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Out of escarole?

Escarole substitutes

Escarole is Bitter leafy green vegetable with broad, slightly curly leaves, commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine.

Use this

Endive

Use the same amount as the escarole you are replacing

Close matchBest for salads

Escarole is a bitter leafy green that can be substituted with endive, radicchio, or arugula for similar bitter flavor profiles.

At a glance

Every escarole substitute on one screen. Tap a name for detail.

Escarole substitutes compared
#SubstituteInstead of escarole, use
1EndiveSame amount
2RadicchioSame amount
3ArugulaSame amount
4ChicorySame amount
5Dandelion GreensSame amount

Every escarole substitute

Ranked, with the exact amount and what changes

Substitutes for Escarole with ratios

  1. 1. Endive

    Close match

    Use the same amount

    Similar bitter flavor and texture

    What changes
    Best for
    salads, cooked dishes, soups

    Similar bitter flavor and texture, works well in salads and cooked dishes

  2. 2. Radicchio

    Close match

    Use the same amount

    Bitter red leafy green with similar texture

    What changes
    Best for
    salads, grilling, roasting

    Bitter red leafy green, good for salads and grilling

  3. 3. Arugula

    Taste and texture differ

    Use the same amount

    Peppery bitter green with different texture

    What changes
    Best for
    salads, pasta dishes, pizza

    Peppery bitter green, excellent in salads and pasta dishes

  4. 4. Chicory

    Close match

    Use the same amount

    Similar bitter flavor with different appearance

    What changes
    Best for
    raw applications, cooked dishes, salads

    Similar bitter flavor, good for both raw and cooked applications

  5. 5. Dandelion Greens

    Close match

    Use the same amount

    Bitter leafy green with similar properties

    What changes
    Best for
    salads, sautés, soups

    Bitter leafy green, works well in salads and sautés

Tips for substituting escarole

  • Escarole'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

Questions about escarole substitutes

What is escarole?

Escarole is a type of endive with broad, slightly bitter leaves that are commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine.

Can I use escarole in place of lettuce?

Yes, but escarole has a more bitter flavor than most lettuces, so it's better suited for dishes that can handle that bitterness.

How do I store escarole?

Wrap in damp paper towels and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Need a different ingredient?

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