basil substitute
in pasta.

Fresh Basil is the soul of many pasta sauces, from pesto to marinara. A substitute needs to match its sweet, aromatic, slightly peppery character.

top substitutes

01

Parsley

10.0best for pasta
1 tsp : 1 tsp

Milder flavor, good for fresh garnish

02

Cilantro

10.0best for pasta
1 tsp : 1 tsp

Different flavor profile, best in Asian or Latin dishes

03

Marjoram

10.0best for pasta
1 tsp : 1 tsp

Sweet herb, good in Mediterranean food

show 10 more substitutes
04

Tarragon

10.0
1 tbsp : 1 tbsp

Sweet and aromatic, works in sauces

05

Arugula

10.0
1 cup : 1 cup

Peppery, use fresh in pestos and salads

06

Spinach

10.0
1 cup : 1 cup

Neutral green base for pesto, add pine nuts

07

Sage

10.0
1 tsp : 1 1/2 tsp

Milder, use more for herbal presence

08

Oregano

5.0
1 tsp : 1 tsp

Works in Italian dishes, slightly stronger flavor

09

Thyme

5.0
1 tsp : 1 tsp

Earthy flavor, works in Mediterranean cooking

10

Mint

5.0
1 tsp : 1 tsp

Works in Thai and Vietnamese dishes as fresh herb

11

Dill

5.0
3/4 tsp : 1 tsp

Fresh herb swap for salads and garnish

12

Bay Leaves

5.0
1 tsp : 1 tsp

(reverse of forward pair)

13

Rosemary

5.0
1 tsp : 1 tsp

(reverse of forward pair)

other things you can make with basil

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