Best Parsley Substitutes: 7 Practical Alternatives for Cooking

Cilantro, dill, and chives are the best fresh parsley substitutes in most recipes. Use equal amounts of cilantro for Mediterranean dishes, dill for fish or potatoes, and chives for garnishes. For dried parsley replacement, use one-third the amount of dried cilantro, oregano, or celery seed depending on the dish requirements.

When you're in the middle of cooking and realize you've run out of parsley, knowing reliable alternatives can save your recipe. This practical guide details the most effective parsley substitutes based on flavor profile, texture, and culinary application—ensuring your dishes maintain their intended taste and presentation without compromising quality.

Understanding Parsley's Culinary Role

Parsley serves dual purposes in cooking: as a fresh garnish adding visual appeal and as a flavor component contributing a mild, slightly peppery taste with grassy notes. Flat-leaf (Italian) parsley offers more robust flavor preferred in cooking, while curly parsley works better as garnish. When seeking what's a good substitute for fresh parsley in recipes, consider whether you need it for appearance, flavor, or both.

Top Parsley Substitutes Ranked by Effectiveness

Not all herbs make suitable parsley replacements. The best alternatives maintain similar freshness without overpowering other ingredients. Here's how common substitutes compare:

Cilantro: Best All-Around Fresh Substitute

Cilantro shares parsley's bright green color and fresh texture, making it the top choice for what to use instead of parsley in salsa or tabbouleh. While cilantro has a more citrusy flavor with potential soapy notes for some people, it works well in equal amounts for most savory dishes. Use flat-leaf cilantro as a 1:1 replacement in Mediterranean, Mexican, and Asian cuisines.

Dill: Ideal for Seafood and Potatoes

Fresh dill offers a similar feathery appearance with a distinctive anise-like flavor that complements fish, potatoes, and egg dishes where parsley would normally appear. When determining what herb can replace parsley in fish recipes, use dill at a 1:1 ratio. Its more pronounced flavor means it's less versatile than cilantro for general substitution but excellent for specific applications.

Chives: Best Mild Garnish Alternative

With their delicate onion flavor and similar visual appeal, chives work well as a parsley substitute for garnishing soups and potatoes. Chop chives finely and use in equal amounts when presentation matters more than exact flavor replication. They lack parsley's earthiness but provide comparable freshness without overwhelming other ingredients.

Tarragon: Sophisticated Option for Sauces

French tarragon's subtle anise flavor makes it suitable for what to substitute for parsley in béarnaise sauce or other delicate sauces. Use ¾ the amount of tarragon compared to parsley, as its flavor is more concentrated. Avoid Russian tarragon, which has a harsher taste.

Celery Leaves: Underrated Pantry Staple

Often discarded, celery leaves have a mild, grassy flavor remarkably similar to parsley. They're perfect for what to use when you don't have parsley but have celery. Substitute at a 1:1 ratio in soups, stews, and stocks where appearance matters less than flavor contribution.

Substitute	Best For	Substitution Ratio	Flavor Difference
Cilantro	Mediterranean dishes, salsas, tabbouleh	1:1 fresh	More citrusy, potential soapy notes
Dill	Fish, potatoes, egg salads	1:1 fresh	Distinct anise flavor
Chives	Garnishes, soups, baked potatoes	1:1 fresh	Mild onion flavor
Celery leaves	Stocks, soups, stews	1:1 fresh	Milder, less peppery
Dried cilantro	Dry rubs, spice blends	⅓ amount dried	Less vibrant, earthier

Dried Herb Substitutions

When you need what to use instead of dried parsley in recipes, remember dried herbs are more concentrated. The best options include:

• Dried cilantro - Use one-third the amount of dried parsley called for
• Dried oregano - Best in Italian dishes at half the parsley amount
• Celery seed - Excellent in soups and stews at ¼ the amount
• Dried chervil - Delicate flavor similar to parsley at ½ the amount

Special Considerations for Perfect Substitutions

Understanding what's a good substitute for parsley in specific dishes requires considering these factors:

For garnishing: Chives or microgreens work best when visual appeal matters most. Their similar color and texture maintain presentation without significantly altering flavor.

For cooking: Cilantro or celery leaves integrate better during cooking. Add them at the same stage you would parsley to prevent flavor loss.

For tabbouleh: Cilantro is the only acceptable substitute, though it changes the traditional flavor profile. Use equal amounts and consider adding a squeeze of lemon to balance the citrus notes.

For parsley-heavy dishes like chimichurri: No perfect substitute exists, but a combination of cilantro and oregano (2:1 ratio) comes closest. Adjust vinegar levels to compensate for flavor differences.

When Substitutes Won't Work

Some dishes rely so heavily on parsley's unique flavor that substitutes significantly alter the result. Traditional Italian gremolata, persillade, and certain Middle Eastern salads require authentic parsley for proper flavor balance. In these cases, consider modifying your menu rather than forcing an unsuitable replacement.

Practical Tips for Herb Substitution Success

Follow these guidelines when implementing what to replace parsley with in your cooking:

• Always substitute fresh for fresh and dried for dried—never mix forms
• Add substitute herbs at the same cooking stage as parsley would be added
• Taste as you go, especially with stronger substitutes like dill or tarragon
• Consider adding acid (lemon juice) to brighten substitutes that lack parsley's freshness
• For garnishes, chop substitutes to match parsley's fine texture

Can I use cilantro instead of parsley in all recipes?

Cilantro works well as a parsley substitute in most Mediterranean, Mexican, and Asian dishes at a 1:1 ratio. However, its distinct citrus flavor doesn't work well in traditional European sauces or dishes where parsley's milder taste is essential. Some people also perceive a soapy taste in cilantro due to genetic factors.

What's the best dried substitute for fresh parsley?

Dried cilantro is the closest match, but use only one-third the amount of fresh parsley called for in your recipe. Dried oregano works well in Italian dishes at half the amount, while celery seed provides a good flavor base for soups and stews at one-quarter the amount.

Can I substitute dried parsley for fresh parsley?

Yes, but use one-third the amount of dried parsley when replacing fresh. For example, if a recipe calls for 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, use 1 tablespoon dried. Always add dried herbs earlier in the cooking process to allow flavors to develop, unlike fresh herbs which are typically added near the end.

What's the best parsley substitute for garnishing?

Chives are the best garnish substitute for parsley due to their similar green color and visual appeal. Finely chopped celery leaves or microgreens also work well. For soups and stews, a small amount of fresh dill can provide attractive presentation while adding complementary flavor.

Can I use basil instead of parsley?

Basil makes a poor general substitute for parsley due to its strong, sweet flavor that dominates dishes. However, in specific Mediterranean recipes like tomato-based sauces, you can use half the amount of basil if no other substitutes are available. Never use basil in place of parsley for garnishing, as the flavor and appearance differ significantly.