Chicory Lettuce substitutes
Chicory Lettuce is Bitter leafy green with curly leaves, commonly used in salads and cooked dishes.
Use this
Endive
Use the same amount as the chicory lettuce you are replacing
The best substitutes for chicory lettuce are endive, escarole, or other bitter leafy greens like arugula and radicchio.
At a glance
| # | Substitute | Instead of chicory lettuce, use | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Endive | Same amount | Different texture |
| 2 | Escarole | Same amount | Close match |
| 3 | Radicchio | Same amount | Close match |
| 4 | Arugula | Same amount | Taste and texture differ |
| 5 | Dandelion Greens | Same amount | Close match |
| 6 | Frisee Lettuce | Same amount | Close match |
Every chicory lettuce substitute
Substitutes for Chicory Lettuce with ratios
1. Endive
Different textureUse the same amount
Similar bitter leafy green with different leaf shape
What changes
2. Escarole
Close matchUse the same amount
Similar bitter leafy green with broader, slightly curly leaves
What changes
3. Radicchio
Close matchUse the same amount
Bitter red leafy green with similar texture
What changes
4. Arugula
Taste and texture differUse the same amount
Peppery bitter green with tender leaves
What changes
5. Dandelion Greens
Close matchUse the same amount
Bitter leafy green with similar properties
What changes
6. Frisee Lettuce
Close matchUse the same amount
Curly, bitter lettuce with frilly leaves
What changes
Tips for substituting chicory lettuce
- Chicory's bitterness mellows when cooked, making it perfect 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
Questions about chicory lettuce substitutes
What 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.