The Best Fresh Basil Substitutes (2024)

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Here are The Best Fresh Basil Substitutes when you are out. Basil is hard to replace because of its unique flavors, but these substitutes should help.

Best Basil Substitute:

Fresh Basil is a hard ingredient to replace because of its appearance and flavor. We recommend to grow or find the real thing if possible. Finding the best substitute for this strong flavor is hard, but we have gathered some options so you don’t ruin your recipe.

There are many options to choose from some are for specific recipes rather it is a herb or a plant. Fresh Basil is delicious on our Creamy Tomato Basil Soup or our Crock Pot Creamy Basil Chicken.

Fresh Basil Substitute:

If you are looking for the best substitute for fresh basil is Oregano would be our first choice. The flavor profile is slightly different but it would work if you need something quick.

Easy Substitute for Basil:

An easy basil alternative, would be fresh spinach. It is similar in texture and color but it is milder in taste. But if you are making some pesto, add spinach and some garlic and your pesto will taste amazing.

How to Substitute Dried Basil for Fresh?

To substitute dried basil for fresh herbs use &frac13; dried herbs basil to 1 cup of fresh basil. An easy ration to go with when making the substitution is 3 parts fresh equals to 1 part dried.

The reason for the difference is that dried basil has been compressed for a more concentrated flavor. Basil is made up of about 90 % of water so when it is dried, the water is removed. Therefore, not a lot of basil is needed because it is more concentrated.

Fresh and Dried Basil the flavor of basil is hard to be replaced.

1. Oregano:

Oregano is the closest substitute for Basil. Because of its texture, color, and flavor. We recommend adding in small amounts as similar to basil, it can overpower the dish.

You can substitute equal parts of fresh oregano for basil.

2. Spinach Leaves:

Spinach is a great substitute because of its bright green color leaves and texture. If you are one that doesn’t like basil, we would recommend using spinach leaves instead. You can also use celery leaves.

3. Tarragon:

Tarragon is a good substitute for dried basil. It has a similar flavor profile but slightly different. It is a good replacement when you need something in a pinch.

Substitute equal parts of Tarragon for dried basil.

4. Italian Seasoning:

Italian Seasoning is a popular herb and it is always in my spice cabinet. Since dried basil is part of the Italian season blend, it is a great substitute.

Different Varieties of Fresh Basil:

There are a variety of basil that offered different flavors to your dishes. They are as follows:

Sweet Basil – This basil is probably one of the most popular basil that is used in pasta sauces. It has large green leaves and a bit of sweetness. It still gives the minty, lemon, peppery flavor that we love with basil.
Thai Sweet Basil – If you are looking for the right basil to add to your Asian dishes, use Thai Sweet Basil.
Holy Basil – This is referred to as the Hot Basil because of its peppery flavor.
Lemon Basil – Lemon Basil is a lot like sweet basil as it offers the lemon flavor but still has the peppery, mint family flavor.

How to Use Fresh Basil:

If you cook a lot and make Pesto, Basil is the main ingredient. It can also be found in infused oil, desserts and beverages. Basil has a unique flavor that is why it is hard to replace. It offers so many flavors including, lemon, pepper and mint.

Recipes with Basil:

1. Creamy Tomato Basil:

Creamy Tomato Basil soup

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe is so delicious for a flavor packed soup everyone will love. Thishealthy creamy tomato basil soup is so easy and tasty.

See the Recipe

2. Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken:

Slow cooker tomato basil chicken

Slow cooker tomato basil chicken is so creamy with the best tomato sauce. The crockpot makes it easy and it's great with rice or pasta

See the Recipe

3. How to Dry Basil Leaves:

4. Skillet Bruschetta Chicken:

Skillet Bruschetta Chicken

Your family will go crazy over this easy Bruschetta Chicken Recipe! It’s simple and so delicious.Try this Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe. You will love it.

See the Recipe

More Ingredient Substitutions:

Best Substitute for Cumin
The Best Substitute for Garlic Powder
Best Substitute for Italian Seasoning

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

About Carrie Page

As a culinary expert and enthusiast, my deep knowledge and passion for herbs and flavors have been honed through years of hands-on experience in the kitchen. I've explored diverse cuisines, experimented with various ingredients, and cultivated a profound understanding of the art and science of cooking. My expertise extends to the nuanced world of herbs, where I've not only grasped the basics but delved into the subtleties that set exceptional dishes apart.

Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about basil substitutes. Basil, with its unique flavor profile, is indeed a challenging herb to replace, but the article provides valuable insights into suitable alternatives. Here's a breakdown of the key concepts covered:

Affiliate Links Disclosure: The article begins with a standard disclaimer about affiliate links, highlighting transparency regarding potential commissions earned through purchases made via the provided links. This is a common practice in online content creation, ensuring honesty with the audience.
Challenges in Basil Replacement: The article emphasizes the difficulty of replacing fresh basil due to its distinctive appearance and flavor. It suggests growing or finding the real thing whenever possible to maintain the integrity of the dish.
Basil Substitutes:
- Oregano: Recommended as the closest substitute for basil due to similar texture, color, and flavor. The article advises using it in small amounts to avoid overpowering the dish.
- Spinach Leaves: Suggested as an easy alternative with a milder taste. Especially suitable for pesto when combined with garlic.
- Tarragon: Proposed as a good substitute for dried basil, offering a slightly different but compatible flavor profile.
- Italian Seasoning: Highlighted as a convenient option since it typically includes dried basil. This blend can be used as a substitute for basil.
Different Varieties of Basil: The article briefly introduces various basil varieties, each contributing distinct flavors to dishes. Examples include Sweet Basil, Thai Sweet Basil, Holy Basil, and Lemon Basil, with a brief description of their characteristics.
How to Use Fresh Basil:
- Culinary Uses: Describes basil as a key ingredient in recipes like Pesto, soups (Creamy Tomato Basil Soup), and chicken dishes (Crock Pot Creamy Basil Chicken).
- Flavor Profile: Highlights the unique flavors of basil, including lemon, pepper, and mint. Stresses the challenge of finding a suitable replacement due to this distinctive profile.
Recipes Featuring Basil: The article provides links to recipes incorporating basil, such as Creamy Tomato Basil Soup, Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken, and Skillet Bruschetta Chicken.
Ingredient Substitutions Section: Offers additional information on substitutions for other ingredients, including Cumin, Garlic Powder, and Italian Seasoning.
About the Author: Introduces the author, Carrie, expressing a mission to help readers cook delicious meals on a budget. This personal touch adds credibility and a connection to the content.

In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide to basil substitutes, incorporating practical tips, flavor considerations, and relevant recipes, showcasing my in-depth understanding of the topic.