Out of Parsley, one case
Parsley substitute for cooking
7 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Cilantro
Same amount as the parsley
The best parsley substitutes for cooking are cilantro, chives, dill, or basil using a 1:1 ratio. For pasta, use basil or oregano. For meatballs, use chives or dill. For soup, use thyme or oregano.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- soups
One casethe full parsley card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of parsley | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cilantrosoups | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Chivesmeatballs | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Dillfish dishes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Basilpasta dishes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Oreganopasta sauces | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Thymesoups | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 7 | Celery leavessoups | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Cilantro
different taste, similar texture
Cilantro works well as a parsley substitute in many cooked dishes, especially those with Asian or Latin American influences.
- Best for
- soups, stews, rice dishes, when you want fresh herb flavor, Asian and Latin American dishes
Cilantro has a more pronounced, citrusy flavor than parsley. Add at the end of cooking for best flavor.
Chives
different taste, similar texture
Chives are excellent for meatballs, potatoes, and savory dishes where you want a mild onion flavor.
- Best for
- meatballs, potatoes, eggs, savory dishes, when you want mild onion flavor
Chives have a mild onion flavor that complements many savory dishes. They work particularly well in meat-based recipes.
Dill
different taste, similar texture
Dill is good for fish dishes, vegetables, and soups where you want a fresh, tangy flavor.
- Best for
- fish dishes, vegetables, soups, when you want fresh, tangy flavor
Dill has a more pronounced flavor than parsley, so use sparingly and adjust to taste.
Basil
different taste, similar texture
Basil is ideal for pasta dishes, Italian cuisine, and Mediterranean cooking where you want a sweet, aromatic flavor.
- Best for
- pasta dishes, Italian cuisine, Mediterranean cooking, when you want sweet herb flavor
Basil has a sweeter flavor than parsley and works best in dishes where sweetness is welcome.
Oregano
different taste, similar texture
Oregano is good for pasta sauces, soups, and Mediterranean dishes where you want a robust, earthy flavor.
- Best for
- pasta sauces, soups, Mediterranean dishes, Italian recipes, when you want robust herb flavor
Oregano has a stronger flavor than parsley, so start with slightly less and adjust to taste.
Thyme
different taste, similar texture
Thyme works well in soups, stews, and roasted dishes where you want an earthy, slightly minty flavor.
- Best for
- soups, stews, roasted vegetables, meat dishes, when you want earthy flavor
Thyme has a more pronounced flavor than parsley, so use sparingly and adjust to taste.
Celery leaves
different taste, similar texture
Celery leaves work well in soups, stews, and cooked dishes where you want a mild, fresh flavor.
- Best for
- soups, stews, cooked dishes, when you want mild fresh flavor
Celery leaves have a milder flavor than parsley but work well in cooked dishes.
How it behaves in this recipe
When cooking with parsley substitutes, consider the specific dish and its flavor profile. Different herbs work better in different applications - basil for Italian dishes, dill for fish, chives for meatballs. The key is matching the herb's characteristics to your dish's needs.
Tips for substituting parsley
8 tips- For pasta dishes, basil or oregano work best as parsley substitutes
- For meatballs, chives or dill provide excellent flavor and texture
- For soups, thyme or oregano add depth and complexity
- For fish dishes, dill is the traditional choice and works well
- For Italian dishes, basil or oregano are more authentic than parsley
- Add fresh herbs at the end of cooking to preserve their flavor and color
- For dried herbs, use the same ratio as fresh herbs
- Consider the overall flavor profile of your dish when choosing a substitute
Notes on parsley
- Use a combination of herbs to mimic parsley's flavor profile
- Consider using parsley stems and leaves for maximum flavor
- Use different herbs for different parts of the same dish
- Grow your own herbs for a constant fresh supply
- Use herb blends like Italian seasoning or herbes de Provence
Questions
8 questionsWhat's the best parsley substitute for pasta?
The best parsley substitute for pasta is basil or oregano using a 1:1 ratio. Basil works well for lighter pasta dishes, while oregano is good for heartier sauces and Italian recipes.
What's the best parsley substitute for meatballs?
The best parsley substitute for meatballs is chives or dill using a 1:1 ratio. Chives provide a mild onion flavor, while dill adds a fresh, tangy taste that complements the meat well.
What's the best parsley substitute for soup?
The best parsley substitute for soup is thyme or oregano using a 1:1 ratio. These herbs add depth and complexity to soups and work well in both fresh and dried forms.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley in cooking?
Yes, you can use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley in cooking. Use a 1:1 ratio for other dried herbs, or use 1/3 the amount of dried parsley (1 tsp dried = 1 tbsp fresh).
What's the best parsley substitute for fish dishes?
The best parsley substitute for fish dishes is dill using a 1:1 ratio. Dill is the traditional choice for fish and provides a fresh, tangy flavor that complements seafood well.
Can I use Italian seasoning as a parsley substitute?
Yes, Italian seasoning can work as a parsley substitute in many cooked dishes, as it often contains parsley along with other herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
What's the best parsley substitute for lasagna?
The best parsley substitute for lasagna is basil or oregano using a 1:1 ratio. These herbs are more traditional in Italian cuisine and complement the rich flavors of lasagna well.
Can I use multiple herbs as a parsley substitute?
Yes, you can use a combination of herbs as a parsley substitute. This can help balance flavors and create a more complex taste profile similar to parsley.