Spinach
7.5More nutritious, works in any salad
10 gluten-free substitutes for lettuce — top pick Spinach at 75% function match.
More nutritious, works in any salad
Shred fine for slaw-style salads
Crisp leaves, great for cups and wraps
Bitter and crunchy, adds color to salads
Peppery bite, great in sandwiches and salads
Crisp and watery; shred for salad base, less leafy but adds refreshing crunch
Peppery kick, mix with milder greens
Heartier texture, massage with oil for raw use
Crisp leaves work as lettuce cups and wraps
Use young tender leaves raw in salads
Cabbage: Tougher and crunchier; needs finer shredding
Endive: Slightly bitter; mix with milder greens
Radicchio: Notably bitter; mix with milder greens to balance
Watercress: Peppery kick may overwhelm mild salads
Cucumber: Watery and crunchy; won't wilt like lettuce
Kale: Much tougher leaves; massage with oil first
Swiss Chard: Tougher stems; use only young tender leaves