Out of Basil, one case
Basil substitutes for pesto
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Spinach
Same amount as the basil
The best basil substitutes for pesto are Spinach, Arugula, Parsley, and Oregano. Use 1:1 ratio. For the best flavor, try spinach or arugula, depending on your taste preference.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- pesto
One casethe full basil card
Every option, one card
RankedSpinach
different taste, similar texture
Spinach provides a similar fresh, slightly bitter flavor to basil. Good for pesto where you want a mild, green herb presence with a smooth texture.
- Best for
- pesto, when you want mild flavor, smooth texture, green herbs, mild herbs
Spinach has a similar fresh quality to basil but with a milder taste. It works well in most pesto applications and provides a smooth texture.
Arugula
different taste, similar texture
Arugula provides a similar peppery, slightly bitter flavor to basil. Good for pesto where you want a bold, peppery herb presence with a unique taste.
- Best for
- pesto, when you want peppery flavor, bold taste, peppery herbs, unique flavor
Arugula has a similar peppery quality to basil but with a more pronounced bitterness. It works well in many pesto applications and provides a unique flavor.
Parsley
different taste, similar texture
Parsley provides a similar fresh, slightly bitter flavor to basil. Good for pesto where you want a fresh herb presence with a mild taste.
- Best for
- pesto, when you want fresh flavor, mild taste, fresh herbs, mild herbs
Parsley has a similar fresh quality to basil but with a more pronounced bitterness. It works well in many pesto applications and provides a fresh flavor.
Oregano
different taste, similar texture
Oregano provides a similar earthy, slightly bitter flavor to basil. Good for pesto where you want a robust herb presence with a strong taste.
- Best for
- pesto, when you want earthy flavor, robust taste, earthy herbs, strong herbs
Oregano has a similar earthy quality to basil but with a more pronounced bitterness. It works well in many pesto applications and provides a robust flavor.
Cilantro
different taste, similar texture
Cilantro provides a similar fresh, slightly citrusy flavor to basil. Good for pesto where you want a bright herb presence with a unique taste.
- Best for
- pesto, when you want citrusy flavor, bright taste, citrusy herbs, unique flavor
Cilantro has a similar fresh quality to basil but with a more pronounced citrusy flavor. It works well in many pesto applications and provides a bright flavor.
How it behaves in this recipe
Basil is commonly used in pesto for its flavor and texture. The recommended substitutes work because they provide similar fresh qualities and can be used in the same applications, though they may offer different flavor profiles that can enhance or change the character of your pesto.
Tips for substituting basil
5 tips- For pesto, basil provides flavor and texture, so choose substitutes that offer similar properties
- When substituting in pesto, spinach or arugula work well as substitutes for basil
- For traditional pesto, spinach provides the most similar texture to basil
- In pesto, the substitute should be well-mixed to ensure smooth consistency
- For the best results, consider the flavor profile of your pesto when choosing a substitute
Notes on basil
- For a completely different approach, try using other leafy herbs like kale or chard
- In some applications, you could use a combination of different herbs to achieve a similar flavor profile
- For pesto, consider using other green vegetables like broccoli or peas as a base
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best substitute for basil in pesto?
Spinach, arugula, and parsley work well as substitutes for basil in pesto. Use a 1:1 ratio and consider the flavor profile of your pesto when choosing.
Can I use spinach instead of basil in pesto?
Yes, spinach can substitute for basil in pesto using a 1:1 ratio. It has a similar fresh quality and smooth texture, making it good for most pesto applications.
What's the difference between basil and spinach in pesto?
Basil has a sweet, slightly minty flavor, while spinach has a milder, more neutral taste. Both work well in pesto, but spinach provides a smoother texture.
Can I substitute arugula for basil in pesto?
Yes, arugula can substitute for basil in pesto using a 1:1 ratio. It has a similar peppery quality, though it has a more pronounced bitterness.
Do I need to adjust the recipe when substituting for basil in pesto?
Generally no, but consider that different herbs may have different flavors. You may want to adjust other ingredients in your pesto recipe if using different substitutes.