10 Best Dill Substitutes: Quick Swaps for Salmon, Pickling & Tzatziki

Running out of dill? Don't panic! Here are the top 10 best dill substitutes for any recipe, from fish to pickles to tzatziki. We've tested these swaps so you can find the perfect replacement in minutes.

Use Case	Best Substitute	Second Best	Quick Tip
Salmon or Seafood	Fennel fronds	Tarragon	Use fresh for garnish; 1:1 ratio
Pickling & Brining	Dill seed	Caraway seeds	Use half the amount of dill seed vs. fresh dill
Tzatziki Sauce	Fresh mint	Parsley + lemon	Mint is traditional in Greek versions
Cream Sauces & Dressings	Tarragon	Chervil	Use 2/3 the amount of tarragon for freshness
General Cooking	Parsley + lemon	Basil	Add lemon juice for brightness

Top 10 Substitutes for Dill Seasoning

1. Fennel Fronds

Fennel fronds are the best substitute for salmon and seafood dishes with their delicate anise flavor. Use fresh for garnish at a 1:1 ratio with dill.

2. Tarragon

Tarragon is the top choice for cream sauces and dressings with its sweet licorice notes. Use 2/3 the amount of tarragon vs. dill since it's more potent.

3. Dill Seed

For pickling, dill seed is the traditional substitute with concentrated flavor. Use half the amount of dill seed compared to fresh dill weed.

4. Fresh Mint

Mint is the authentic substitute for tzatziki sauce in Greek cuisine. It provides bright freshness without overpowering the yogurt base.

5. Parsley + Lemon

This universal substitute works for almost any dish. Add lemon juice to mimic dill's citrus notes. Perfect for salads and general cooking.

6. Chervil

Chervil's mild anise flavor makes it ideal for egg dishes and delicate sauces. Add at the end of cooking since it's fragile.

7. Caraway Seeds

Caraway provides earthy warmth for bread, stews, and sausage dishes. Use sparingly (1/4 tsp per serving) as it's potent.

8. Basil

Basil adds sweet peppery notes to summer salads and pasta dishes. Best when fresh; omit if anise flavor is critical.

9. Lovage

Lovage offers celery-like savoriness for hearty soups and stews. Chop finely and use small amounts (1 tsp per serving).

10. Anise Seed

Anise seed provides intense licorice for desserts and braised dishes. Crush 1-2 seeds per serving to avoid overpowering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the closest substitute for dill?

Tarragon is the closest match for dill's anise notes in sauces and dressings. For fish dishes, fennel fronds are superior. Use 2/3 the amount of tarragon since it's more potent.

Can I substitute dried dill for fresh dill?

Yes! 1 teaspoon dried dill = 1 tablespoon fresh dill. Dried has earthier notes, while fresh is brighter. For pickling, use dill seed instead of dried dill weed.

What's best for salmon instead of dill?

Fennel fronds are ideal for salmon—add fresh as a garnish. Tarragon works well in creamy sauces. For grilled salmon, parsley + lemon zest provides brightness without overpowering.

What replaces dill in tzatziki?

Fresh mint is the traditional Greek substitute. If unavailable, use parsley with a tiny bit of tarragon (1/4 tsp per cup of sauce). Avoid anise-heavy options like fennel.

Final Thoughts

Running out of dill doesn't mean compromising flavor. With these tested swaps, you can confidently substitute for any recipe. Remember: fresh herbs work best for delicate dishes, while seeds and dried herbs shine in pickling and slow-cooked meals. Keep these top 5 substitutes on hand (fennel, tarragon, mint, parsley, and dill seed) for instant kitchen solutions!