2. Arugula
Arugula is a suitable substitute for broccoli rabe in salads. Arugula is much more delicate than broccoli rabe so it wouldn’t work as a replacement in cooked dishes. Both greens have a bitter and peppery flavor.
3. Broccoli is an O.K. substitute for broccoli rabe. It can be cooked or served raw. Broccoli has an earthy flavor but is much more mild than it’s cousin rapini.
3. Broccolini looks a lot like broccoli rabe but it is much different. While broccoli rabe is bitter and though broccolini has a sweet mild flavor and is actually very soft.
4.Chicory root is commonly made to make coffee but the greens are edible too! Just like broccoli rabe chicory has bluish green leaves but it doesn’t have flavor.
5.Collard greens are a great substitute for broccoli rabe. They have a similar taste but lack the florets that broccoli rabe has. They have big thick leaves with tough large stems. The stems are often removed before the collards are cooked.
Kale is similar to collard greens. It’s a basic thick leafy green with an equally tough stem. The stem is often removed and the kale can be used in salads and in cooked dishes.
Turnip greens are genetically the closest cousin to broccoli rabe. Turnip greens are great for replacing broccoli rabe because they have a similar texture and nutritional value.