Escarole is a member of the chicory family and has broad, flat leaves with a light green appearance. Like Endive, it has a slightly bitter flavor profile that gives depth to any raw salad with a full-bodied balsamic vinaigrette.
If sautéed, its bitterness transforms into a more mellow, nutty taste that makes the perfect complement to bacon or other roasted meat and is often used in Italian crostini and bean side dishes.