Out of Swiss chard, one case
Can you substitute kale for Swiss chard?
3 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Curly kale
Same amount as the Swiss chard
Yes, kale is a great substitute for Swiss chard. Use a 1:1 ratio but cook kale longer and remove tough stems. Kale has a stronger, more bitter flavor than Swiss chard.
- Best for —
- soups
One casethe full Swiss chard card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Swiss chard |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Curly kalesoups | Same amount |
| 2 | Lacinato kale (dinosaur kale)soups | Same amount |
| 3 | Baby kalesalads | Same amount |
Curly kale
Most common kale variety with sturdy leaves and bitter flavor
- Best for
- soups, stir-fries, braised dishes, pasta dishes
- Cooking time
- 10-15 minutes
Remove tough stems, massage leaves to tenderize.
Lacinato kale (dinosaur kale)
Flatter leaves with slightly milder flavor than curly kale
- Best for
- soups, stir-fries, pasta dishes, salads (massaged)
- Cooking time
- 8-12 minutes
More tender than curly kale, better for salads.
Baby kale
Young, tender kale leaves with milder flavor
- Best for
- salads, pasta dishes, stir-fries, soups
- Cooking time
- 3-5 minutes
Most tender option, closest to Swiss chard texture.
The longer answer
About this case
Yes, kale makes an excellent substitute for Swiss chard! While kale has a stronger, more bitter flavor, it works well in most recipes with some adjustments to cooking time and preparation.
Tips for substituting Swiss chard
7 tips- Remove tough stems from kale before cooking - they're not edible
- Massage kale leaves with a bit of oil and salt to tenderize them
- Kale needs longer cooking time than Swiss chard - 8-15 minutes
- For salads, massage kale for 2-3 minutes to break down tough fibers
- In soups, add kale 10-15 minutes before serving
- For stir-fries, cook kale longer than you would Swiss chard
- Baby kale is the most tender and closest to Swiss chard texture
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the ratio for substituting kale for Swiss chard?
Use a 1:1 ratio - one cup of kale for one cup of Swiss chard. The main differences are cooking time and flavor intensity.
Do I need to adjust cooking time when using kale?
Yes, kale needs longer cooking time than Swiss chard. Cook kale for 8-15 minutes depending on the recipe, compared to 5-8 minutes for Swiss chard.
Is kale more bitter than Swiss chard?
Yes, kale has a stronger, more bitter flavor than Swiss chard. This can be mellowed by massaging the leaves or cooking them longer.
Can I use kale in Swiss chard recipes?
Yes, kale works in most Swiss chard recipes. Just remember to cook it longer and remove the tough stems first.
What's the best kale variety to substitute for Swiss chard?
Baby kale is the closest to Swiss chard in texture and flavor. Lacinato kale is also a good choice as it's more tender than curly kale.