Watercress is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that is often used in salads and sandwiches.
However, if you’re looking for a different flavor profile or if watercress is not available where you live, then you may want to try one of these substitutes.
Each of these vegetables has its own unique set of flavors and textures that will add something special to your dish. So, without further delays, let’s get into the alternatives you’ll need to try!
Substitutes For Watercress
- Lettuce
- Chinese Cabbage
- Water Spinach
- Dandelion Green
- Spinach
- Arugula
- Radicchio
- Kale
- Endive
- Nasturtium Leaves
- Cabbage
- Purslane
Lettuce
Lettuce is a leafy green vegetable that is often used in salads and sandwiches. It has a light, crisp flavor that makes it a refreshing addition to many dishes. Lettuce serves as a good substitute for watercress in most dishes.
However, lettuce does not work well as a substitute for watercress in soup. The light flavor of lettuce is lost in soup, and the texture of lettuce does not hold up well when cooked.
Chinese Cabbage
Chinese cabbage, also known as Napa cabbage, is a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine. It is an ideal choice for stir-fry due to its sweet taste and crisp texture.
Chinese cabbage is used in a variety of dishes, such as soups, salads, and spring rolls. While it can be eaten raw, people prefer it cooked for its soft yet crunchy texture.
Chinese cabbage is a good source of vitamins K and C, as well as fiber and antioxidants. It is also low in calories and fat-free. Although Chinese cabbage is not as easy to come across usually, it can be found in most Asian markets.
Water Spinach
Water spinach, also known as Chinese spinach, is a vegetable with long, thin leaves and a hollow stem. It has a mild flavor and is often used in stir fry dishes.
Water spinach is a good substitute for watercress in salads and seafood dishes. It is a little more savory and crunchy than watercress, but it has a similar texture. Many Asian countries consider it to be a guilt-free snack.
Dandelion Green
Dandelion greens are a versatile and convenient substitute for watercress that are easily available. They are a perfect substitute for watercress, both raw and cooked. They have a bitter and spicy taste that pairs well with many other ingredients.
Best of all, dandelion greens are healthy and packed with nutrients. While they may not be the most popular leafy green, they are worth considering the next time you’re in the kitchen.
Spinach
Spinach is a versatile leafy green that can be used as a substitute for watercress in a variety of dishes. When used raw, spinach will have a more bitter flavor. When cooked, the sweetness of the spinach will dominate your taste buds.
The affordability, convenience, and easy preparation add to the versatility, making it one of the most beloved greens.
Arugula
Arugula is a popular leafy green vegetable that is often used as a substitute for watercress in sandwiches and salads. This vegetable has a slightly peppery taste and pairs well with other popular ingredients such as pizza and pasta sauces.
Arugula is also a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as iron and folic acid. This leafy green is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy option for those looking to lose weight.
When substituted for watercress, arugula can help to add flavor and nutrients to your meal without adding extra calories.
Radicchio
Radicchio is a type of reddish-purple leafy vegetable that is often used as a substitute for watercress. It is known for its spicy bitterness that sets it apart from all the other substitutes, but it doesn’t have an overbearing flavor.
Radicchio is a very healthy vegetable that can be used raw in salads or cooked in a variety of dishes. With its beautiful color, it acts as an attractive addition to any meal.
Kale
Kale is a leafy green vegetable that is often used as a substitute for watercress. It has a complex cooked flavor that is perfect for savory dishes. Kale is also a healthy ingredient for snacks and salads known for its high nutrient content. It is an excellent choice for those who are looking to improve their health.
When used fresh, kale provides a crunchy texture that is perfect for salads and sandwiches. Kale can also be used as a pizza topping. For a truly unique experience, try kale chips! These healthy snacks are made by baking kale in the oven until crispy. Kale chips are a great way to get your daily dose of greens.
Endive
Endive is a pungent, crisp-textured tiny vegetable with leaves tightly wrapped like a cabbage. It can be used as a substitute for watercress in salads and sandwiches and gets a sweet flavor when cooked.
Endive is high in fiber and low in calories making it the perfect nutritious veggie. It is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K and also contains minerals such as iron, potassium, and calcium.
Nasturtium Leaves
Nasturtium leaves, or Indian watercress, have a similar taste, aroma, and texture to watercress, making them an ideal substitute in recipes. Additionally, nasturtium leaves are typically bigger and thicker than watercress, so they can provide more flavor and nutrition to a dish.
When using nasturtium leaves as a substitution for watercress, simply chop the leaves and add them to the recipe as you would watercress. While they might not look so appetizing at first glance, nasturtium leaves are an easy way to add flavor and nutrition to your dishes, so don’t be afraid to experiment with them in your cooking!
Cabbage
Cabbage is a common and inexpensive leafy green that can be used as a substitute for watercress. It is readily available in most grocery stores and has a sweet, cabbage-y flavor.
Cabbage is also a good source of vitamin C and other antioxidants. Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage have been shown to reduce the risk of cancer, so cabbage is a healthy choice as well.
When substituting cabbage for watercress, remember that cabbage is denser and will take longer to cook. In general, you will need about twice as much cabbage as you would watercress to achieve the same result.
Purslane
Purslane is a great substitute for watercress in many dishes. It has a similar taste, with a slightly sour and slightly bitter flavor and a crispy texture. Additionally, purslane is rich in vitamin C, making it a healthy option. Also, this plant is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
When using purslane as a substitute for watercress, keep in mind that it may need to be cooked slightly longer to soften the leaves. Otherwise, purslane makes a great replacement in any dish.
FAQs
What does watercress taste like?
Watercress is a peppery, tangy green that is often used in salads or as a garnish. It has a sharp, pungent flavor that is reminiscent of horseradish or mustard.
To prevent the peppery flavor from becoming too overwhelming, people usually add watercress to dishes in small amounts.
Is watercress healthy?
Watercress is a good source of vitamins A and C and also contains a high level of iron, which is essential for healthy blood cells. In addition, watercress is a low-calorie food that is rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals.
These nutrients help to protect the body against disease and promote healthy cell growth. As a result, watercress is an excellent choice for those who are looking to improve their overall health.
Conclusion
Watercress has many substitutes that have unique attributes of their own. They each have various health benefits and eccentricities in taste that will make your salads even more exciting.
With all the substitutes available, there’s no reason for you to not love watercress. So go out and try some of these delicious greens for yourself! You might just find a new favorite!