Spinach substitutes
Spinach substitutes — 5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Swiss chard
Same amount as the spinach
Leafy green with similar mild flavor and tender texture when cooked.
The best substitutes for spinach are Swiss chard, kale, or arugula.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- soups
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of spinach | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Swiss chardsoups | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Kalesoups | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 3 | Arugulasalads | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Collard greenssoups | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 5 | Baby spinachsalads | Same amountWorks | Works |
Swiss chard
different taste, similar texture
Leafy green with similar mild flavor and tender texture when cooked.
- Best for
- soups, stir-fries, pasta, quiches
Slightly more bitter than spinach but similar cooking properties.
Kale
different taste and texture
Heartier leafy green that works well in cooked applications.
- Best for
- soups, stir-fries, pasta, baking
More robust texture than spinach, may need longer cooking time.
Arugula
different taste, similar texture
Peppery leafy green that adds bold flavor to dishes.
- Best for
- salads, pasta, pizza, sandwiches
Much more peppery than spinach, use sparingly.
Collard greens
different taste and texture
Large, sturdy leafy green with mild flavor and hearty texture.
- Best for
- soups, stir-fries, braising, pasta
Much heartier than spinach, requires longer cooking time.
Baby spinach
similar taste and texture
Younger, more tender version of regular spinach with milder flavor.
- Best for
- salads, pasta, pizza, sandwiches
More tender and milder than mature spinach.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach is a great substitute for fresh spinach in cooked dishes. Use ½ cup frozen spinach for every 1 cup fresh spinach. Thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
What's the difference between spinach and Swiss chard?
Swiss chard has thicker, more substantial leaves and stems compared to spinach. It's slightly more bitter but has similar cooking properties and nutritional benefits.
Can I eat spinach raw?
Yes, spinach can be eaten raw in salads. Baby spinach is especially good for raw consumption as it's more tender and has a milder flavor than mature spinach.
How do I prevent spinach from becoming mushy when cooking?
Add spinach at the very end of cooking and cook just until wilted. Overcooking will make it mushy and lose its vibrant green color.
Tips for substituting spinach
7 tips- Fresh spinach wilts dramatically when cooked - use 6-8 cups fresh for 1 cup cooked
- Wash spinach thoroughly to remove sand and grit
- Spinach cooks very quickly - add it at the end of cooking to prevent overcooking
- Frozen spinach is a convenient substitute for fresh in cooked dishes
- Spinach pairs well with garlic, lemon, nuts, and cheese
- For salads, use baby spinach for the most tender texture
- Spinach can be blanched and frozen for later use