If you are looking for good broccoli rabe substitutes, you may be surprised to find what alternatives are here! It’s easier than you think to substitute this long, slender vegetable with something less exotic from your pantry.
While broccoli rabe (rapini) may have become popular in the US and is usually available in supermarkets as well as at the local farmer’s markets, there may be times when you may not find it. These leafy greens with tiny broccoli florets may be frequently used in Italian dishes like pasta. They also make for a delicious side dish when they are sautéed with garlic and olive oil.
Top Broccoli Rabe Substitutes
The top broccoli rabe substitutes may have spinach, kale, turnip greens, mustard greens, escarole, endive, chicory, and Chinese broccoli. Other options might include dandelion greens, collard greens, and broccolini.
Mustard Greens
You can substitute broccoli rabe with mustard greens when you are cooking pasta or while sautéing it with other vegetables like potatoes and beans. While broccoli rabe shares its name with broccoli, it may be genetically much closer to mustard and turnip greens and has a similar earthy, bitter taste. [1]
Turnip Greens
Turnip greens may have a signature spicy flavor which makes it a good substitute for rabe.
Collard Greens
These hearty greens can be a good substitute for rabe in salads, in pasta with meat, or sautéed side dishes.
Broccoli rabe is a superfood packed with vitamins and nutrients to fuel your meal. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Chinese Broccoli
Chinese broccoli, with its large leaves, thick stalks, and tiny florets, may make for a good substitute as it is delicious when steamed or sautéed.
Endives
Use endives as a substitute in salads as they might have a crunchy texture and a bitter taste. However, remember that they may become slightly sweet on cooking.
Dandelion Greens
You can also substitute broccoli rabe with dandelion greens. Use the younger dandelion greens with shorter stems as the larger leaves are fibrous and overly bitter.
Kale
If you are making pasta for children who do not enjoy the bitterness of broccoli rabe, kale or spinach may make a good substitute.
Fresh kale can be an excellent substitute for broccoli rabe. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Arugula & Broccoli
While this combination may not be the best substitute, it works well in salads because of the texture of broccoli and the spiciness of arugula.
Chicory
Large-leafed chicory is bitter and spicy to taste, which mellows when grilled or sautéed. You can use this as a substitute in salads and as a side dish.
Broccolini
Even though broccoli rabe may not be closely related to broccoli, the latter does work as a good substitute. Broccolini and broccoli are milder in taste than broccoli rabe and may take a little longer to cook.
