Treviso lettuce substitutes
Treviso lettuce substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Radicchio
Same amount as the treviso lettuce
Very similar bitter red leafy vegetable.
The best substitutes for treviso lettuce are radicchio, endive, or other bitter leafy greens like arugula and chicory.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- salads
Updated 19 Aug 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of treviso lettuce | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Radicchiosalads | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Endivesalads | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Escarolesalads | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Arugulasalads | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 5 | Chicoryraw applications | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Dandelion greenssalads | Same amountWorks | Works |
Radicchio
similar taste and texture
Very similar bitter red leafy vegetable.
- Best for
- salads, grilling, roasting, braising
Nearly identical to treviso in taste and appearance.
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.
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.
Questions
4 questionsWhat is treviso lettuce?
Treviso lettuce is a bitter red leafy vegetable with elongated heads that's commonly used in Italian cuisine and mixed salads.
Can I use treviso lettuce in place of regular lettuce?
Yes, but treviso 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 treviso 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 treviso lettuce so bitter?
Treviso lettuce contains natural bitter compounds that develop as the plant matures, giving it a distinctive bitter flavor that mellows when cooked.
Tips for substituting treviso lettuce
6 tips- Treviso's bitterness mellows when cooked, making it good for grilling and roasting
- 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