Out of Arugula, one case
Baby arugula substitute
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Watercress
Same amount as the arugula
The best baby arugula substitutes are watercress (1:1 ratio) for similar peppery flavor, baby spinach (1:1 ratio) for mild taste, or mizuna (1:1 ratio) for Asian-inspired dishes. Watercress is the closest match to baby arugula's delicate texture and subtle peppery flavor.
- Best for —
- fresh salads
One casethe full arugula card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of arugula |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Watercressfresh salads | Same amount |
| 2 | Baby spinachmild salads | Same amount |
| 3 | MizunaAsian-inspired dishes | Same amount |
| 4 | Baby kaledelicate salads | Same amount |
| 5 | Baby charddelicate salads | Same amount |
| 6 | Microgreensgarnish applications | Same amount |
Watercress
similar subtle peppery flavor
Peppery, leafy green with similar delicate texture and subtle peppery flavor
- Best for
- fresh salads, garnish applications, delicate dishes, peppery flavor needs
- Texture
- identical delicate leaves
- Baby arugula tips
- Use exactly like baby arugula - no adjustments needed. Pairs well with delicate flavors.
Very similar to baby arugula in both flavor and texture. Good substitute for most delicate applications.
Baby spinach
mild and sweet
Mild, tender leafy green with similar delicate texture but much milder flavor
- Best for
- mild salads, delicate dishes, sensitive palates, gentle cooking
- Texture
- similar delicate leaves
- Baby arugula tips
- Add extra herbs or spices to compensate for milder flavor. Works well with delicate dressings.
Much milder than baby arugula but similar delicate texture. Good for people who don't like spicy greens.
Mizuna
similar subtle peppery flavor
Japanese leafy green with similar delicate texture and subtle peppery flavor
- Best for
- Asian-inspired dishes, delicate salads, garnish applications, fusion cuisine
- Texture
- similar delicate leaves
- Baby arugula tips
- Good for Asian-inspired dishes. Pairs well with delicate Asian flavors and dressings.
Very similar to baby arugula in flavor and texture. Excellent for Asian and fusion dishes.
Baby kale
mild and earthy
Tender, young kale with similar delicate texture but different flavor profile
- Best for
- delicate salads, gentle cooking, nutritious dishes, mild flavor needs
- Texture
- similar delicate leaves
- Baby arugula tips
- Massage gently with lemon juice to tenderize further. Works well in delicate salads.
Different flavor than baby arugula but similar delicate texture. Good for nutritious applications.
Baby chard
mild and slightly earthy
Tender, young Swiss chard with similar delicate texture and mild flavor
- Best for
- delicate salads, gentle cooking, colorful dishes, mild flavor needs
- Texture
- similar delicate leaves
- Baby arugula tips
- Use the tender leaves and stems. Adds beautiful color contrast to salads.
Different flavor than baby arugula but similar delicate texture. Adds beautiful color to dishes.
Microgreens
intense and concentrated
Tiny, tender greens with intense flavor and delicate texture
- Best for
- garnish applications, delicate salads, presentation dishes, flavor accents
- Texture
- very delicate and tiny
- Baby arugula tips
- Use sparingly due to intense flavor. Good for garnish and presentation.
Very different from baby arugula - much more intense flavor and smaller size.
The longer answer
About this case
Baby arugula is the tender, young version of arugula with a milder flavor and more delicate texture than mature arugula. When you need a substitute, choosing the right alternative depends on maintaining that delicate, tender quality while preserving the subtle peppery flavor.
Notes on arugula
- Fresh saladsWatercress, Baby Spinach, MizunaFor delicate salads where tender texture is importantWatercress provides the most authentic baby arugula experience; Baby spinach is mild and won't overpower other ingredients; Mizuna adds subtle peppery flavor good for Asian-inspired salads; Handle all greens gently to prevent bruising
- Garnish applicationsWatercress, Mizuna, MicrogreensFor delicate garnishes where appearance and texture matterWatercress has small, tender leaves good for garnishing; Mizuna provides beautiful, delicate leaves for decoration; Microgreens add intense flavor and visual appeal; Use sparingly to avoid overwhelming other flavors
- Delicate cookingBaby Spinach, Baby Kale, Baby ChardFor gentle cooking methods where tender texture is maintainedBaby spinach wilts quickly and works well with gentle heat; Baby kale needs gentle massaging to tenderize further; Baby chard adds color and mild flavor; Add at the very end of cooking to preserve texture
- Sensitive palatesBaby Spinach, Baby Kale, Baby ChardFor people who don't like spicy or bitter greensBaby spinach is the mildest option; Baby kale provides nutrition without strong flavor; Baby chard adds color and mild taste; All are gentle on sensitive palates
Subtle peppery
Maintains baby arugula's subtle peppery flavor
Best substitutes: Watercress, Mizuna
Characteristics
- Mild peppery notes
- Delicate flavor
- Subtle spice
- Gentle heat
Best uses: Delicate salads, Garnish applications, Mild dishes, Sensitive palates
Mild and sweet
Provides mild, sweet flavor without peppery notes
Best substitutes: Baby Spinach, Baby Kale, Baby Chard
Characteristics
- Mild, sweet flavor
- Delicate texture
- Gentle taste
- No spice or heat
Best uses: Mild salads, Sensitive palates, Delicate dishes, Sweet applications
Intense and concentrated
Provides intense flavor in small amounts
Best substitutes: Microgreens
Characteristics
- Intense flavor
- Concentrated taste
- Small size
- Strong impact
Best uses: Garnish applications, Flavor accents, Presentation dishes, Small portions
Gentle wilted method
For delicate greens that need gentle cooking
Steps
- Heat a small amount of olive oil in a pan over low heat
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds
- Add delicate greens and toss gently
- Cook for 1-2 minutes until just wilted
- Season with salt and pepper
- Serve immediately
Tips
- Use low heat to prevent overcooking
- Work quickly to preserve texture
- Don't overcrowd the pan
- Add greens in batches if needed
Fresh salad method
For delicate greens used fresh in salads
Steps
- Wash greens thoroughly in cold water
- Dry gently with paper towels or salad spinner
- Tear larger leaves into bite-sized pieces
- Add to salad bowl with other ingredients
- Toss gently with dressing
- Serve immediately
Tips
- Handle greens gently to prevent bruising
- Dry thoroughly to prevent wilting
- Tear rather than cut to preserve texture
- Add dressing just before serving
Garnish method
For delicate greens used as garnish
Steps
- Wash and dry greens thoroughly
- Select the most tender, good leaves
- Arrange gently on the dish
- Use sparingly to avoid overwhelming
- Serve immediately
Tips
- Choose the most good leaves
- Handle with care to prevent damage
- Use sparingly for best effect
- Arrange artistically for presentation
Watercress and pear salad
Fresh salad method
Delicate salad with watercress, pears, and walnuts
Key ingredients: Watercress, Pears, Walnuts, Blue cheese, Honey vinaigrette
- Substitute
- Watercress (1:1 ratio)
- Cooking time
- 10 minutes
Baby spinach and strawberry salad
Fresh salad method
Mild salad with baby spinach, strawberries, and almonds
Key ingredients: Baby spinach, Strawberries, Almonds, Feta cheese, Balsamic vinaigrette
- Substitute
- Baby Spinach (1:1 ratio)
- Cooking time
- 10 minutes
Mizuna Asian salad
Fresh salad method
Asian-inspired salad with mizuna and sesame dressing
Key ingredients: Mizuna, Cucumber, Radishes, Sesame seeds, Sesame dressing
- Substitute
- Mizuna (1:1 ratio)
- Cooking time
- 10 minutes
Gentle wilted baby kale
Gentle wilted method
Delicately wilted baby kale with garlic and lemon
Key ingredients: Baby kale, Garlic, Lemon juice, Olive oil, Salt and pepper
- Substitute
- Baby Kale (1:1 ratio)
- Cooking time
- 5 minutes
Overcooking delicate greens
- Solution
- Add delicate greens at the very end of cooking, off the heat, and toss gently until just wilted.
- Prevention
- Use gentle heat and work quickly to preserve texture
Not handling greens gently
- Solution
- Handle delicate greens with care to prevent bruising and damage.
- Prevention
- Use your hands gently and avoid rough handling
Using too much intense substitute
- Solution
- Use intense greens like microgreens sparingly to avoid overwhelming other flavors.
- Prevention
- Start with small amounts and taste as you build your dish
Not considering flavor intensity
- Solution
- Choose substitutes based on the flavor profile you want. Watercress for peppery, baby spinach for mild.
- Prevention
- Taste your substitute before using and adjust other ingredients accordingly
Vegan
Recommendations
- All baby arugula substitutes work well in vegan dishes
- Use vegan dressings and toppings
- Watercress and mizuna are excellent for vegan salads
- Baby spinach works well with vegan cheese alternatives
Raw food
Recommendations
- All substitutes work well in raw food preparations
- Use fresh, organic greens when possible
- Watercress and mizuna are good for raw salads
- Baby spinach works well in raw smoothies and salads
Low-sodium
Recommendations
- All substitutes work well in low-sodium diets
- Use herbs and spices instead of salt for flavor
- Watercress and mizuna add flavor without sodium
- Baby spinach is naturally low in sodium
Questions
8 questionsWhat's the best substitute for baby arugula?
Watercress is the best substitute for baby arugula. It has almost identical delicate texture and subtle peppery flavor, making it a good 1:1 replacement for all delicate applications.
Can I use baby spinach instead of baby arugula?
Yes, baby spinach works well as a baby arugula substitute, but it has a much milder flavor. It's especially good for people who don't like spicy greens and works well in delicate, mild dishes.
What's the difference between baby arugula and regular arugula?
Baby arugula is the young, tender version of arugula with a milder flavor and more delicate texture than mature arugula. It's harvested earlier and has smaller, more tender leaves.
Can I use mizuna as a baby arugula substitute?
Yes, mizuna is an excellent substitute for baby arugula. It has similar delicate texture and subtle peppery flavor, making it good for Asian-inspired dishes and delicate applications.
How do I prepare baby kale as a baby arugula substitute?
Baby kale can work as a baby arugula substitute, but it needs gentle massaging with lemon juice and salt to tenderize it further. This makes it more similar to baby arugula's delicate texture.
Can I use microgreens as a baby arugula substitute?
Microgreens can work as a baby arugula substitute, but they have much more intense flavor and smaller size. Use them sparingly for garnish and flavor accents rather than as a main ingredient.
What's the best way to store baby arugula substitutes?
Store all baby arugula substitutes in the refrigerator wrapped in damp paper towels. Use within 3-5 days for best flavor and texture. Handle gently to prevent bruising.
Can I cook baby arugula substitutes?
Yes, but cook them very gently. Add delicate greens at the very end of cooking, off the heat, and toss gently until just wilted. Overcooking will destroy their delicate texture.