Substitutes for radicchio in cooking include endive and red cabbage in salads, kale and Swiss chard in cooked dishes, Belgian endive and Treviso for grilling, arugula and spinach as pizza toppings, and escarole and frisee for vegan and vegetarian recipes. Adjust quantities and preparation as needed.
Endive, with its slightly bitter taste, makes for a good radicchio substitute in salads. Its crunch adds texture, and it holds up well when dressed. Use it in a 1:1 ratio. Keep in mind that endive may be slightly less bitter than radicchio. Popular brands include Dole and Andy Boy.
Red cabbage provides a similar color and crunch to radicchio, although it's less bitter. It's sturdy and works well in salads. Use thinly sliced red cabbage in a 1:1 ratio. Red cabbage may release more water than radicchio, so dress your salad accordingly. Brands like Ocean Mist are well-known.
Kale can stand in for radicchio in cooked dishes. Its sturdy leaves hold up well to cooking, and it provides a slightly bitter taste. Use kale in a 1:1 ratio, but expect a tougher texture. Curly kale or Lacinato kale from brands like Earthbound Farm are great options.
Swiss chard, with its colorful stems and green leaves, offers a mild bitterness and can be a suitable substitute for radicchio in cooked applications. Use it in a 1:1 ratio, but note that Swiss chard may cook down more than radicchio. Look for brands like Earthbound Farm and Organic Girl.
Belgian endive can be halved and grilled in place of radicchio. It has a comparable bitterness and retains its shape when cooked. Use a 1:1 ratio. Belgian endive caramelizes nicely, adding a hint of sweetness. Popular brands include Dole and Andy Boy.
Treviso is a variety of radicchio that's elongated and slightly less bitter. It can be grilled whole or in sections, just like radicchio. Use in a 1:1 ratio. Treviso may be less readily available, but it's a closer match in flavor and appearance to radicchio. Look for local or specialty growers.
Arugula, with its peppery taste, serves as a good substitute for radicchio on pizzas. Add it fresh after baking for a spicy kick. Use a handful of arugula per pizza as it wilts more than radicchio. Keep in mind that arugula is more peppery than bitter. Popular brands include Earthbound Farm and Organic Girl.
Spinach can replace radicchio on pizzas for a milder flavor. It can be used fresh or sautéed before topping the pizza. Use a 1:1 ratio. Spinach wilts significantly, so you may want to add more. Baby spinach from brands like Dole and Earthbound Farm are popular choices.
Escarole is less bitter than radicchio but can be used in vegan and vegetarian dishes where a leafy green with some bitterness is desired. Use it in a 1:1 ratio. Escarole may be more tender than radicchio. Brands like Andy Boy and Dole are commonly found.
Frisee provides a frilly texture and a slightly bitter taste, making it a good substitute in vegan and vegetarian recipes. Use in a 1:1 ratio. Frisee can add more volume than radicchio, so adjust quantities accordingly. Common brands include Dole and Earthbound Farm.
| Recipe Category | Substitutes |
|---|---|
| Salads | Endive, Red Cabbage |
| Cooked Dishes | Kale, Swiss Chard |
| Grilled Dishes | Belgian Endive, Treviso |
| Pizza Toppings | Arugula, Spinach |
| Vegan and Vegetarian Recipes | Escarole, Frisee |
While radicchio is unique in its flavor and appearance, there are several substitutes that can take its place in a variety of dishes. The substitutes listed above can help maintain the integrity of the dish while offering their own distinct flavors and textures. Remember to adjust the preparation and quantity based on the specific characteristics of each substitute for the best results.
