What's the Closest Thing to Arugula? Discover the Best Substitutes

December 13, 2025 •

4 min read

Arugula, a member of the Brassicaceae family alongside broccoli and kale, is cherished for its bold, peppery flavor. Whether you are out of arugula, find its sharp taste too strong, or simply want variety, there are numerous excellent substitutes that can replicate its signature notes.

Quick Summary

The most comparable peppery flavor and texture to arugula come from watercress or mustard greens. For a milder taste, baby spinach is an excellent, versatile choice. The best alternative depends on whether you are using it raw or in a cooked dish.

Key Points

Watercress is the top flavor match: It offers a peppery and tangy bite most similar to arugula, making it ideal for raw dishes.
Baby spinach offers versatility: With a milder, earthy flavor and tender texture, baby spinach can be used in almost any recipe, from salads to soups.
Mustard greens provide a spicier kick: For those who want a more intense peppery flavor, mustard greens are an excellent, more pungent substitute.
Consider your cooking method: Delicate substitutes like watercress are best for raw applications, while heartier greens like kale and Swiss chard are better for cooking.
Match the right flavor profile: When substituting, decide whether you need a peppery, mild, or bitter flavor to guide your choice among greens like watercress, spinach, and curly endive.
Don't forget texture: The texture of the green can be as important as its flavor; alternatives like endive offer a crispness, while spinach is more tender.

Watercress: The Closest Match for Flavor and Texture

For many, watercress is the most direct and closest substitute for arugula, especially when replicating its signature peppery flavor. As another member of the cruciferous family, watercress provides a similar, albeit sharper, peppery bite with a slightly tangy finish. Its delicate, tender leaves and stems also have a comparable texture to arugula, making it ideal for the following applications:

Raw salads, where its flavor can truly shine.
Sandwiches and wraps, adding a fresh, zesty layer.
Pureed into dressings or pesto for a spicy kick.

Mustard Greens: For a More Intense Peppery Bite

If you love arugula's peppery character and want to amplify it, mustard greens are a fantastic option. These greens have a more intense, sharp, and spicy flavor that some compare to wasabi. Like arugula, the flavor mellows significantly when cooked.

Here’s how to use mustard greens as a substitute:

Raw: Use sparingly in salads or thinly sliced to add a powerful, pungent flavor.
Cooked: Sauté or stir-fry mustard greens for a milder flavor and softer texture in hot dishes.

Baby Spinach: The Mild and Versatile Alternative

For those who find arugula's flavor overpowering, or simply need a more widely available alternative, baby spinach is a top contender. It offers a milder, earthy, and slightly sweeter taste profile with a tender texture, making it incredibly versatile.

Baby spinach can be used as a seamless substitute in almost any recipe calling for arugula:

In salads, either alone or as part of a mixed green base.
Added to soups, where it wilts down nicely.
Blended into pesto or sauces for a creamy consistency.
As a topping on pizza, sandwiches, and egg dishes.

Comparison Table: Arugula Alternatives at a Glance


Substitute	Flavor Profile	Best Use	Notes
Watercress	Peppery, tangy, slightly sharp	Raw salads, sandwiches, pesto	Closest flavor match to arugula.
Mustard Greens	Intense, spicy, peppery	Cooked dishes, raw (in moderation)	Stronger flavor than arugula; mellows with heat.
Baby Spinach	Mild, earthy, slightly sweet	Raw or cooked; salads, soups, pizza	Excellent versatile option for a less intense flavor.
Baby Kale	Milder, slight peppery taste	Raw (massaged), cooked dishes	More robust texture than arugula; great for soups and sautés.
Dandelion Greens	Slightly bitter, earthy	Cooked, balanced with acid	A good substitute if bitterness is desired; best cooked.
Curly Endive	Bitter, crisp	Raw salads	The texture provides a nice contrast in salads.

Other Notable Arugula Substitutes

Beyond the primary alternatives, other greens offer specific characteristics that can work well depending on the recipe.

For Salads and Fresh Garnishes

Radish Sprouts: These tiny sprouts deliver a powerful, peppery flavor that can stand in for arugula as a garnish on sandwiches or grain bowls.
Mâche (Lamb's Lettuce): With a mild, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor, mâche works well when you need a tender, non-peppery green for fresh salads.
Escarole: This slightly bitter, leafy green is a staple in Italian cuisine and holds up well in both raw salads and cooked dishes.

For Cooking and Hearty Dishes

Baby Kale: A healthier and more robust option than baby spinach, baby kale has a milder, slightly peppery flavor and holds up better to heat in soups, stews, and pasta dishes.
Swiss Chard: Its large, sturdy leaves can be used in stir-fries and sautés. Raw Swiss chard is more bitter but mellows considerably when cooked.
Bok Choy: A mild, crisp Chinese cabbage that is a great textural substitute, especially in stir-fries.

How to Choose the Right Arugula Substitute

The best arugula substitute for you will depend on the specific dish and your personal taste. Consider these questions to guide your decision:

Are you seeking the peppery flavor? If yes, choose watercress or mustard greens. Watercress is a near-perfect match for raw preparations, while mustard greens provide more punch, especially when cooked.
Do you prefer a milder taste? If arugula's strong flavor isn't your favorite, go for baby spinach or mâche. They offer a softer texture and earthy sweetness that won't overpower other ingredients.
Is it for a cooked dish? For hot dishes like pasta or pizza toppings, sturdier greens like baby kale or Swiss chard will hold their structure better than delicate arugula.
Is it for a raw salad? For fresh salads, watercress, endive, or baby spinach are all great options, offering different flavor and texture profiles to experiment with.

Conclusion: Your Guide to a Perfect Arugula Replacement

While nothing perfectly replicates the unique flavor of arugula, the wide variety of leafy greens available means you never have to settle. Watercress is the undeniable closest relative for a peppery kick, while baby spinach offers unmatched versatility and a milder taste. By understanding the different flavor and texture profiles of each alternative, you can confidently choose a substitute that enhances your recipe. Explore these options and discover a new favorite leafy green for your culinary creations.

For more information on the nutrient density of various greens, consider visiting the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's food rankings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Watercress is widely considered the closest green to arugula in taste, offering a peppery, slightly spicy bite that is very similar to arugula's signature flavor.

Yes, baby spinach is an excellent substitute for arugula, especially if you prefer a milder, less peppery flavor. It works well in salads, sandwiches, and cooked dishes.

'Rocket' is simply another name for arugula, used in the UK, Australia, and other countries. They are the exact same vegetable, so they are perfectly interchangeable.

For cooked dishes like soups, stir-fries, or pasta, baby kale or Swiss chard are good substitutes. Their sturdier leaves hold up better to heat than arugula and provide a similar earthy flavor.

Baby spinach is a great substitute for arugula in pesto, providing a creamy texture and mild flavor. You can also use watercress for a spicier, more pungent pesto.

Mustard greens have a similar peppery flavor to arugula but are more pungent and intense. This strong flavor mellows out when cooked, making them a good option for hot dishes.

If you don't like the peppery flavor, good substitutes include baby spinach or mâche (lamb's lettuce). Both have milder, sweeter, or nutty flavor profiles.