4 Nutritious and Delicious Leafy Greens (That Aren't Kale)

By Lizzie Fuhr
Shutterstock
Shutterstock

I'll admit it: I'm a bit kale-obsessed. Whether it's massaged, steamed, sautéed, or blended, I'm into that tasty green and all the healthy benefits it brings to the table. Yes, there's no denying that kale is a nutritional powerhouse, but no heart should belong to just one green — there are plenty of other leafy options out there that deserve a try. Look for these delicious and nutritious vegetables that next time you're at the farmers market. There's no guesswork necessary when it comes to preparation; I've included a few of our favorite recipes starring each green.

01
Spinach
Shutterstock

Spinach

Forget the mushy canned spinach that makes you think of Popeye — it's time to fall for fresh spinach. Higher in folate, magnesium, and potassium than kale, this easy-to-find green packs a serious nutritional punch. And when it comes to salad greens, spinach is one of the best options you can bring to the mix. While romaine and iceberg offer hydration, dark and leafy spinach offers much more fiber, iron, and vitamins than those lighter alternatives.

  • Calories (per cooked cup): 41
  • Fiber (per cup): 4.3 grams

Recipes to Try

02
Collards
Shutterstock

Collards

These thick leaves might be typically associated with high-fat Southern recipes, but without all the meat and butter, they stand strong on their own. Collard greens are high in vitamin C and soluble fiber, and studies have shown that this powerful green can lower cholesterol.

  • Calories (per cooked cup): 49
  • Fiber (per cup): 5.3 grams



Recipes to Try

03
Beet Greens
Shutterstock

Beet Greens

Refrain the next time you want to toss away the tops of your beets! These leaves are full of nutritional benefit, so don't let them go to waste. They're high in vitamins A, C, and K, and one cup of cooked beet greens offers almost four grams of protein.

  • Calories (per cooked cup): 39
  • Fiber (per cup): 4.2 grams



Recipes to Try

04
Chard
Shutterstock

Chard

Swiss, red, or rainbow, there are so many bright and beautiful varieties of chard to enjoy this Fall. Chock-full of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and fiber, this leafy green packs so much nutrition. Feel free to enjoy chard sliced up in a salad, but if the raw flavor is too bitter for your taste, you'll be glad to know that cooking it up makes the flavor much more delicate.

  • Calories (per cooked cup): 35
  • Fiber (per cup): 3.7 grams



Recipes to Try