🥬 Vegetables & Aromatics

Best Watercress Substitutes: Top 6 Alternatives Ranked

Discover the best watercress substitutes ranked by flavor similarity, availability, and versatility. Learn about arugula, baby spinach, mustard greens, and other top alternatives.

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Quick Answer

The best watercress substitutes are Arugula (#1), Baby Spinach (#2), and Mustard Greens (#3). Arugula has identical peppery flavor, baby spinach offers mild versatility, and mustard greens provide similar peppery notes. Each works perfectly in different applications.

Best Substitutes

Arugula

1:1

Arugula is the #1 best substitute for watercress. It has virtually identical peppery flavor and delicate texture, making it perfect for all watercress applications. Widely available and versatile.

Best for:

fresh saladssoupsgarnishesall watercress applications

Arugula is the top choice because it has virtually identical peppery flavor to watercress and works perfectly in all recipes.

Baby Spinach

1:1

Baby spinach is the #2 best substitute for watercress. It provides a milder flavor but similar texture and appearance, making it perfect for family-friendly recipes and sensitive palates.

Best for:

fresh saladssoupsfamily-friendly recipeswhen you want milder flavor

Baby spinach is the second choice because it has similar texture and appearance to watercress but with a milder flavor that's more universally appealing.

Mustard Greens

1:1

Mustard greens are the #3 best substitute for watercress. They provide a similar peppery flavor with a slightly different texture, making them perfect for hearty dishes and Asian-inspired recipes.

Best for:

hearty saladssoupsAsian-inspired recipeswhen you want peppery flavor

Mustard greens are the third choice because they have a similar peppery flavor to watercress with a slightly different texture that works well in robust dishes.

Radish Greens

1:1

Radish greens are the #4 best substitute for watercress. They offer a similar peppery flavor with a slightly different texture, making them perfect for adding peppery notes to dishes.

Best for:

fresh saladsgarnishesunique combinationswhen you want peppery flavor

Radish greens are the fourth choice because they have a similar peppery flavor to watercress with a slightly different texture that adds unique character to dishes.

Mizuna

1:1

Mizuna is the #5 best substitute for watercress. It provides a milder peppery flavor with similar delicate texture, making it perfect for delicate dishes and Japanese-inspired recipes.

Best for:

delicate saladssoupsJapanese-inspired recipeswhen you want mild peppery flavor

Mizuna is the fifth choice because it has a milder peppery flavor than watercress with similar delicate texture that's perfect for subtle applications.

Cilantro + Parsley

1:1

A combination of cilantro and parsley is the #6 best substitute for watercress. It provides a fresh, bright flavor that works well in many dishes, perfect for those who want fresh herbs instead of peppery greens.

Best for:

fresh saladssoupsMediterranean disheswhen you want fresh herb flavor

Cilantro and parsley are the sixth choice because they provide a fresh, bright flavor that's different from watercress but works well in many applications.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Arugula is the best overall substitute because it has identical peppery flavor to watercress
  • 💡Baby spinach is the best choice for family-friendly recipes and sensitive palates
  • 💡Mustard greens work best in hearty dishes and Asian-inspired recipes
  • 💡Radish greens add unique character to dishes and work well in fresh applications
  • 💡Mizuna is perfect for delicate dishes and Japanese-inspired recipes
  • 💡Cilantro and parsley work well when you want fresh herb flavor instead of peppery greens

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best substitute for watercress?

Arugula is the best substitute for watercress. It has virtually identical peppery flavor and delicate texture, making it perfect for all watercress applications. It's widely available and versatile.

Why is arugula the best watercress substitute?

Arugula is the best watercress substitute because it has virtually identical peppery flavor and delicate texture. It works perfectly in all recipes where watercress is used and is widely available in most supermarkets.

What's the second best watercress substitute?

Baby spinach is the second best watercress substitute. It has a milder flavor but similar texture and appearance, making it perfect for family-friendly recipes and sensitive palates.

Can I use mustard greens instead of watercress?

Yes, mustard greens are the third best substitute for watercress. They have a similar peppery flavor with a slightly different texture, making them perfect for hearty dishes and Asian-inspired recipes.

Why are these substitutes ranked this way?

These substitutes are ranked based on flavor similarity, texture compatibility, availability, and versatility. Arugula ranks #1 because it's virtually identical to watercress, while others rank based on their specific strengths and applications.

Which substitute should I choose for my recipe?

Choose arugula for the closest flavor match, baby spinach for family-friendly recipes, mustard greens for hearty dishes, radish greens for unique character, mizuna for delicate applications, or cilantro and parsley for fresh herb flavor.

Summary

Discover the best watercress substitutes ranked by flavor similarity, availability, and versatility. Learn about arugula, baby spinach, mustard greens, and other top alternatives.