What's the Best Substitute for Chicory Lettuce?
Whether you're out of Chicory Lettuce or looking for a healthier alternative, finding the right substitute can save your recipe. Bitter leafy green with curly leaves, commonly used in salads and cooked dishes In this guide, we'll explore the best substitutes that work in most recipes and help you achieve similar results.
Quick Answer
The best substitutes for chicory lettuce are endive, escarole, or other bitter leafy greens like arugula and radicchio.
Best Substitutes for Chicory Lettuce
Endive
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- salads
- cooked dishes
- soups
- braising
Description
Similar bitter leafy green with different leaf shape
Similar bitter flavor but straighter leaves
Escarole
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- salads
- soups
- stir-fries
- braising
Description
Similar bitter leafy green with broader, slightly curly leaves
Similar bitter flavor and texture
Radicchio
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- salads
- grilling
- roasting
- braising
Description
Bitter red leafy green with similar texture
Bitter red leafy green, good for salads and cooking
Arugula
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- salads
- pasta dishes
- pizza
- garnish
Description
Peppery bitter green with tender leaves
Peppery bitter flavor, excellent in salads and pasta
Dandelion Greens
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- salads
- sautés
- soups
- braising
Description
Bitter leafy green with similar properties
Bitter leafy green, works well in salads and sautés
Frisee Lettuce
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- salads
- cooked dishes
- soups
- braising
Description
Curly, bitter lettuce with frilly leaves
Similar bitter flavor with curly, frilly leaves
How to Choose the Right Substitute
When choosing a substitute for Chicory Lettuce, consider the recipe's requirements for taste, texture, and cooking method. Think about whether you need something that mimics the original exactly or if a different but complementary flavor would work. Also consider dietary restrictions and availability of ingredients.
Cooking Tips
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
Always taste and adjust seasonings when using substitutes
Consider the cooking method - some substitutes work better in certain applications