Cabbage substitutes
Cabbage substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Lettuce
Same amount as the cabbage
Delicate leafy vegetable with mild flavor, best for raw applications.
The best substitutes for cabbage are lettuce, kale, or other leafy greens like spinach or arugula, depending on the use.
- The tweak —
- Best for raw applications, not suitable for long cooking.
- Best for —
- salads
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of cabbage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lettucesalads | Same amount |
| 2 | Kalecooking | Same amount |
| 3 | Spinachcooking | Same amount |
| 4 | Arugulasalads | Same amount |
| 5 | Bok choystir-fries | Same amount |
| 6 | Collard greenscooking | Same amount |
Lettuce
Mild and fresh, similar to cabbage
Delicate leafy vegetable with mild flavor, best for raw applications.
- Best for
- salads, wraps, garnishes, when you want delicate texture
- Texture
- More delicate and tender than cabbage
- Prep
- Best for raw applications, not suitable for long cooking.
More delicate than cabbage, not suitable for cooking.
Kale
More bitter and earthy than cabbage
Hardy leafy green with more intense flavor and texture.
- Best for
- cooking, stir-fries, soups, when you want more nutrition
- Texture
- Tougher and more fibrous than cabbage
- Prep
- Remove tough stems, chop leaves, and cook longer than cabbage for tenderness.
More intense flavor and tougher texture than cabbage.
Spinach
Mild and slightly sweet, similar to cabbage
Delicate leafy green with mild flavor, cooks quickly.
- Best for
- cooking, stir-fries, soups, when you want quick cooking
- Texture
- More delicate and tender than cabbage
- Prep
- Cooks very quickly, add at the end of cooking.
More delicate than cabbage, cooks much faster.
Arugula
Peppery and slightly bitter, different from cabbage
Peppery leafy green with distinct flavor, best for raw applications.
- Best for
- salads, wraps, garnishes, when you want peppery flavor
- Texture
- More delicate and tender than cabbage
- Prep
- Best for raw applications, can be lightly cooked.
More peppery and flavorful than cabbage.
Bok choy
Mild and slightly sweet, similar to cabbage
Asian leafy vegetable with mild flavor and crunchy stems.
- Best for
- stir-fries, soups, Asian dishes, when you want crunchy texture
- Texture
- Crunchy stems with tender leaves
- Prep
- Separate leaves and stems, cook stems first, then add leaves. Cook until tender.
Has crunchy stems unlike cabbage.
Collard greens
More bitter and earthy than cabbage
Hardy leafy green with more intense flavor, needs longer cooking.
- Best for
- cooking, stir-fries, soups, when you want hearty texture
- Texture
- Tougher and more fibrous than cabbage
- Prep
- Remove tough stems, chop leaves, and cook longer than cabbage for tenderness.
More intense flavor and tougher texture than cabbage.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use lettuce instead of cabbage?
Yes, lettuce is a good substitute for cabbage. It has similar mild flavor and can be used in most recipes that call for cabbage.
What's the difference between cabbage and lettuce?
Cabbage is a leafy vegetable with a mild, slightly sweet flavor, while lettuce is more delicate and has a milder flavor. Both can be used similarly in cooking.
Can I use kale instead of cabbage?
Yes, kale can work as a substitute, though it has a more intense flavor. It has similar texture and can be used in most recipes.
Why is cabbage so popular in cooking?
Cabbage is popular in cooking because it's versatile, affordable, and adds texture and mild flavor to dishes. It's also a traditional ingredient in many cuisines.
Tips for substituting cabbage
6 tips- Cabbage adds texture and mild flavor to dishes
- Cabbage can be used in both sweet and savory dishes
- Cabbage pairs well with herbs, spices, and vegetables
- Cabbage works well in stir-fries and soups
- Cabbage can be used to make coleslaw and sauerkraut
- Store cabbage in the refrigerator