Chicory lettuce substitutes
Chicory lettuce substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Endive
Same amount as the chicory lettuce
Similar bitter leafy green with different leaf shape.
The best substitutes for chicory lettuce are endive, escarole, or other bitter leafy greens like arugula and radicchio.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- similar taste, different texture
- Best for —
- salads
Updated 19 Aug 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of chicory lettuce | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Endivesalads | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Escarolesalads | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Radicchiosalads | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Arugulasalads | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 5 | Dandelion greenssalads | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 6 | Frisee lettucesalads | Same amountWorks | Works |
Endive
similar taste, different texture
Similar bitter leafy green with different leaf shape.
- Best for
- salads, cooked dishes, soups, braising
Similar bitter flavor but straighter leaves.
Escarole
similar taste and texture
Similar bitter leafy green with broader, slightly curly leaves.
- Best for
- salads, soups, stir-fries, braising
Similar bitter flavor and texture.
Radicchio
similar taste and texture
Bitter red leafy green with similar texture.
- Best for
- salads, grilling, roasting, braising
Bitter red leafy green, good for salads and cooking.
Arugula
different taste and texture
Peppery bitter green with tender leaves.
- Best for
- salads, pasta dishes, pizza, garnish
Peppery bitter flavor, excellent in salads and pasta.
Dandelion greens
similar taste and texture
Bitter leafy green with similar properties.
- Best for
- salads, sautés, soups, braising
Bitter leafy green, works well in salads and sautés.
Frisee lettuce
similar taste and texture
Curly, bitter lettuce with frilly leaves.
- Best for
- salads, cooked dishes, soups, braising
Similar bitter flavor with curly, frilly leaves.
Questions
4 questionsWhat is chicory lettuce?
Chicory lettuce is a bitter leafy green with curly leaves that's commonly used in salads and cooked dishes.
Can I use chicory lettuce in place of regular lettuce?
Yes, but chicory lettuce has a more bitter flavor than most lettuces, so it's better suited for dishes that can handle that bitterness.
How do I store chicory lettuce?
Wrap in damp paper towels and store in the refrigerator for up to a week. The leaves will stay crisp longer this way.
Why is chicory lettuce so bitter?
Chicory lettuce contains natural bitter compounds that develop as the plant matures, giving it a distinctive bitter flavor that mellows when cooked.
Tips for substituting chicory lettuce
6 tips- Chicory's bitterness mellows when cooked, making it good for soups and sautés
- For salads, balance the bitterness with sweet or creamy ingredients
- The inner leaves are milder than the outer leaves
- Can be used both raw and cooked in the same dish for textural contrast
- Store in the refrigerator with damp paper towels to maintain crispness
- Use within a week for best quality and texture