What’s The Best Substitute For Parsley? We’ve Got The Answer posted by Taylor Munsell Pin Share Tweet Email SomethingSwanky is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Looking for a substitute for parsley? Check out these 12 substitutes! From delicious to nutritious, there’s sure to be one that fits your needs. Whether you’re looking for a flavor boost or need to avoid an allergen, we’ve got you covered. Read on and find the perfect substitute for parsley that suits your meal! Table of ContentsAbout ParsleyTypes of ParsleyParsley SubstitutesDried Plants Celery Leaves Chervil Leaves Cilantro Basil Parsley Substitutes FAQ About Parsley Parsley is one of those herbs with a distinctive taste. Parsley is crisp and fresh with a mild peppery taste. The curly leaf variety is often used to garnish. Italian parsley can be easier to grow and has a stronger flavor. Root parsley is more common in central, eastern, and southern European cuisines. It is often used in soups and stews as well as casseroles. It is used both fresh and dried to add flavor and garnish to many dishes, including omelets, soups, sauces, pasta, and scrambled eggs. Types of Parsley What happens if you have one kind of parsley and a recipe calls for another? Curly-leaf Parsley (curly) is mainly used to garnish, but it can still be substituted for flat-leaf Parsley which is also known as “Italian Parsley”. It has a stronger flavor. It can be used in recipes that call to use other types of parsley as a garnish. Just remember the stronger taste and adjust accordingly. Parsley Substitutes Dried Plants First, substitute dried parsley for fresh parsley if your dish calls for it. Remember to consider the stronger taste of dried parsley, which is equal to one teaspoon of fresh parsley. You can also substitute dried parsley for it if you don’t have any. Parsley is a complementing flavor and is not a part of a dish that calls for it. You can choose to skip garnishing or use another herb like basil or cilantro. If parsley is an integral part of your dish, choose a herb with a similar flavor such as chives or arugula. Celery Leaves Although you might be used to cutting off celery sticks’ leaves and throwing them in the trash can, these leaves are edible and intensely flavored. Celery leaves pack a punch. The outer dark green leaves have the strongest flavor. They also tend to be more fibrous and tougher. These vegetables are best cooked until tender in soups, stews, or blended into sauces and purees. The inner leaves, which are lighter in color, are much more tender and have delicate flavors. They retain a strong flavor but can be eaten raw or used as a garnish. Chervil Leaves Chervil leaves are similar to carrot greens and have a curly texture. They are similar to parsley leaves but have a lighter color and frillier leaf than Italian Parsley. Some chervil leaves may have blossoms. This is a sign that the herb is bitter. Chervil is often used in recipes, rather than as a garnish. It’s usually added at the last minute to preserve its delicate flavor. It is great in omelets, and it is often used in classic Bearnaise sauces. It is also part of the “fines herbs” blend which also contains parsley, tarragon, and chives. This blend is used in French cooking to season chicken, egg dishes, as well as salads. Chervil is a great replacement for Parsley. However, they can be a little more difficult to find in the supermarket than Parsley. Cilantro Cilantro is a common herb used in Indian and Mexican cuisines. Cilantro is also known as “coriander” in the U.K. The leaves look similar to Italian Parsley leaves and grow on long, tender stems. Corriander spice is made of the seeds of the plant and has a completely new taste. The roots of the plant can also be used in some dishes. We are mainly concerned about cilantro leaves when it comes to parsley substitutes. Fresh cilantro is well-known for its strong, citrusy flavor that is slightly peppery. It has a “love or hate” flavor. To a small percentage of the population, it has a soapy smell due to the natural aldehyde chemical found in the leaves. Fresh cilantro is best when used as a garnish in a dish that calls for it. However, it’s stronger than parsley so be careful and don’t use too much. Basil Basil is a fragrant and aromatic herb that can be used fresh or dried to make delicious recipes. It is most commonly associated with Italian cuisine. However, it is thought to be a native of India. It’s easy to grow and is widely available. Basil is a great replacement for parsley in an Italian dish. Basil has a distinctive, but not overwhelming, taste that can be used to complement homemade sauces, meats, and fish, as well as salads. Basil dried has a milder flavor, so it is ideal for use in cooking. Parsley can be substituted with any fresh herb. You can also use dried thyme or a substitute for thyme. You can also substitute chopped fresh parsley for dried herbs. You can also substitute dried herbs for chopped fresh parsley using the chive. You need to know the difference between cilantro and parsley. Parsley Substitutes FAQ Can you substitute Thyme for Parsley? Parsley is often used as a substitute for Thyme.Because the leaves of thyme are different in texture, it is easier to use them as parsley substitutes. The sharpness and woody aftertaste that thyme has makes it a good parsley replacement in a pinch.It is important to note that the flavor will not be the same because thyme has a more floral taste than parsley. Therefore, we don’t recommend using it in recipes that rely on the pepperiness of parsley for the flavor.Parsley can be substituted for thyme, despite the differences in taste. Parsley is lower in manganese and iron, while thyme is higher. It also contains more Vitamin C, fiber, and calcium. Is Coriander a substitute for Parsley? Coriander is also known as Chinese Parsley. It’s not surprising that this herb is often used as a parsley substitute.Although coriander and Parsley are not the same, they are close enough that you could use them together with great results.Coriander’s naturally citrus-like flavor mimics the mild bitterness of parsley quite well. Coriander, like parsley, also tastes slightly earthy and woody.Coriander is stronger than parsley in taste and many people have strong aversions to its taste. This herb is one you will want to try out on its own to get a feel for the flavor. Can I use Mixed Herbs instead of Parsley? You can always use the jar of mixed herbs from your pantry if you don’t have parsley.Mixed herb blends can be slightly different so make sure to read the label.Mixed herb blends are usually composed of basil, marjoram, and oregano. Some also contain thyme and sage.Basil has a refreshing, almost mint-like flavor that can be used as a parsley substitute. Basil’s taste is more subtle than parsley’s, so it should only be used in recipes that have strong flavors.The combination of basil, oregano, and parsley works well in Italian cuisine. A mixed herb blend could be a great choice if you are looking to add parsley to risotto or a pasta dish or pizza. Are Parsley & Basil the Same? Parsley and basil are not the same herbs. However, they share some similarities, which is why basil works so well in replacing parsley.Basil and parsley have very different origins. Basil is native to India, whereas parsley comes from Europe and Western Asia.These two herbs, despite their different origins, are also members of different plant families. Petroselinum crispum is the botanical name for parsley. Petroselinum belongs to the Apiaceae genus.Basil is, however, scientifically called Ocimum Basilicum and is a member of the Lamiaceae family.Both families are flowering plants that are well-known for their aromatic properties. Lamiaceae and Apiaceae can be classified as types of mint.Parsley and basil may be similar in some aspects, but the current system of plant classification proves that they are not identical.Parsley and basil are also very different in taste. Parsley can be substituted with basil with good results, but depending on the dish, it is more bitter and earthier than basil. A Final Thought Parsley can be used as an ingredient in many dishes. It has a peppery flavor. If you’ve run out or want a different taste, get a substitute for parsley from the list provided and go on with your cooking!
