Out of Swiss chard, one case
Swiss chard substitutes: leafy green alternatives
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Spinach
Same amount as the Swiss chard
The best Swiss chard substitutes are spinach (quick cooking), kale (hearty), collard greens (robust), bok choy (Asian dishes), or beet greens (similar flavor). Choose based on your recipe's cooking time and flavor profile.
- Best for —
- soups
One casethe full Swiss chard card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Swiss chard |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spinachsoups | Same amount |
| 2 | Kalesoups | Same amount |
| 3 | Collard greenssoups | Same amount |
| 4 | Bok choystir-fries | Same amount |
| 5 | Beet greenssoups | Same amount |
| 6 | Escarolesoups | Same amount |
Spinach
Tender leafy green with mild flavor and quick cooking time
- Best for
- soups, stir-fries, pasta dishes, quiches, salads
- Cooking time
- 2-3 minutes
Add at the end of cooking, good for quick dishes.
Kale
Sturdy leafy green with earthy flavor and longer cooking time
- Best for
- soups, stir-fries, braised dishes, pasta dishes, salads (massaged)
- Cooking time
- 8-15 minutes
Remove tough stems, massage for salads.
Collard greens
Large, flat leaves with robust flavor and long cooking time
- Best for
- soups, braised dishes, stir-fries, southern-style cooking
- Cooking time
- 20-30 minutes
Remove tough stems, needs longer cooking.
Bok choy
Asian leafy green with crisp stems and tender leaves
- Best for
- stir-fries, soups, braised dishes, Asian cuisine
- Cooking time
- 5-8 minutes
Cook stems first, then leaves.
Beet greens
Leafy tops of beets with similar earthy flavor
- Best for
- soups, stir-fries, braised dishes, pasta dishes
- Cooking time
- 5-8 minutes
Similar flavor profile to Swiss chard.
Escarole
Mild bitter green with tender leaves
- Best for
- soups, salads, braised dishes, pasta dishes
- Cooking time
- 8-12 minutes
Less bitter than kale, good for salads.
The longer answer
About this case
Swiss chard is a versatile leafy green, but when you don't have it on hand, these substitutes will work well in your recipes. Each substitute has its own characteristics, so choose based on your cooking method and flavor preferences.
Tips for substituting Swiss chard
7 tips- Swiss chard has colorful stems and dark green leaves - cook stems first
- Remove tough stems from all leafy greens before cooking
- Spinach cooks fastest, kale and collards take longer
- For salads, massage kale leaves to tenderize them
- Store leafy greens in refrigerator crisper drawer
- Use within 3-5 days for best flavor and texture
- Freeze blanched greens for longer storage
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best substitute for Swiss chard?
Spinach is the most versatile substitute - it works in most recipes and cooks quickly. Kale is great for hearty dishes, while bok choy is good for Asian cuisine.
Can I use frozen greens as substitutes?
Yes, frozen spinach, kale, and collard greens work well as substitutes. Thaw them first and squeeze out excess water before using.
Do I need to adjust cooking times for different substitutes?
Yes, spinach cooks in 2-3 minutes, kale takes 8-15 minutes, and collard greens need 20-30 minutes. Adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Are all Swiss chard substitutes equally nutritious?
All leafy greens are nutritious, but they have different nutrient profiles. Swiss chard is high in iron and vitamin K, spinach has more folate, and kale is rich in vitamin C.
Can I mix different greens as a substitute?
Yes, mixing different greens can create interesting flavor combinations. Try combining spinach and kale, or bok choy and escarole for variety.