🌿 Spices & Herbs

Dill Substitutes: Complete Guide

Find the perfect dill substitute for any recipe - from tzatziki and pickles to salmon and salads. Complete guide with ratios, tips, and alternatives for fresh and dried dill.

✓

Quick Answer

The best dill substitutes are fennel fronds, tarragon, parsley with lemon zest, or dried dill. Use 1:1 ratio for fresh herbs, 1 tsp dried dill for 1 tbsp fresh. Choose based on your recipe type and whether you need fresh or dried dill.

Best Substitutes

Fennel Fronds

1:1

Feathery green tops of fennel with similar anise flavor and texture to dill. The closest match to fresh dill.

Best for:

fishsalmonsaladssoupsgarnishestzatzikicucumber salad

Fennel fronds are the closest flavor and texture match to fresh dill. Use in equal amounts for best results.

Fresh Tarragon

1:1

Herb with similar anise-like flavor but stronger than dill. Perfect for fish, chicken, and sauces.

Best for:

fishsalmonchickensaucessaladstzatzikiranch dressing

Tarragon has a stronger flavor than dill, so use sparingly. Start with half the amount and adjust to taste.

Parsley + Lemon Zest

1 tbsp dill = 1 tbsp parsley + 1/2 tsp lemon zest

Combination that mimics dill's fresh, bright flavor with similar texture. Great for garnishing and fresh applications.

Best for:

fishsalmonsaladsgarnishestzatzikicucumber saladpotato salad

This combination provides the brightness and freshness of dill. Mix parsley and lemon zest together before using.

Dried Dill

1 tbsp fresh dill = 1 tsp dried dill

Dehydrated version with concentrated flavor. Perfect when fresh dill isn't available or for cooking applications.

Best for:

cookingbakingspice blendspicklingsoupsdipsranch dressing

Dried dill is more concentrated than fresh. Use 1/3 the amount of fresh dill. Add early in cooking for best flavor.

Fresh Chervil

1:1

Delicate herb with mild anise flavor similar to dill but more subtle. Perfect for delicate dishes.

Best for:

fishsaladssoupsgarnisheseggslight sauces

Chervil is milder than dill but has similar flavor notes. Use in equal amounts for subtle dill-like flavor.

Dill Seeds

1 tbsp fresh dill = 1/2 tsp dill seeds

Seeds from the dill plant with stronger, more concentrated flavor. Perfect for pickling and cooking.

Best for:

picklingcookingspice blendsbreadwhen you want stronger dill flavor

Dill seeds are much stronger than fresh dill. Use sparingly and crush slightly to release flavor.

Fresh Basil

1:1

Sweet, aromatic herb with different flavor profile but similar texture. Good for Mediterranean dishes.

Best for:

saladssaucesgarnishesMediterranean disheswhen you want different herb flavor

Basil has a different flavor than dill but adds freshness and similar texture. Use in equal amounts.

Fennel Seeds

1 tbsp fresh dill = 1/2 tsp fennel seeds

Seeds with similar anise flavor to dill but stronger. Perfect for cooking and spice blends.

Best for:

cookingspice blendssausageswhen you want anise flavorMediterranean dishes

Fennel seeds have similar anise flavor to dill but are much stronger. Use sparingly and crush slightly.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡For tzatziki: Use fennel fronds or parsley-lemon combination for best texture and flavor
  • 💡For pickling: Use dill seeds or dried dill for authentic flavor
  • 💡For salmon: Fennel fronds or tarragon work best for the traditional pairing
  • 💡For fresh applications: Fennel fronds provide the closest match to fresh dill
  • 💡For cooking: Dried dill or dill seeds work better as they won't lose flavor during cooking
  • 💡When substituting dried for fresh: Use 1/3 the amount and add early in cooking
  • 💡For garnishing: Fresh herbs like fennel fronds, parsley, or chervil work best
  • 💡For ranch dressing: Dried dill or tarragon provide the best flavor
  • 💡For cucumber salad: Fresh fennel fronds or parsley-lemon combination work well
  • 💡For potato salad: Fresh herbs work best for garnishing, dried dill for flavor
  • 💡Store fresh herbs in water like flowers to keep them fresh longer
  • 💡Add fresh herbs at the end of cooking to preserve their flavor and color
  • 💡For ground spices: Toast seeds before grinding for more intense flavor
  • 💡When using herb combinations: Chop herbs together for even distribution
  • 💡For pickling: Dill seeds are traditional and provide authentic flavor

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best substitute for fresh dill?

Fennel fronds are the best substitute for fresh dill as they have the most similar flavor and texture. Use them in equal amounts (1:1 ratio) for the closest match to fresh dill.

Can I substitute dried dill for fresh dill?

Yes, you can substitute dried dill for fresh dill, but use 1/3 the amount (1 tsp dried for 1 tbsp fresh). Dried dill is more concentrated, so you need less of it to achieve similar flavor.

What's the best substitute for dill in tzatziki?

For tzatziki, fennel fronds or a combination of parsley and lemon zest work best. Fennel fronds provide the closest flavor match, while parsley-lemon gives you the brightness and texture you want.

Can I use tarragon instead of dill?

Yes, tarragon can substitute for dill as it has a similar anise-like flavor. However, tarragon is stronger than dill, so start with half the amount and adjust to taste.

What's the difference between dill weed and dill seed?

Dill weed refers to the fresh or dried leaves and stems, while dill seeds are the dried seeds from the dill plant. Dill seeds have a stronger, more concentrated flavor and are commonly used in pickling.

How much dried dill equals fresh dill?

Use 1 teaspoon dried dill for every 1 tablespoon fresh dill. Dried dill is about 3 times more concentrated than fresh dill, so you need much less of it.

What's the best substitute for dill in pickles?

For pickling, dill seeds are the most authentic substitute for fresh dill. You can also use dried dill weed. Use 1/2 teaspoon dill seeds or 1 teaspoon dried dill for every tablespoon fresh dill.

Can I substitute fennel for dill?

Yes, fennel fronds (the feathery green tops) are an excellent substitute for dill as they have very similar flavor and texture. Use fennel fronds in equal amounts to fresh dill.

What's the best substitute for dill in salmon?

For salmon, fennel fronds or tarragon work best as they complement the fish's delicate flavor. Fennel fronds provide the closest match to dill's traditional pairing with salmon.

Can I use parsley instead of dill?

Yes, parsley can substitute for dill, especially when combined with lemon zest. This combination (1 tbsp parsley + 1/2 tsp lemon zest) mimics dill's fresh, bright flavor and provides similar texture.

What's the best substitute for dill in ranch dressing?

For ranch dressing, dried dill or tarragon work best as they provide concentrated flavor. Use 1 teaspoon dried dill or 1/2 teaspoon fresh tarragon for every tablespoon fresh dill.

Can I substitute dill seed for dill weed?

Yes, but dill seeds are much stronger than dill weed (leaves). Use 1/2 teaspoon dill seeds for every 1 tablespoon fresh dill weed. Crush the seeds slightly to release more flavor.

What's the best substitute for dill in cucumber salad?

For cucumber salad, fennel fronds or parsley-lemon combination work best. They provide the fresh, bright flavor and similar texture that complements cucumbers well.

Can I freeze fresh dill?

Yes, you can freeze fresh dill. Wash and dry it thoroughly, then place in freezer bags or containers. Frozen dill works well for cooking but may lose some texture for garnishing.

What's the best substitute for dill in potato salad?

For potato salad, fresh fennel fronds or parsley work best for garnishing, while dried dill can be mixed into the dressing. This provides both visual appeal and authentic dill flavor.

Summary

Find the perfect dill substitute for any recipe - tzatziki, pickles, salmon, and more. Complete guide with ratios, cooking tips, and the best alternatives for fresh and dried dill.