within 3-5 days for best flavor and texture
- Pair bitter greens with sweet dressings and fruits
- Add nuts and cheese to complement the greens
- For warm salads, lightly wilt the greens in a pan
Questions
5 questionsCan I use spinach instead of kale in salad?
Yes, spinach is an excellent substitute for kale in salads. It's more tender and has a milder, sweeter flavor that works well in most salad recipes.
How do I make kale less bitter in salad?
Massage kale with lemon juice and salt for 2-3 minutes to tenderize the leaves and reduce bitterness. This makes it much more palatable in salads.
What's the best kale substitute for Caesar salad?
Spinach or romaine lettuce work best for Caesar salad. They have the right texture and mild flavor that complements the dressing.
Can I use arugula instead of kale in salad?
Yes, arugula is a great substitute for kale in salads. It has a peppery flavor that adds a nice kick to mixed green salads.
What's the best kale substitute for fruit salad?
Baby spinach or tender lettuce work best for fruit salads. They have a mild, sweet flavor that won't overpower the fruits.