Ingredient substitution guide
Best substitutes for radicchio
Best swap for radicchio: Belgian endive, the closest relative, also a chicory: crunchy, paler and less bitter, raw or cooked.
How we checked this: these swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes, and their ratios follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than one published chart. For exact amounts on many common swaps, see the NDSU and Colorado State University extension tables listed below. Editorial policy
What can I use instead of Radicchio?
The best swap for Radicchio is Belgian Endive, the closest relative, also a chicory: crunchy, paler and less bitter, raw or cooked. Another option is Arugula, for raw salads; peppery and green, where radicchio is red and bittersweet. The table below also lists Mixed Greens, Escarole and Red Cabbage, 5 swaps in all.
| Swap | Ratio and notes |
|---|---|
| Belgian endive | the closest relative, also a chicory: crunchy, paler and less bitter, raw or cooked |
| Arugula | for raw salads; peppery and green, where radicchio is red and bittersweet |
| Mixed greens | raw salads only; a mix of tender young lettuces and other greens that varies by grower |
| Escarole | raw or cooked, though recipes usually cook it; much less bitter than radicchio, mildest in its pale inner leaves |
| Red cabbage | thinly sliced, 1:1 by volume; brings the color and crunch with none of the bitterness |
Source and limits
These swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes to your kitchen, last updated . We remove swaps known to be unsafe, but not every swap has been tested in a kitchen, and a swap is cooking guidance, not an allergen or nutrition equivalent. Check labels and what the recipe needs before substituting.
The ratios and usage notes follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than a single published chart. These two university extension tables list exact amounts for many common swaps:
- Ingredient Substitutions (FN198), NDSU Extension (opens in a new tab)
- Ingredient Substitutions (9.329), Colorado State University Extension (opens in a new tab)
- University of Minnesota Extension, Growing lettuce, endive and radicchio in home gardens (opens in a new tab)
Browse every ingredient and read how these swaps are sourced.