Escarole lettuce substitutes
Escarole lettuce substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Endive
Same amount as the escarole lettuce
Similar leafy green with different texture.
The best substitutes for escarole lettuce are endive, radicchio, or kale, depending on the use.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- similar taste, different texture
- Best for —
- salads
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of escarole lettuce | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Endivesalads | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Radicchiosalads | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Kalesalads | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 4 | Chicorysalads | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Dandelion greenssalads | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Arugulasalads | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
Endive
similar taste, different texture
Similar leafy green with different texture.
- Best for
- salads, soups, stir-fries, braising
Different texture, similar bitterness.
Radicchio
similar taste and texture
Similar leafy green with different color.
- Best for
- salads, soups, stir-fries, braising
Different color, similar bitterness.
Kale
different taste and texture
Similar leafy green with different texture.
- Best for
- salads, soups, stir-fries, braising
Different texture, similar bitterness.
Chicory
similar taste, different texture
Similar leafy green with different texture.
- Best for
- salads, soups, stir-fries, braising
Different texture, similar bitterness.
Dandelion greens
similar taste, different texture
Similar leafy green with different texture.
- Best for
- salads, soups, stir-fries, braising
Different texture, similar bitterness.
Arugula
different taste and texture
Similar leafy green with different texture.
- Best for
- salads, soups, stir-fries, braising
Different texture, similar bitterness.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use endive instead of escarole lettuce?
Yes, endive is a good substitute for escarole lettuce. It has a different texture but similar bitterness and can be used in most recipes.
What's the difference between escarole lettuce and endive?
Escarole lettuce has broad, curly leaves, while endive has narrow, pointed leaves. Both are bitter leafy greens but have different textures.
Can I use radicchio instead of escarole lettuce?
Yes, radicchio can work as a substitute, though it has a different color. It provides similar bitterness and can be used in most recipes.
Why is escarole lettuce so popular in cooking?
Escarole lettuce is popular because it adds bitter, earthy flavor and is versatile in many different types of cuisine and dishes.
Tips for substituting escarole lettuce
6 tips- Escarole lettuce adds bitter, earthy flavor to dishes
- Escarole lettuce can be used in both sweet and savory dishes
- Escarole lettuce pairs well with garlic, lemon, and olive oil
- Escarole lettuce works well in salads, soups, and stir-fries
- Escarole lettuce can be used to make braised greens
- Store escarole lettuce in the refrigerator