Best Substitute For Basil (16 Fresh & Dried Alternatives)

Looking for the best substitute for basil? No problem! My guide goes over 16 fresh and dried alternatives. Whether you're making a Caprese salad or need an herb substitute for basil in your tomato sauce, I've got you covered.

Every recommendation comes from my real kitchen experience as a chef who's had to substitute basil more times than I can count!

What Is Basil

Basil is a fragrant herb that's a member of the mint family, also known as the Lamiaceae family, and is one of the most widely used culinary herbs worldwide, especially in Mediterranean cuisine. Native to tropical regions spanning central Africa to Southeast Asia, basil thrives in warm climates and comes in many varieties, each with distinct flavors and uses.

The most common type of basil plant is sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum), which has a complex flavor profile that's mild, slightly peppery, and sweet with a touch of minty notes. This is typically the basil used in most recipes and what people are looking to replace when they search for a dried substitute for basil or substitute for basil leaves.

However, there are several other varieties of basil, such as:

• Thai Basil: Known for its notes of mild spicy flavor, it's a favorite in Asian cuisine like Thai dishes. I love using it in all my Thai curries.
• Holy Basil (Tulsi): Revered on the Indian subcontinent, it offers a clove-like unique flavor with medicinal properties. It's also sometimes used in Asian dishes, especially Thai cuisine.
• Lemon Basil: Adds a zesty, citrusy brightness, ideal for salads and soups. It can also work as a substitute for basil in pesto.
• Cinnamon Basil: This variety is often used in Southeast Asian and Mexican dishes, where its warm spice notes blend well with bold flavors.
• Genovese Basil: A variety of sweet basil that originates from the Genoa region of Italy. It's used for making traditional pesto Genovese.

What Makes Basil So Special

In most American kitchens, sweet basil, also known as Italian basil, is the most commonly used type of basil. It's a very versatile herb used in a variety of dishes and a key ingredient in everything from marinara sauce and pesto to fresh salads and pizzas.

Italian basil is the type of fresh and dried basil you'll find in almost any grocery store, which is why my guide focuses on this variety. But I highly recommend experimenting with all the different types of basil.

1. Mint

Mint has a refreshing and slightly strong flavor that I love. When used sparingly, it can work as an excellent substitute for fresh basil leaves in Italian cooking.

Just be careful and use it in small amounts, as fresh mint can be overpowering if you use too much. I've found it works best in salads, beverages, and savory dishes when used in moderation.

2. Oregano

Super popular in the Mediterranean region, fresh oregano is one of the best substitutes for basil. Its bold, earthy flavor works perfectly in Greek and Italian cuisine.

I recommend starting with half the amount to avoid overwhelming the dish. It's an especially great substitute for basil in pasta sauces, roasted veggies, or even sprinkled over a pizza.

3. Cilantro

Cilantro's bright, citrusy notes can be great in certain dishes. It's not a perfect match, but I've found it works well as a substitute for fresh basil recipes where a vibrant, zesty flavor fits, like in dishes with lemon or lime.

4. Italian Parsley

Parsley is a great fresh basil substitute. It has a mild, almost grassy flavor that blends right into most dishes.

You can use parsley on its own or combine it with other herbs like oregano or cilantro in place of basil. It's great in sauces, garnishes, or even tossed into salads.

I have used it often as a basil substitute for bruschetta. Just make sure to use Italian parsley and not curly parsley, which is used more as a garnish.

5. Arugula

For a bold and peppery taste, arugula is a great substitute for basil leaves in pasta as well as in fresh dishes or as a garnish. Its robust flavor can mimic basil's sharpness, though it lacks basil's sweetness.

I've used arugula many times in pesto as a basil substitution and even created a vegan arugula pesto recipe. You just use a cup of arugula for each cup of fresh basil. Easy peasy!

6. Spinach

While fresh spinach doesn't have basil's signature flavor, it works well as a substitute in pesto sauce, salads, and sauces because of its similar texture. For a more basil-like flavor, I often blend baby spinach with a small amount of parsley or cilantro.

Fresh spinach is a great alternative when you need volume in a recipe, like pesto, but don't want to overpower the dish with intense flavor.

7. Celery Leaves

You know those leafy greens from the tops of celery stalks? Well, you can use them as an herb substitute for basil. They have a mild, slightly peppery taste that can act as a substitution for basil in dishes like soups, salads, and sauces.

Celery leaf has a light, herbaceous quality, making it an easy swap in recipes where basil is more of a garnish than a dominant flavor.

8. Tarragon

With its licorice-like slightly sweet flavor, tarragon can be a good option for basil in lighter dishes like dressings and vinaigrettes. Just keep in mind that it has a more distinct flavor than basil, and a little goes a long way, so use it in moderation.

I like using fresh tarragon in place of basil in French and Mediterranean cuisine, where its aromatic qualities will complement the flavors.

1. Dried Thyme

Thyme has an earthy, slightly floral flavor with a hint of citrus that is good in hearty dishes like stews, sauces, and marinades. It's a good substitute for basil that doesn't overpower.

Dried thyme is a popular herb that is used in many different cuisines.

2. Dried Marjoram

Dried marjoram is sweet and mild, which makes it a subtle substitute. I like to use it in recipes where I want an understated herbal note. Using marjoram is a great way to substitute for basil in tomato soup, sauce, dressing, and marinades.

3. Italian Seasoning

This commonly used blend of herbs often includes dried basil along with oregano, rosemary, and thyme, making it an easy substitute. It's an excellent swap for Italian recipes like pasta dishes, sauces, or casseroles.

This is one of my favorite spice blends. You can even make your own homemade Italian seasoning with ingredients most likely already on your spice rack. It's super easy!

4. Dried Oregano

Bold and slightly bitter, dried oregano can be used as a replacement for basil in tomato-based sauces and Mediterranean recipes. It has a stronger flavor, so I suggest using it sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.

5. Dried Rosemary

With its bold, earthy, pine-like flavor, rosemary can be a suitable substitute in hearty dishes like sauces, soups, and stews. However, dried rosemary is much stronger in flavor than basil, so I recommend using about half the amount.

You can also use rosemary in its fresh form too. Whether you use fresh rosemary or dried, this aromatic herb is a great option in recipes that require longer cooking times.

6. Dried Sage

Sage has a warm, woody, slightly peppery element that can replace basil in dishes with deep flavors, such as soups, stews, and roasted dishes. I use sage in heartier recipes.

Yet, just like rosemary, it's more intense than basil, so you'll want to start with a smaller amount and add more as needed. If all you have is ground sage, just add a pinch at a time.

7. Bay Leaf

Bay leaves aren't as commonly used as a substitute for dried basil, but they can add depth to soups, stews, and sauces. If I'm using bay leaf as a substitute, I often pair it with oregano or thyme to round out the flavors.

While dried bay leaves actually look a lot like whole basil leaves, they're a completely different herb with their own set of qualities. Some people even confuse the two.

Check out my cooking guide on bay leaves vs basil if you're a culinary nerd like me!

8. Herbes de Provence

Herbes de Provence is a fragrant herb blend from the Provence region of France. It normally includes a combination of dried thyme, rosemary, marjoram, oregano, and savory, and some versions also contain basil, fennel, and tarragon.

This mix offers a well-rounded, slightly floral, and earthy flavor that enhances a variety of dishes. It's a great choice when you want a dried basil substitute for fresh and don't mind an extra layer of herbal depth.

Basil Substitution Chart

To make things easier, I created this handy chart! It should help give you a starting point when it comes to finding a basil replacement for your recipes.

How To Substitute Dry Basil For Fresh

If you're trying to substitute dry basil for fresh, it's pretty straightforward, but it requires a quantity adjustment. Dried basil has a more concentrated flavor because the moisture is removed, making it more potent than fresh basil. Here's the rule of thumb:

• Conversion Ratio: Use one-third the amount of dried basil compared to fresh. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh basil, use 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
• When to Add It: Add dried basil earlier in the cooking process. This gives the herb time to rehydrate and release its flavor into the dish. It's especially good in soups, stews, and sauces that simmer for a while, as well as olive oil based salad dressings.

How To Substitute Fresh Basil For Dry

If you're out of dried basil and need to substitute fresh basil for dry, you'll need to use more of it. Fresh basil has a lighter, more delicate flavor than its dried counterpart. Here's how to substitute it:

• Conversion Ratio: Use three times the amount of fresh basil compared to dried. For instance, if a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried basil, use 1 tablespoon of fresh basil.
• When to Add It: Add fresh basil at the end of cooking or as a garnish. Heat can dull its flavor, so it's best added just before serving for maximum impact.

Overall Best Substitute For Basil

So you're probably wondering, out of these choices, what are the best basil substitutes? Well, it depends. They all work. It just really depends on what you're cooking.

For Italian dishes like tomato sauce, pizza, or pasta, I'd go with oregano or Italian seasoning for the closest substitute. They both bring those bold, earthy similar flavors that pair perfectly with tomatoes and garlic.

If you're making a salad or something light, arugula, fresh parsley or mint works great as a substitute for fresh basil. Parsley is mild and blends right in, while mint and arugula add a refreshing note that's especially good in Mediterranean dishes.

At the end of the day, the best substitutions for basil are the one that fit your dish and your taste. Remember, cooking is like art. So go out to your herb garden, pick some of your favorites, and have fun experimenting.