Go Back
–+ servings
Substitutes for Escarole in Soups & Salads

7 Best Substitutes for Escarole

No ratings yet
Escarole is known for its mild bitterness and sturdy leaves that hold up well in cooking. This guide covers the best substitutes that match its texture and flavor profile for both cooked dishes and raw salads.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 16 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Kitchen Tips, Substitutes
Cuisine: Various
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Endive Use 1:1 ratio in cooked dishes for sharper bitterness and heat tolerance.
  • 1 cup Curly Endive Use 1:1 ratio in cooked dishes; has more fibrous texture and pungent flavor.
  • 1 cup Green Leaf Lettuce Use 1:1 ratio in raw salads and sandwiches; lacks bitterness and wilts if cooked.
  • 1 cup Kale Use 1:1 ratio in cooked dishes after removing tough stems;
  • 1 cup Swiss Chard Use 1:1 ratio in braises and sautés; milder and slightly sweet flavor,
  • 1 cup Arugula Use 1:1 ratio in raw salads and garnish; peppery flavor, not suitable for cooking.
  • DIY Blend (Green Leaf Lettuce + Radicchio) Mix 3 parts green leaf lettuce to 1 part radicchio;

Method
 

  1. Choose the substitute based on whether your dish is cooked or raw.
  2. Prepare the substitute by washing, chopping, and removing tough stems if necessary.
  3. Use the substitute at a 1:1 ratio for escarole, except the DIY blend which is 3:1 leaf lettuce to radicchio.
  4. Adjust seasoning and check flavor and texture consistency before finishing the dish.

Notes

  • Endive provides the closest bitterness match and withstands cooking heat well.
  • Green leaf lettuce is best for raw dishes but lacks escarole's bitterness.
  • Remove tough stems from kale before cooking to ensure tenderness.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!