Frisee lettuce substitutes
Frisee lettuce substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Endive
Same amount as the frisee lettuce
Similar bitter flavor with different leaf shape.
The best substitutes for frisee lettuce are endive, radicchio, or other bitter leafy greens like arugula and chicory.
- 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 frisee lettuce | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Endivesalads | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Radicchiosalads | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Arugulasalads | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 4 | Chicoryraw applications | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Dandelion greenssalads | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 6 | Curly endivesalads | Same amountWorks | Works |
Endive
similar taste, different texture
Similar bitter flavor with different leaf shape.
- Best for
- salads, cooked dishes, soups, braising
Similar bitter flavor but straighter leaves.
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.
Chicory
similar taste, different texture
Similar bitter flavor with different appearance.
- Best for
- raw applications, cooked dishes, salads, braising
Similar bitter flavor, good for both raw and cooked applications.
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.
Curly endive
similar taste and texture
Very similar curly, bitter lettuce.
- Best for
- salads, cooked dishes, soups, braising
Nearly identical to frisee in taste and appearance.
Questions
4 questionsWhat is frisee lettuce?
Frisee lettuce is a type of endive with curly, frilly leaves and a bitter flavor, commonly used in French cuisine and mixed salads.
Can I use frisee lettuce in place of regular lettuce?
Yes, but frisee 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 frisee 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 frisee lettuce so bitter?
Frisee lettuce contains natural bitter compounds that develop as the plant matures, giving it a distinctive bitter flavor that mellows when cooked.
Tips for substituting frisee lettuce
6 tips- Frisee'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 few days for best quality and texture