Butter lettuce, also called Boston bibb, and escarole are leafy greens, but they have different textures, tastes and colors. Both are used in similar ways in some dishes, but in other dishes they don't work as interchangeably. Substituting butter lettuce for escarole is possible, but it's best to understand their differences and what dishes are best suited for substitution.
Butter Lettuce
Butter lettuce has a sweet, buttery flavor and thick leaves. It usually is served fresh and raw in salads. A 1-1/2 cup serving of butter lettuce has 10 calories, 1 gram of fiber, 1 gram of protein, 2 grams of carbohydrates and contains no fat or cholesterol. Butter lettuce also is a source of calcium and vitamins A and C.
Escarole
Escarole is a dark, leafy green endive, related to Belgium endive and curly endive. It's served as a salad green as well as cooked as a side dish or added to soups or stews. A 1 cup serving of escarole has 137 calories, 0 grams of fiber, 10 grams of protein, 13 grams of carbohydrates, 5 grams of fat, and 20 milligrams of cholesterol.
Substituting
Because butter lettuce and escarole are used fresh in salads, butter lettuce can be substituted for escarole in salads. Butter lettuce usually is not cooked, so it's not recommended for use as a cooked side dish or to be added to soups or stews. Instead, when substituting escarole in cooked dishes, use curly endive, radicchio or kale.
Other Tips
Purchase butter lettuce or escarole with solid, even-colored heads; do not buy heads with wilted leaves, slime or brown spots. Store butter lettuce or escarole in a refrigerator crisper for up to five days. Wash butter lettuce and escarole well before using it to remove dirt and any other residue.
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