In need of a basil substitute? Check out this list of 18 substitutes that you’ll likely have in your pantry to use in a pinch. We’re also going to dive in to basil’s unique flavor and why it’s so popular in different types of cuisines. Whip up some of these tasty recipes that use basil’s strong flavor!
What is basil?
Basil is a common herb that tastes strong, sweet, and peppery in a variety of dishes. It is actually a member of the mint family, along with oregano, rosemary, and thyme. Basil is not only used for pasta sauces, tomato sauces, and Italian dishes, but also in Mediterranean dishes, Thai, and Indian food.
Fresh basil leaves are green with a long and shiny rounded shape. You’ll find it in the vegetable/produce section at your grocery store.
Table of Contents
The Best Substitutes for Basil
Take a look into these EIGHTEEN substitutes, when to use them, and what their flavor profiles will do for your dishes:
1. Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning works great in place of basil AND you probably already have it in your pantry! It contains many sister herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary. It’ll give a very similar flavor profile to basil. However, with the other herbs mixed in, it might not work for simple recipes that call for more streamlined flavors. (You might even have your own Italian Seasoning Blend on hand!)
Ratio: use a 2:1 ratio when replacing basil with Italian seasoning.
2. Fresh Oregano
Oregano is a good substitute for basil because it is used in many of the same dishes. It brings on that earthy, minty taste that basil provides. It’ll add a few of its own flavors to your dish, but it won’t be overpowering if you add the right amount.
Ratio: use a 1:2 ratio when replacing basil with oregano.
3. Tarragon
Tarragon has a subtle bitterness, but an intense flavor which makes it a great substitute for basil. The leaves are smaller and longer than basil, so it will make your dish look different.
Ratio: a 1:1 ratio will work perfectly for this replacement.
4. Mint
When using mint, it’s best in simpler dishes because of its basic flavor. While less strong, basil has a more complex flavor profile than mint. However, you’ll definitely have that sweet, fresh flavor when using this substitute.
Ratio: a 1:1 swap will be suitable for this substitution.
5. Thyme
Thyme will be one of the closest substitutions when it comes to finding a replacement for basil. It’s in the same herb family and provides a very similar taste. Thyme brings a bolder, more lemony flavor, but it won’t be too overpowering.
Ratio: use ½ of what your recipe calls for with this substitution.
6. Dried Sage
Sage’s bold, earthy flavor makes it a great alternative to basil. Because it’s more coarse in texture, it can complicate the presentation of your dish.
Ratio: start with ½ of what the recipe calls for, then adjust from there.
7. Herbs De Provence
This spice blend of thyme, basil, rosemary, tarragon, marjoram, and bay leaf adds great flavor as a basil alternative. Since there is a little basil in the blend, you’ll be getting hints of it throughout your dish, so you won’t even miss it!
Ratio: start with ½ the measurement and add more if desired.
8. Rosemary
This herb elevates many dishes, which makes it a very versatile replacement. Rosemary and basil are included in many blends, so it pairs well with the same foods. Your flavor will shift, but it won’t be too overpowering when you use the right amount.
Ratio: use ½ of what the recipe calls for before adding more.
9. Fennel Seeds
Heated up fennel seeds bring in similar components of basil like warm and earthy flavors. It’s definitely not an exact flavor match, but it will do just the trick when you add it in small amounts.
Ratio: use ¼ of what the recipe calls for before adding more.
10. Celery Leaf
While this might be an unusual substitute, celery leaf actually matches the taste of basil very well. It has a slightly salty, earthy flavor. Whether it’s dried or fresh, it’s a great substitute for any kind of recipe.
Ratio: use a 1:1 ratio with this replacement.
11. Parsley
This herb is definitely one of the more affordable basil substitutes, and it’s likely that it’s in your pantry right now. Parsley brightens up dishes with its light flavor profile.
Ratio: use the exact amount and then some extra with this substitute.
12. Spinach Leaves
While spinach is in the leafy greens family, it’s still a good option for basil alternatives. It provides a bulkiness that fresh basil offers in recipes like sauces and marinades. Its flavor is very subtle, so keep that in mind when you use it.
Ratio: use the same amount or double with this substitution.
13. Arugula
Arugula is not an herb, but it’s a great fresh basil substitute because of its sharp, peppery flavor. It works great in salads, pesto, pizza toppings, or flavor enhancements.
Ratio: start with ½ of the amount the recipe calls for.
14. Cilantro
Cilantro has a strong taste, so it might not be the top substitute to grab when you’re needing a basil replacement. While it’s a leafy green that provides a distinct flavor, it’ll brighten up any dish.
Ratio: using the exact amount or a little less will work great.
15. Poultry Seasoning
Using a small amount of poultry seasoning is better than no basil replacement at all. This blend includes herbs like sage, thyme, nutmeg, and rosemary. Nutmeg adds a new level of warmth to the rest of the herbs that are very similar to basil.
Ratio: start with ½ teaspoon and go from there.
16. Flavored Oil
While flavored oil might not be anything like the real thing, it’s still an easy substitute if you have it on hand. Any kind of herb-infused olive oil will elevate a dish.
Ratio: start small with ¼ teaspoon and add as you continue to cook.
17. Savory
Winter and summer savory seasonings can work as great substitutions for basil. Use summer savory when you have a more peppery dish. Use winter savory when you have a more mild dish.
Ratio: use the exact amount that the recipe calls for.
18. Lemon
Whether it’s the citrus fruit or salt, lemon can be an option in a pinch. It’ll bring a bright taste depending on the type of medium you use. If you’re using juice or zest, add the exact amount. If you’re using salt, add half before adding more if desired.
Fresh Basil vs. Dried Basil
Like any other fresh or dried herbs, fresh basil and dried basil can be used interchangeably. So, whenever you’re out of fresh basil, grab your dried basil in your spice rack.
The ability for dried to substitute for fresh will depend on the type of recipe you’re using. For example, it might not be the same if you’re making a Caprese salad, but it will taste the same in any other recipe that doesn’t specifically highlight fresh basil.
Because it takes more fresh basil to match the strong flavor of dried basil, you’ll need to adjust the ratio when swapping one for the other.
Use 3 times the amount of fresh basil when the recipe calls for dried basil. Use ⅓ the amount of dried basil when the recipe calls for fresh basil.
Dried Basil Substitutes vs. Fresh Basil Substitutes
When it comes to dried basil, let dried oregano, Italian seasoning, and dried tarragon be your first options. These come close in texture and taste before the rest.
When it comes to fresh basil substitutes, let fresh oregano, spinach, fresh mint, and fresh cilantro be your top picks. These 4 substitutes are the closest to fresh basil in terms of soft texture, mild flavor, and hints of sweet and mint.
4 Different Types of Basil
Did you know there are many different types in the basil family? There’s such a variety, but we’ll just be taking a look into 4 and when they are most commonly used.
Sweet Basil
Sweet basil is the most common type of basil found in Italian cuisine and Mediterranean cooking. Putting it in any sauce, marinade, or salad will add the perfect amount of freshness and flavor.
Thai Basil
Thai basil has a purple stem with dark leaves. It can taste like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, or peppermint and is used in Asian cuisine.
Holy Basil
Holy basil is most commonly used in the Indian cuisine. It is also known as hot basil because it brings a strong, peppery taste to dishes where it’s added.
Lemon Basil
Lemon basil is mainly featured in desserts. It has a slimmer leaf profile compared to sweet basil, and is lighter in color. You’ll find it in jams, cobblers, or ice creams.
How do I know which basil substitute to use?
Use this at-a-glance table for basil substitution dishes best suited for certain cuisines:
| Mediterranean | Oregano, Celery Leaves, Mint |
| Italian | Oregano, Italian Seasoning, Flavored Oil, Savory, Parsley |
| French | Tarragon, Parsley, Savory |
| Mexican | Cilantro, Oregano |
| Asian | Cilantro |
| Thai | Cilantro, Mint |
| Vegetables | Rosemary, Savory |
| Chicken | Thyme, Tarragon, Poultry Seasoning, Rosemary, Fennel Seeds, Mint, Sage |
| Fish | Tarragon, Herbs de Provence, Poultry Seasoning, Fennel Seeds, Sage |
| Salads | Thyme, Celery Leaves, Spinach, Arugula, Cilantro, Flavored Oil (dressings), Lemon, Tarragon |
| Red Meat | Thyme, Poultry Seasoning, Fennel Seeds, Parsley, Rosemary |
| Sauce/Marinade | Thyme, Italian Seasoning, Tarragon, Fennel Seeds, Celery Leaves, Parsley, Mint, Spinach, Flavored Oil, Oregano, Lemon |
| Pesto | Celery Leaves, Spinach, Arugula, Flavored Oil, Sage |
| Soup/Stew | Cilantro, Savory, Sage |
| Dessert | Lemon |
The Best Basil Substitute
While there’s not a perfect fresh basil substitute aside from dried basil, your best bet would be oregano. Yes, all herbs and substitutions listed above do work, but usually oregano and basil are found in the same recipes and dish types. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what you like best, so test them out and see what you prefer!
Pro Tip
Always, always, always test out your basil substitution before adding it into the rest of your dish.
FAQs
Yes, dried basil has a bolder flavor while fresh basil is milder.
Oregano, thyme, Italian seasoning, mint, and cilantro have similar flavor profiles to basil.
To replace basil in tomato sauce, use thyme, Italian seasoning, tarragon, fennel seeds, celery leaves, parsley, mint, spinach, or oregano.
For basil substitutions in pesto, use celery leaves, arugula, spinach, or sage.
For a bruschetta basil substitute, you can use oregano, thyme, or marjoram.
If you don’t have fresh basil, use dried basil or fresh herbs.
Yes, parsley is a great basil substitute.
Favorite Recipes with Basil
If you happen to have basil on hand, read here to learn how to store basil!
No basil? No problem; you can try your hand at some of the substitutions above with any of the following recipes.
