Out of Swiss chard, one case
Swiss chard substitutes in recipes
4 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Spinach
Same amount as the Swiss chard
For recipes, use spinach (quick cooking), kale (hearty dishes), collard greens (long cooking), or bok choy (Asian recipes). Adjust cooking times and preparation methods based on the substitute you choose.
- Best for —
- pasta dishes
One casethe full Swiss chard card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Swiss chard |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spinachpasta dishes | Same amount |
| 2 | Kalepasta dishes | Same amount |
| 3 | Collard greenssoups | Same amount |
| 4 | Bok choystir-fries | Same amount |
Spinach
Good for quick-cooking recipes and delicate dishes
- Best for
- pasta dishes, quiches, omelets, stir-fries, soups
- Cooking time
- 2-3 minutes
Add at the end of cooking, good for finishing dishes.
Kale
Sturdy green good for hearty recipes
- Best for
- pasta dishes, soups, braised dishes, casseroles, salads (massaged)
- Cooking time
- 8-15 minutes
Remove tough stems, massage for salads.
Collard greens
Robust green good for long-cooking recipes
- Best for
- soups, braised dishes, casseroles, southern-style recipes
- Cooking time
- 20-30 minutes
Remove tough stems, needs longer cooking.
Bok choy
Asian green good for stir-fries and Asian recipes
- Best for
- stir-fries, Asian soups, ramen, wonton soup
- Cooking time
- 5-8 minutes
Cook stems first, then add leaves.
The longer answer
About this case
Swiss chard is a versatile ingredient in many recipes, but when you need a substitute, these leafy greens will work well. Here's how to use each substitute in different types of recipes.
Tips for substituting Swiss chard
7 tips- For pasta dishes, add spinach in the last 2-3 minutes of cooking
- For quiches, use spinach or kale - both work well with eggs
- In stir-fries, add leafy greens at the end and toss until wilted
- For soups, add spinach last, kale and collards earlier
- Remove tough stems from kale and collard greens before cooking
- Massage kale leaves with oil and salt for salads
- For casseroles, use kale or collard greens as they hold up better
Questions
4 questionsWhat's the best substitute for Swiss chard in pasta dishes?
Spinach is good for pasta dishes - add it in the last 2-3 minutes of cooking and toss with the pasta. Kale also works well for heartier pasta dishes.
Can I use kale instead of Swiss chard in quiche?
Yes, kale works well in quiche. Remove the tough stems first and cook it briefly before adding to the quiche mixture.
What's the best substitute for Swiss chard in stir-fries?
Bok choy is good for stir-fries, especially Asian-style ones. Cook the stems first for 2-3 minutes, then add the leaves for another 2-3 minutes.
Can I substitute spinach for Swiss chard in soup?
Yes, spinach is excellent in soup. Add it in the last 2-3 minutes of cooking so it doesn't overcook and become mushy.