Out of Parsley, one case
Herb substitute for parsley - fresh & dried alternatives
10 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Cilantro
Same amount as the parsley
The best herb substitutes for parsley are cilantro, chives, dill, basil, oregano, and thyme using a 1:1 ratio. For dried herbs, use the same ratio, but for fresh to dried conversion, use 3:1 (3 parts fresh = 1 part dried).
- 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 | Chivesgarnishing | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Dillfish dishes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | BasilItalian dishes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Oreganocooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Thymecooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 7 | Mintsalads | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 8 | Arugulasalads | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 9 | Celery leavessoups | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 10 | TarragonFrench dishes | 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.
Chives
different taste, similar texture
Chives offer a mild onion flavor and similar texture to parsley, making them an excellent substitute in many dishes.
- Best for
- garnishing, savory dishes, potatoes, eggs, soups, when you want mild onion flavor
Chives have a mild onion flavor that's different from 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 parsley substitute, especially in fish and vegetable dishes.
- Best for
- fish dishes, vegetables, salads, 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 offers a sweet, aromatic flavor that can substitute for parsley in many dishes, especially Italian and Mediterranean cuisine.
- Best for
- Italian dishes, pasta sauces, pizza, 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 provides a robust, earthy flavor that can work as a parsley substitute in cooked dishes and Mediterranean cuisine.
- Best for
- cooking, soups, sauces, 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 offers an earthy, slightly minty flavor that can substitute for parsley in many cooked applications.
- Best for
- cooking, 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.
Mint
different taste, similar texture
Mint provides a fresh, cooling flavor that can work as a parsley substitute in certain applications, especially salads and fresh dishes.
- 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.
Arugula
different taste and texture
Arugula provides a peppery, fresh flavor that can work as a parsley substitute in salads and fresh applications.
- Best for
- salads, fresh applications, garnishing, when you want peppery flavor
Arugula has a peppery flavor that's quite different from parsley but works well in fresh applications.
Celery leaves
different taste, similar texture
Celery leaves offer a mild, fresh flavor that can work as a parsley substitute in many dishes.
- Best for
- soups, stews, cooking, when you want mild fresh flavor
Celery leaves have a milder flavor than parsley but work well in cooked dishes.
Tarragon
different taste, similar texture
Tarragon provides a sweet, anise-like flavor that can work as a parsley substitute in certain applications, especially French cuisine.
- Best for
- French dishes, sauces, when you want sweet, anise-like flavor
Tarragon has a very distinct flavor that's quite different from parsley, so use sparingly and consider your dish's flavor profile.
How it behaves in this recipe
When choosing herb substitutes for parsley, consider both the flavor profile and the application. Fresh herbs work best for garnishing and fresh applications, while dried herbs work well in cooked dishes. The key is matching the herb's characteristics to your dish's needs.
Tips for substituting parsley
8 tips- For garnishing, cilantro or chives work best as parsley substitutes
- For cooking, oregano, thyme, or basil work well as parsley substitutes
- Fresh herbs are more potent than dried, so adjust quantities accordingly
- Add fresh herbs at the end of cooking to preserve their flavor and color
- When substituting herbs, consider the overall flavor profile of your dish
- Some herbs work better in certain cuisines - cilantro for Asian/Latin, basil for Italian
- For dried herbs, use the same ratio as fresh herbs
- For fresh to dried conversion, use 3:1 ratio (3 parts fresh = 1 part dried)
Notes on parsley
- Use a combination of herbs to mimic parsley's flavor profile
- Grow your own herbs for a constant fresh supply
- Use herb blends like Italian seasoning or herbes de Provence
- Consider using parsley stems and leaves for maximum flavor
- Use different herbs for different parts of the same dish
Questions
8 questionsWhat herbs can I substitute for parsley?
The best herb substitutes for parsley are cilantro, chives, dill, basil, oregano, and thyme using a 1:1 ratio. Each has a different flavor profile, so choose based on your dish's needs.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?
Yes, you can use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley. Use a 1:1 ratio for other dried herbs, or use 1/3 the amount of dried parsley (1 tsp dried = 1 tbsp fresh).
Which herb is closest to parsley?
Cilantro is often considered the closest to parsley in terms of texture and fresh quality, though it has a more pronounced, citrusy flavor. Chives are also very close in texture and mildness.
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.
Which herbs work best for garnishing instead of parsley?
Cilantro, chives, and dill work best for garnishing instead of parsley. They have similar texture and fresh quality that makes them visually appealing as garnishes.
Can I use Italian seasoning as a parsley substitute?
Yes, Italian seasoning can work as a parsley substitute in cooked dishes, as it often contains parsley along with other herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
Which herbs work best in Mediterranean dishes instead of parsley?
Oregano, thyme, and basil work best in Mediterranean dishes instead of parsley. These herbs are more traditional in Mediterranean cuisine and complement the flavors well.
Can I grow my own herbs as parsley substitutes?
Yes, growing your own herbs is an excellent way to have fresh parsley substitutes available. Most herbs are easy to grow and can provide a constant supply of fresh flavor.