Out of Parsley, one case
Can you substitute cilantro for parsley?
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Cilantro
Same amount as the parsley
Yes, you can substitute cilantro for parsley and vice versa using a 1:1 ratio. Cilantro has a more pronounced, citrusy flavor while parsley is milder and grassier. Consider your dish's flavor profile when choosing.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- garnishing
One casethe full parsley card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of parsley | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cilantrogarnishing | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Parsleygarnishing | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Chivesgarnishing | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Dillfish dishes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | BasilItalian dishes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Mintsalads | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Cilantro
different taste, similar texture
Cilantro provides a fresh, citrusy flavor that works well as a parsley substitute in most applications, especially garnishing and fresh dishes.
- Best for
- garnishing, fresh applications, salsas, Asian dishes, Mexican cuisine, when you want fresh herb flavor
Cilantro has a more pronounced, citrusy flavor than parsley. Some people have a genetic aversion to cilantro's taste, so consider your audience.
Parsley
different taste, similar texture
Parsley provides a mild, grassy flavor that can work as a cilantro substitute in many dishes, especially when you want a milder herb flavor.
- Best for
- garnishing, fresh applications, Mediterranean dishes, when you want mild herb flavor, when cilantro flavor is too strong
Parsley has a milder, grassier flavor than cilantro. It works well when you want fresh herb flavor without the citrusy notes.
Chives
different taste, similar texture
Chives offer a mild onion flavor that can work as a substitute for both cilantro and parsley in many applications.
- Best for
- garnishing, savory dishes, potatoes, eggs, soups, when you want mild onion flavor
Chives have a mild onion flavor that's different from both cilantro and parsley but works well in many of the same applications.
Dill
different taste, similar texture
Dill provides a fresh, slightly tangy flavor that can work as a substitute for both cilantro and parsley in many dishes.
- Best for
- fish dishes, vegetables, salads, soups, when you want fresh, tangy flavor
Dill has a more pronounced flavor than both cilantro and parsley, so use sparingly and adjust to taste.
Basil
different taste, similar texture
Basil offers a sweet, aromatic flavor that can substitute for both cilantro and parsley in many dishes, especially Italian cuisine.
- Best for
- Italian dishes, pasta sauces, pizza, Mediterranean cooking, when you want sweet herb flavor
Basil has a sweeter flavor than both cilantro and parsley and works best in dishes where sweetness is welcome.
Mint
different taste, similar texture
Mint provides a fresh, cooling flavor that can work as a substitute for both cilantro and parsley in certain applications.
- Best for
- salads, fresh applications, Middle Eastern dishes, when you want cooling flavor
Mint has a very different flavor profile but can work in fresh applications where you want a cooling effect.
How it behaves in this recipe
Cilantro and parsley are both fresh herbs that can be used interchangeably in many applications. The key difference is flavor intensity - cilantro is more pronounced and citrusy while parsley is milder and grassier. Choose based on your dish's flavor profile and your audience's preferences.
Tips for substituting parsley
8 tips- Cilantro works best as a parsley substitute in fresh applications and garnishing
- Parsley works best as a cilantro substitute when you want milder herb flavor
- Consider your audience - some people have a genetic aversion to cilantro's taste
- Cilantro is more common in Asian, Mexican, and Latin American cuisines
- Parsley is more common in Mediterranean, European, and Middle Eastern cuisines
- Both herbs work well in salsas, but cilantro is more traditional
- For garnishing, both herbs work equally well visually
- Cilantro tends to wilt faster than parsley, so add it closer to serving time
Notes on parsley
- Use a combination of cilantro and parsley for balanced flavor
- Consider using other fresh herbs like chives, dill, or basil
- Use cilantro stems for more intense flavor
- Use parsley stems for milder flavor
- Consider using both herbs in different parts of the same dish
Questions
8 questionsCan I substitute cilantro for parsley?
Yes, you can substitute cilantro for parsley using a 1:1 ratio. Cilantro has a more pronounced, citrusy flavor while parsley is milder and grassier. Consider your dish's flavor profile when choosing.
Can I substitute parsley for cilantro?
Yes, you can substitute parsley for cilantro using a 1:1 ratio. Parsley has a milder, grassier flavor while cilantro is more pronounced and citrusy. Parsley works well when you want a milder herb flavor.
What's the difference between cilantro and parsley?
Cilantro has a more pronounced, citrusy flavor while parsley is milder and grassier. Both have similar texture and can be used interchangeably, but cilantro is more common in Asian and Latin American cuisines.
Why do some people hate cilantro?
Some people have a genetic variation that makes cilantro taste like soap or metal. This affects about 4-14% of the population, so consider your audience when using cilantro as a substitute.
Can I use both cilantro and parsley together?
Yes, cilantro and parsley can be used together in many dishes. They complement each other well and are often used together in salsas, salads, and fresh applications.
Which is better for garnishing - cilantro or parsley?
Both cilantro and parsley work well for garnishing. Cilantro is more common in Asian and Latin American cuisines, while parsley is more common in Mediterranean and European cuisines.
Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh parsley?
Yes, you can use dried cilantro instead of fresh parsley, but use 1/3 the amount (1 tsp dried = 1 tbsp fresh). Dried cilantro has a more concentrated flavor but less vibrant taste.
Which lasts longer - cilantro or parsley?
Parsley typically lasts longer than cilantro when stored properly. Both should be stored in the refrigerator wrapped in damp paper towels, but parsley can last 1-2 weeks while cilantro lasts about 1 week.