Arugula, or rocket as it’s also known, is a popular leafy green with a unique nutty and peppery flavor.
Whether you want to add some extra flavor to a salad or sandwich, arugula can be the perfect addition. But what if you don’t have access to arugula? This is where the best substitutes for arugula come in.
Don’t worry; we have compiled the best substitutes for arugula to get the same flavor with a different leafy green.
Keep reading to find out which greens make the best alternatives to arugula. Shall we?
1. Romaine Lettuce
Romaine lettuce is a great substitute for arugula due to its crunchy texture and slightly bitter taste.
This type of lettuce is often used in salads, sandwiches, and wraps, making it a versatile choice for replacing arugula in any dish.
Romaine lettuce, the first on this list of the best substitutes for arugula, is high in vitamins A and K, antioxidants, and minerals.
This makes it a nutritious choice for anyone looking for a replacement for arugula.
Also, it has a mild flavor that can easily be enhanced by adding herbs, spices, and other ingredients.
When looking for the best substitutes for arugula, romaine lettuce is an excellent option.
When using romaine lettuce as a substitute for arugula, it’s important to remember that the texture will be slightly different.
Romaine lettuce is crunchier than arugula and may not have as much of a bitter taste.
Additionally, it may take longer to cook because of its thicker leaves. Therefore, it’s important to adjust your cooking time when using this substitute.
Additionally, you may need to add more herbs and spices to enhance the flavor. With a few minor adjustments, however, romaine lettuce can be a great substitute for arugula.
2. Watercress
Watercress is a leafy green closely related to arugula, making it an ideal substitute for the latter.
It has a mild, peppery flavor that pairs nicely with arugula and other salads and dishes.
Watercress is also one of the best substitutes for arugula and is high in vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium.
This nutrient-packed vegetable can be added to salads, sandwiches, and wraps or as a soup garnish. Its crunchy texture and bright color add a burst of flavor to any dish.
Additionally, watercress is also low in calories, making it a great choice for those watching their weight.
3. Baby Spinach
Baby spinach is one of the best substitutes for arugula due to its mild, sweet flavor. It’s a great way to add nutrition to salads and sandwiches without overwhelming the flavor.
Baby spinach is a powerhouse of nutrients, including vitamins A, C, iron, and calcium.
Additionally, baby spinach is low in calories and fat, making it a great choice for those looking to eat healthier.
Try adding roasted nuts or dried fruit to your dish for added crunch and texture. Regarding taste and texture, baby spinach is not as pungent as arugula, so it’s best suited for salads and sandwiches that require a milder flavor.
It’s also good for green smoothies because the flavor won’t overpower the other ingredients. Finally, baby spinach cooks quickly and can be used in many dishes such as sautés, soups, and stir-fries.
Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or a more flavorful alternative to arugula, baby spinach is definitely worth considering.
4. Baby Kale
Talking about the best substitutes for arugula, Baby kale is a great option. It has a milder flavor than the classic arugula but still packs a nutritious punch.
Baby kale contains vitamins K, A, and C, calcium, and iron. It also contains antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and support healthy digestion.
Baby kale is easy to prepare and can be added to salads, sandwiches, or stir-fries. Its versatility makes it a great choice for adding a nutritious and delicious boost to any meal.
When substituting baby kale for arugula, consider using more of it to achieve the desired level of flavor. It has a milder taste than arugula, so you may need to add more of it to get the flavor you want.
Another option is to mix baby kale with other greens, such as spinach, chard, or romaine lettuce, for a flavorful combination.
Baby kale is also an excellent addition to soups, stews, and casseroles for a nutritional boost.
So don’t hesitate to experiment with this tasty green and make it a part of your regular meal rotation.
5. Basil
Basil is one of the best substitutes for arugula in salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes. It has a similar peppery flavor with a hint of sweetness that can be used to replace arugula in any dish.
Basil has a slightly different texture than arugula, so it won’t give the same crunch but can still add a wonderful flavor.
Additionally, basil is easy to find at most grocery stores and is very affordable, making it an excellent choice for those looking for an alternative to arugula.
Basil is also packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a great addition to any healthy diet. It contains vitamins A and C and magnesium, iron, and calcium.
Its antioxidant properties help protect your cells from free radical damage, which can lead to cancer and other diseases.
Additionally, basil can also help reduce inflammation in the body and improve digestion.
Overall, basil is an excellent substitute for arugula and can be used in many dishes. It is full of flavor and nutrition and can easily be found at most grocery stores.
Plus, it is much more affordable than arugula, making it a great option for those looking to save money.
6. Cabbage
Cabbage is a great substitute for arugula if you want a crunchy, peppery flavor. Its leaves have an earthy taste that can be adjusted to match the desired level of spiciness.
It’s also a healthy vegetable packed with Vitamin C and other antioxidants, making it a great choice for those looking for nutritional benefits.
Moreso, the texture of cabbage leaves is slightly tougher than that of arugula, so it may take a bit longer to cook. It has a mild flavor and adds to salads, sandwiches, and wraps when cooked.
There are still more of the best substitutes for arugula to come up on this list. Read on!
7. Dandelion Greens
Dandelion greens are the best substitutes for arugula in salads and other dishes. These bitter greens are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron. They have a strong flavor that is similar to arugula but more bitter.
The best way to prepare dandelion greens is to sauté them with oil and garlic. This brings out the flavor and reduces the bitterness. You can add them to soups and stews for extra nutrition and flavor.
Dandelion greens are great in salads and added to any meal. They are a great way to get extra nutrients and make a delicious dish.
Add dandelion greens to your next salad or dish for a flavorful and nutritious option. You won’t be disappointed!
8. Endive
Endive is not left out of this list of the best substitutes for arugula. It has a mild, slightly bitter flavor and a crunchy texture. Endive is often used in salads and can be cooked like other leafy greens.
In addition, Endive has many nutritional benefits, including a good source of vitamins A, K, and C, fiber, and magnesium.
Endive is also high in antioxidants and can help reduce inflammation. Endive is a great substitute for arugula in salads, sandwiches, and other dishes.
It has a mild flavor that won’t overpower other ingredients, and its crunchy texture makes it a great addition to dishes.
Endive, one of the best substitutes for arugula, is also a great addition to soups, stews, and other cooked dishes.
When cooked, endive takes on a slightly sweet flavor and can be used to add texture to a dish. It can also be grilled or roasted for an extra flavorful kick.
Endive is a versatile ingredient that can easily be incorporated into various dishes. Its mild flavor makes it a great choice for those who don’t like the bitter taste of arugula.
9. Frisée
Frisée, also known as curly endive, is not excluded from this list of the best substitutes for arugula. It has a slightly bitter flavor but also has a crunchy texture.
Frisée is more delicate than arugula and has more of a crunch when eaten raw. It can also be used in salads, but it can also be cooked like spinach and added to various dishes.
Frisée is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals such as calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, and vitamin A.
This particular one of the best substitutes for arugula is also high in fiber and low in calories.
So, if you’re looking for a lighter and crunchier alternative to arugula, Frisée may be the right thing.
10. Escarole
Escarole is a great substitute for arugula. It has a mild, slightly bitter flavor and a crunchy texture. Its leaves are light green with white ribs, and the entire plant is edible.
Escarole is a popular ingredient in Italian dishes like soups and salads, but it can also be used as a substitute for arugula in recipes.
Escarole is high in fiber and contains many vitamins and minerals that benefit your health. It also contains antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Additionally, its bitter taste makes it one of the best substitutes for arugula, which has a similarly sharp taste.
To substitute arugula with escarole, use it raw in salads or cooked in soups or stir-fries. It pairs well with ingredients such as garlic, anchovies, olives, capers, and tomatoes.
11. Mâche
Mâche, also known as lambs lettuce, is a mild and nutty-tasting green that’s a great substitute for arugula.
It has a delicate flavor and tender texture, making it a great addition to salads and other dishes.
Like arugula, mâche has a slightly bitter taste, making it an interesting alternative to regular lettuce.
Regarding nutrition, mâche is an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc.
It’s also low in calories and fiber, making it a great choice for those looking to add more greens to their diet.
When substituting mâche for arugula in a recipe, remember that mâche has a milder flavor and softer texture than arugula.
To compensate for this, you may want to add additional seasonings or other ingredients to the dish to bring out the flavor.
Additionally, since mâche is a leafy green, it can be difficult to work with when cooking.
Consider blanching it first or adding it to dishes at the end of cooking to ensure it doesn’t become soggy. Above all, it makes the list of the best substitutes for arugula.
12. Nasturtium Leaves
Nasturtium leaves are the best substitutes for arugula when you need an alternative to the peppery, nutty flavor.
These leaves have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and can be used in salads, sandwiches, and other dishes.
They are also packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to your meals.
Nasturtiums are available year-round, so you won’t have any difficulty finding them. Just remember to rinse them thoroughly before consuming them!
13. Purslane
Purslane, one of the best substitutes for arugula, is a succulent plant that grows in many parts of the world.
It has a mild, almost sweet taste and can make a great alternative to arugula in salads or sandwiches.
The leaves have a crunchy texture and contain many essential vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin A.
In addition, purslane contains more omega-3 fatty acids than any other leafy green vegetable. This makes it an excellent choice for a healthy diet.
It’s also very low in calories and fat, making it a great option for those looking to lose or maintain a healthy weight.
Additionally, purslane adds a wonderful texture to dishes and can be used as a topping for pizzas or wraps.
In conclusion, purslane is undoubtedly one of the excellent and best substitutes for arugula.
It contains many essential nutrients and has a mild, almost sweet taste, making it a great addition to salads and sandwiches.
It’s low in calories and fat, making it ideal for those looking to maintain a healthy diet and lose weight.
Additionally, its crunchy texture makes it a great topping for pizzas and wraps. With so many benefits, there’s no doubt that purslane is an excellent choice for a healthy diet.
14. Radicchio
Radicchio, also known as Italian chicory, is similarly on this list of the best substitutes for arugula, especially in salads.
It has a slightly bitter taste that makes it a good match for the peppery flavor of arugula. It is crisp and crunchy, which adds texture to salads and sandwiches.
When using radicchio in place of arugula, chop it finely so it can be used as a garnish.
Radicchio is an ideal ingredient when making salads with other greens, such as baby spinach or kale. You can also add it to pizzas or pasta for extra flavor.
15. Radish Sprouts
Radish sprouts are perfect and the best substitutes for arugula in salads, sandwiches, wraps, and more. They have a crisp, peppery flavor similar to arugula, making them a great replacement.
Radish sprouts are also packed with nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, calcium, and magnesium.
Coupled with that, they are a great way to get your daily dose of greens in a unique way.
Radish sprouts can be found in most grocery stores and farmer’s markets and are easy to grow at home. Use them in place of arugula for a unique twist in your next meal!
Conclusion
Arugula is a versatile, leafy green that adds a unique flavor to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes.
However, if you’re out of arugula or looking for something new, plenty of other tasty options can be used as the best substitutes for arugula.
This blog post discussed the top best substitutes for arugula that can be used to create delicious meals.
Read the above to find out which ingredients work best when replacing arugula in your favorite dishes.
