I was out of arugula and needed to make a salad for dinner. I didn’t have time to go to the store.
Not to mention, it was getting a bit expensive, so I had to improvise.
I looked in my pantry and refrigerator and found some alternatives that would work.
I used spinach as a substitute for arugula and it turned out great!
The salad was still flavorful and had a bit of a peppery taste. I would definitely use this substitution again.
Subsequently, I decided to look for other substitutes and I’m so glad I did!
I found a few that taste just as good, if not better, and are much easier to find. Here are my top arugula substitutes:
Substitutes for Arugula
- Kale
- Spinach
- Radicchio
- Endive
- Radish sprouts
- Nasturtium leaves
- Dandelion green
- Watercress
- Cabbage.
- Purslane
Kale
Arugula and kale are good 1-to-1 swaps in many cases. Kale has a more powerful flavor, but it is also incredibly nutritious.
This leafy green vegetable is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and it also contains high levels of iron and calcium.
In addition, kale is a good source of fiber, which can aid digestion.
As a result, this sturdy green is an excellent choice for stews, soups, and sautés. And when used as pesto or purée, kale makes a delicious and healthy sauce for pasta and vegetables.
This substitute is good for both you and your dish!
Spinach
Arugula has a distinct peppery taste which can be too strong for some people. In these cases, spinach is the perfect substitute used in a 1-to-1 ratio.
It’s a healthy leafy green that is more tolerant to different tastes.
When used in dishes like quesadillas, the welcoming flavor of spinach creates a more inviting meal.
Plus, spinach is power-packed with nutrients like iron and calcium.
So, not only will your guests enjoy their meal more, but you’ll also be providing them with a nutritious meal.
Win-win!
Radicchio
Radicchio, a relative of the leafy green endive, has a distinctively bitter taste with a hint of sweetness.
This pop of color is not only special for its bold hues and crisp texture, but also for its identical taste to arugula.
When used as a 1-to-1 substitute in dishes, radicchio gives the same peppery-bitter flavor with an added crunch.
Radicchio is perfect for stir-frys, salads, and even as a pizza topping.
The vitamins and minerals found in radicchio are also beneficial to your health, making this leafy green a great addition to any meal.
Endive
Endive may not be as popular as its leafy green counterpart, arugula, but that doesn’t mean it can’t hold its own in the kitchen.
In fact, endive makes an excellent 1-to-1 substitute for arugula in many dishes. Like arugula, endive has a sharp, slightly peppery taste that can add a zesty kick to any dish.
Endive is also slightly crunchier than arugula so it delivers a crunchy texture that is perfect for fresh salads and unforgettable sandwiches.
In addition, endive is packed with minerals and other nutrients that can boost your health.
Radish sprouts
This unexpected swap will add a touch of spice to your dish without being too overwhelming.
Plus, it’s a great way to use up those extra radishes you have lying around.
And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a little vegetable confetti?
Radish sprouts can be used as a 1-to-1 substitute in any dish where you would normally use arugula.
Try them in a grilled tuna salad with tapenade salsa or in a healthy quinoa power bowl. They can also be used as a garnish for soups and burgers or as a topping for flatbreads and pizzas.
Serve this arugula alternative when you want to impress your guests with a creative, yet still healthy, meal.
Nasturtium leaves
Indian cress, also known as Nasturtium, is not only a beautiful flower but also an incredibly versatile leaf that can be used as a substitute for arugula.
Indian cress has a similar peppery flavor to arugula, but without bitterness, making it a perfect candidate for those who are looking to add a little spice to their dish.
Indian cress is also super nutritious, containing high levels of vitamins B1 and C, as well as potassium and iron. In fact, Indian cress contains more vitamin C than oranges!
Indian cress can be used in any dish where you would normally use arugulas, such as Chicken Pesto or Spicy Shrimp Salad.
So next time you’re in the mood for something spicy, reach for the Indian cress instead of the arugula!
Dandelion green
Did you know that dandelion greens can be used as a substitute for arugula?
That’s right – this potent little weed is chock-full of antioxidants and nutrients, and it’s less bitter than its leafy green cousin.
But in these tough times, when we can’t always get what we want, we have to be willing to try new things.
And that’s where dandelion greens come in – as a perfect 1-to-1 stand-in for arugula in all your favorite dishes.
So go ahead and add them to your frittatas, vegan soups, and salads. You might just find that you like them even better than arugula.
And who knows, maybe this is the start of a beautiful new relationship.
After all, change can be good – especially when it’s delicious.
Yummm!
Watercress
Ah, watercress, the ting of spiciness, the remarkably powerful flavor that mirrors arugula nearly perfectly.
As a chef, I am always looking for ways to enhance my dishes and create new flavors.
Nutritionally, a watercress is also a winner!
This superfood is an excellent source of thiamin and riboflavin. It also contains high levels of Vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
Best of all, watercress is extremely healthy – studies have shown that it can help to reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and even improve cognitive function.
When it comes to using watercress as a 1-to-1 substitute for arugula, it is best enjoyed raw in salads or as a garnish because cooking diminishes its flavor.
However, watercress can still be sautéed or used in soup.
Overall, watercress is a super green that can be used as a substitute for arugula in many dishes.
Cabbage
Cabbage makes for a great substitute in many dishes, especially if you’re looking to add a little more volume.
It is ideal for raw salads or as a bed for meaty soups, cabbage can easily be incorporated into many recipes.
The flavor is slightly different than arugula, so it may not be an identical match, but it’s definitely worth trying!
Plus, cabbage is fiber-rich and packed with nutrients, so you’ll be doing your body a favor by making the swap.
The benefits of choosing this 1-to-1 alternative for arugula include it being so easy to find and its ability to help lower cholesterol.
Purslane
Purslane makes an excellent 1-to-1 substitute for arugula. This juicy green has a crispy texture and a mustard-like flavor that adds a definite zing to any dish.
It’s also packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a great choice for health-conscious cooks.
Purslane can be used in all sorts of dishes that require arugula, from stews to grilled meats.
It’s also delicious in fresh salads or simply cooked with a little garlic and oil.
And because it’s so nutrient-dense, purslane is sometimes referred to as a “superfood.”
So next time you’re at the market, be sure to add this versatile green to your shopping list. Your body (and your taste buds) will thank you!
FAQ
Is arugula healthy for you?
Yes, arugula is a healthy leafy green vegetable. It is low in calories and fat, and high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
What does arugula taste like?
Arugula has a slightly peppery flavor with a hint of bitterness.
Can you eat arugula raw?
Yes, arugula can be eaten raw. It is often used in salads or as a garnish.
What can I use if I don’t have arugula?
There are several substitutes that can be used in place of arugula, including watercress, cabbage, and purslane.
In Conclusion
There you have it – a list of arugula substitutes that are sure to please.
From super nutritious nasturtium leaves to peppery radicchio,
These greens will give your dish a flavor boost.
So next time you’re at the market, be sure to pick up one of these tasty greens.
Thanks for reading!