10 Best Dill Substitutes for Any Recipe (With Exact Ratios & Uses)

Need a dill substitute? You're in luck—here are the top 10 herbs and spices that work perfectly in any recipe, with exact substitution ratios and expert usage tips. Whether you're cooking fish, pickling cucumbers, or making tzatziki, this guide gives you everything you need to replace dill instantly.

Table of Contents

• Quick Storage Tips for Herbs
• Top 10 Dill Substitutes with Exact Ratios
• Substitution Ratio Comparison Chart
• Frequently Asked Questions About Dill Substitutes
• Conclusion

Quick Storage Tips for Herbs

Keep your herbs fresh and flavorful with these simple storage tricks:

• Store Fresh Herbs: Wrap in damp paper towel, place in a sealed container or plastic bag in the fridge. This prevents wilting while maintaining crispness.
• Dried Herbs: Store in airtight containers away from light and heat. Most dried herbs stay potent for 6-12 months.
• Freeze for Longevity: Chop fresh herbs, freeze in ice cube trays with water or oil for easy portioning in soups and sauces.
• Add at the Right Time: Delicate herbs like dill should be added near the end of cooking to preserve flavor. Heartier herbs like thyme can be added earlier.

Top 10 Dill Substitutes with Exact Ratios

When substituting dill, always consider the dish and desired flavor profile. Here's how to replace dill with precision:

• Fennel Fronds: Sweet, licorice-like flavor. Best for fish, salads, and soups. Substitute 1:1 for fresh dill. Use dried fennel fronds at 1:3 ratio (1 tsp dried = 1 tbsp fresh).
• Cilantro: Bright, citrusy notes. Ideal for salsas, guacamole, and Middle Eastern dishes. Use 1:1 ratio for fresh dill, but reduce by 25% if using dried cilantro.
• Parsley: Mild, grassy flavor. Perfect for garnishes, sauces, and potato salads. Substitute 1:1 for fresh dill. Dried parsley should be used at 1:3 ratio.
• Chervil: Delicate, nutty flavor. Excellent in egg dishes and French cuisine. Use 1:1 ratio for fresh dill. Dried chervil requires 1:3 ratio.
• Caraway Seeds: Earthy, spicy notes. Best for pickling, rye bread, and meat dishes. Use 1:2 ratio (1 tsp caraway = 2 tsp dill) for seeds; for whole seeds, crush lightly before use.
• Coriander Seeds: Citrusy, warm flavor. Great for curries and spice blends. Substitute 1:2 ratio for ground coriander (1 tsp ground = 2 tsp dill). Whole seeds should be crushed.
• Thyme: Woody, floral aroma. Works well in roasted vegetables and soups. Use 1:1 ratio for fresh thyme, but reduce by 50% for dried thyme due to stronger flavor.
• Oregano: Robust, pungent taste. Ideal for tomato-based sauces and Mediterranean dishes. Substitute 1:2 ratio for dried oregano (1 tsp dried = 2 tsp dill).
• Bay Leaves: Earthy, aromatic depth. Best for broths and braises. Use 1 bay leaf for every 1 tbsp fresh dill. Remove before serving.
• Green Onions (Scallions): Mild onion freshness. Perfect for salads, soups, and dips. Substitute 1:1 ratio for fresh dill. Use both white and green parts for maximum flavor.

Herb	Flavor Profile	Best For	Substitution Ratio
Fennel Fronds	Sweet, licorice-like	Fish, salads, soups	1:1 fresh, 1:3 dried
Cilantro	Citrusy, bright	Dips, salsas, Middle Eastern dishes	1:1 fresh, 1:4 dried
Parsley	Mild, grassy	Sauces, salads, garnishes	1:1 fresh, 1:3 dried
Chervil	Nutty, delicate	Soups, eggs, French cuisine	1:1 fresh, 1:3 dried
Caraway Seeds	Earthy, spicy	Pickling, breads, meats	1:2 seeds to dill
Coriander Seeds	Citrusy, warm	Curries, stews, spice blends	1:2 ground to dill
Thyme	Woody, floral	Roasted veggies, meats, soups	1:1 fresh, 1:2 dried
Oregano	Pungent, robust	Tomato-based dishes, pizzas	1:2 dried to dill
Bay Leaves	Earthy, aromatic	Broths, stews, braises	1 leaf per 1 tbsp dill
Green Onions	Mild onion, fresh	Salads, soups, dips	1:1 fresh

Frequently Asked Questions About Dill Substitutes

Common Questions About Dill Alternatives

What's the best substitute for dill in tzatziki sauce?

For authentic tzatziki, use fresh parsley (1:1 ratio) plus 1/3 the amount of dried dill weed. Add a pinch of fresh mint to mimic dill's unique profile. Avoid using dried herbs exclusively—they'll make the sauce bitter.

Can I use dried dill instead of fresh, and what's the conversion ratio?

Yes. 1 teaspoon dried dill = 1 tablespoon fresh dill. Add dried dill early in cooking to rehydrate. For best results, soak dried dill in 1 tsp water for 5 minutes before using.

What's the closest flavor match to dill for someone who dislikes its taste?

Parsley is the safest choice (1:1 ratio) for texture without dill's flavor. For complexity, mix 2 parts parsley + 1 part chervil. This neutral blend works in most dishes without the characteristic dill taste.

Can I substitute dill weed for dill seed, and vice versa?

No—dill weed (leaves) and dill seed have completely different flavors. Dill seed is 3x stronger. For dill weed substitution, use 3x the amount of dill seed but crush it first. For dill seed substitution, use 1/3 the amount of dill weed.

What's a good dill substitute for pickling cucumbers?

Use fennel fronds (1:1 ratio) for aromatic freshness. For stronger flavor, add 1/2 tsp caraway seeds per cup of brine. If unavailable, lemon zest (1/2 tsp per tbsp dill) + 1/4 tsp celery seed works well.

How much of a substitute herb should I use compared to dill?

For high-similarity herbs (parsley, chervil, green onions): 1:1 ratio. For moderate substitutes (cilantro, thyme): 3/4 ratio. For strong substitutes (oregano, caraway): 1/2 ratio. Always start with less and adjust to taste.

Can I use tarragon as a dill substitute?

Yes, but use only half the amount of tarragon compared to dill. Tarragon's anise flavor intensifies when cooked. Best for soups and stews—avoid in raw applications like salads where it may overpower.

What's a good non-herb substitute for dill in a pinch?

Combine 1/2 tsp lemon zest + 1/4 tsp celery seed per tbsp dill. For creamy sauces, add 1/8 tsp horseradish. For cooked dishes, a splash of white wine vinegar (1 tsp per tbsp dill) mimics dill's tangy quality.

Conclusion

Replacing dill is simple with the right substitutes. Whether you're making tzatziki, pickling cucumbers, or cooking fish, these 10 options deliver perfect flavor with precise ratios. Remember: always start with less substitute and adjust to taste—especially for stronger herbs like oregano or tarragon.

Keep this guide handy for your next kitchen emergency. With these substitutions, you'll never be stuck without dill again. Happy cooking!