12 Basil Substitutes

Perhaps the closest thing to basil, oregano is peppery and punchy, and adds real depth of flavor to dishes. Great in tomato sauces - think Italian cuisine like pasta and pizza - rustic recipes and particularly meat based dishes, oregano is full of flavor.

Also, it's one of the best dried herbs you can get, as, unlike others, it keeps a lot of its flavor when dried, making it a great option when substituting dried basil.

A gentle herb with subtle flavors and aromas, tarragon is typically used in French cooking. It’s great with chicken and fish dishes, as well as creamy sauces, and can be used as a substitute for fresh basil or dried basil when a recipe calls for a subtle aniseed flavor.

Thyme is an amazing herb that works wonders in so many dishes. For this reason, it's a great substitute for dried basil. So, if you need to up the wow factor on your tomato sauce, give your chicken dish an extra dimension, or simply want to jazz up a salad, thyme is your herb. Much like oregano, thyme also keeps its flavor when dried.

One of the fresh herbs that's biggest on flavor is rosemary. If you're looking for a strong savoury taste, fresh rosemary is as aromatic and tasty as it gets. Use it sparingly for a subtle substitute, particularly in a tomato based recipe. Dried rosemary isn't anywhere near as strong as fresh, so a sprinkle in your dish would add a nice herby twist in place of basil.

Fresh cilantro has a certain quality that can work well as a basil substitute for certain dishes. For instance, adding cilantro in place of basil to some Thai curries would add a nice zing. Also, both basil and cilantro look great as a garnish. So, if you're looking for an alternative to basil as a final flourish for your dish, cilantro might be your best bet.

As everybody knows, mint has a very distinctive flavor. Some types of mint are milder than others, and milder varieties make great alternatives to basil in certain dishes. Think Thai curries and vegetable based Mediterranean meals. You should add mint to your dish earlier and cook it for longer than you would basil. Also, consider combing it with earthier herbs like oregano or thyme, for a better imitation of basil.

When you chop up celery, do you toss the leaves in the bin? Don't worry, most of us do! In fact, the leafy part of a celery stalk is full of flavor. And when it comes to a substitute for fresh basil, celery leaf is as good as it gets. Mix in a bit of parsley and you've got a great tasting mixture that resembles Italian herbs – perfect for pizza and anything with tomato!

Much like basil, sage has a very strong taste that really adds an extra element to a dish. It’s even more fragrant than basil. So, if used sparingly it’ll make a great addition to soups, stews and pesto, as well as fish and meat dishes. And like basil, it loves to be paired with garlic, tomato and lemon, making it ideal in Italian cooking.

Another excellent garnishing herb, parsley looks great on the side of a plate and can add the finishing touches to your culinary masterpiece. In terms of flavor, it's mild and fresh, so could be a good alternative to basil in an Italian or Mediterranean recipe, particularly salads and tomato based dishes.

If you're making your own pesto and you find yourself short of fresh basil or dried basil, spinach is a great alternative. Aside from being packed full of iron and calcium, spinach has a nice punchy flavor that, when chopped fine, will bring a nice subtle flavor to pesto, while creating a nice fresh herb green colour.

If you find yourself addicted to dried basil, chances are you'll often turn up an empty jar. Italian seasoning is readily available from most stores, so keep a jar in the cupboard for when you run out of dried basil. Most Italian seasoning contains basil, so it's pretty much a straight swap, with the added flavors of oregano, rosemary, and ground red pepper for a broader taste.

When you need to flavor chicken or fish and the recipe calls for the fresh basil, poultry seasoning is a great alternative. A blend of herbs and spices, this seasoning adds an amazing succulent taste to meat and fish dishes. Keep a big jar at the back of your cupboard for times when you’ve run out of fresh or dried basil and need an extra dimension to your cooking.