🌿 Spices & Herbs

Summer Savory Substitute: Best Alternatives & Ratios

Discover the best summer savory substitutes for cooking and seasoning. Learn about thyme, oregano, and other herb alternatives with proper ratios and cooking tips.

✓

Quick Answer

The best summer savory substitute is thyme (1:1 ratio) or oregano (1:1 ratio). For a more complex flavor, use a combination of marjoram and basil (1 tsp summer savory = 1/2 tsp marjoram + 1/2 tsp basil).

Best Substitutes

Thyme

1:1

The closest substitute to summer savory with similar earthy, slightly minty flavor that works in most applications

Best for:

cookingbakingsoupsstewsroasted vegetables

Most similar flavor profile to summer savory, works in 90% of recipes

Oregano

1:1

Mediterranean herb with robust flavor that complements many dishes summer savory is used in

Best for:

Italian dishesMediterranean cookingpizzapasta sauces

More pungent than summer savory but works well in hearty dishes

Marjoram + Basil

1 tsp summer savory = 1/2 tsp marjoram + 1/2 tsp basil

Combination that mimics summer savory's complexity and fresh flavor profile

Best for:

summer dishesvegetable disheslight saucessalads

Best for dishes where summer savory's fresh quality is important

Marjoram

1:1

Sweet, mild herb that provides similar warmth and depth to summer savory

Best for:

soupsstewsvegetable dishesstuffing

Milder than summer savory but similar warmth

Basil

1:1

Fresh herb with slightly sweet, peppery notes that works well in summer dishes

Best for:

summer cookingvegetable disheslight saucessalads

More sweet than summer savory but works well in fresh applications

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Add summer savory substitutes towards the end of cooking to preserve their delicate flavors
  • 💡For fresh herbs, use 3 times more than dried versions
  • 💡Summer savory substitutes work best in dishes with shorter cooking times to preserve freshness
  • 💡When using oregano as a summer savory substitute, use slightly less as it's more pungent
  • 💡Thyme works particularly well in poultry and vegetable dishes that traditionally use summer savory
  • 💡For summer dishes, a combination of marjoram and basil works excellently
  • 💡In light sauces and dressings, fresh herbs work better than dried
  • 💡When substituting dried herbs for fresh summer savory, use about 1/3 the amount

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best substitute for summer savory?

Thyme is the best substitute for summer savory. It has a similar earthy, slightly minty flavor profile and works well in most dishes where summer savory is used.

Can I use oregano instead of summer savory?

Yes, oregano can work as a summer savory substitute, especially in Mediterranean dishes. However, it has a more pungent flavor, so use slightly less than the recipe calls for.

How do I substitute dried summer savory for fresh?

Use about 1/3 the amount of dried summer savory compared to fresh. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon fresh summer savory, use 1 teaspoon dried summer savory.

What herbs work best together as a summer savory substitute?

A combination of marjoram and basil (1/2 tsp each for 1 tsp summer savory) works well, as does thyme with a pinch of marjoram for added complexity.

Can I use basil instead of summer savory?

Yes, basil can work as a summer savory substitute, especially in summer dishes and light sauces. However, it has a sweeter flavor, so it works best in fresh applications.

Summary

Find the best summer savory substitutes including thyme, oregano, and herb combinations. Learn proper ratios and cooking tips for perfect results in your summer recipes.