Substitute for Arugula: 4 Peppery Green Alternatives
The best substitute for arugula is Watercress at a 1:1 ratio. It works best for salads, sandwiches, garnishing. There are 3 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Watercress
1:1
Similar peppery bite with a slightly more delicate leaf. Excellent in salads and sandwiches. Equally perishable.
What are the other substitutes for arugula?
Baby Spinach
1:1
Milder and sweeter than arugula with no peppery kick. Works when you want the green base without the bite.
Endive (frisee)
1:1
Mildly bitter with a crisp, frilly texture. Provides visual interest and a pleasant bitterness similar to arugula.
Radish Sprouts
1:1
Intensely peppery and spicy. Use less if you find arugula already bold. Excellent as a garnish or in sandwiches.
What should you know before substituting arugula?
Arugula is best eaten raw or very lightly wilted. It becomes bitter and limp when overcooked. Add it to hot dishes like pasta or pizza after plating, just before serving, so it wilts gently from residual heat.
How do you substitute arugula in a recipe?
A peppery, slightly bitter salad green with a distinctive mustard-like bite. Popular in Italian cuisine, used in salads, on pizza, in pesto, and as a sandwich green. Wilts quickly under heat.
The best substitute for arugula depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Watercress (1:1), which works well for salads, sandwiches, garnishing.
If you need a different option, Baby Spinach (1:1) is another reliable choice. Milder and sweeter than arugula with no peppery kick. Works when you want the green base without the bite.
When substituting arugula, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and FoodSafety.gov. See our testing methodology for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tastes like arugula?
Watercress is the closest match at a 1:1 ratio, sharing arugula's peppery bite and delicate leaf structure. Radish sprouts also deliver a similar spicy kick.
Can I substitute spinach for arugula?
Yes, at a 1:1 ratio. Baby spinach works as a milder alternative but will lack the distinctive peppery flavor. Add a tiny pinch of black pepper to approximate arugula's bite.