Caper Substitutes: 5 Briny Alternatives for Any Recipe
The best substitute for capers is Green Olives (chopped) at a 1 tbsp chopped green olives = 1 tbsp capers ratio. It works best for pasta sauces, salads, tapenade. There are 4 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Green Olives (chopped)
1 tbsp chopped green olives = 1 tbsp capers
Briny and salty with a similar Mediterranean flavor profile. Chop finely for a comparable texture. Castelvetrano or Manzanilla olives work best.
What are the other substitutes for capers?
Pickled Nasturtium Seeds
1 tbsp nasturtium seeds = 1 tbsp capers
Often called 'poor man's capers,' these pickled seeds have a remarkably similar flavor and size. Available at specialty stores or easy to make at home.
Dill Pickles (diced)
1 tbsp finely diced dill pickles = 1 tbsp capers
Provide the vinegary tang and crunch. Use cornichons (small French pickles) for the closest size and flavor match.
Lemon Zest + Salt
1 tsp lemon zest + pinch of salt = 1 tbsp capers
Provides brightness and salinity without the brine flavor. Best when capers are used as a finishing touch for brightness rather than a main ingredient.
Caper Berries
3-4 caper berries (chopped) = 1 tbsp capers
The fruit of the same caper plant, larger and milder than capers. Chop to approximate caper size. Same flavor family but less intense.
What should you know before substituting capers?
Rinse salt-packed capers before using to reduce saltiness. Brine-packed capers can be drained and used directly. For extra flavor, fry capers in olive oil until they bloom open and become crispy: this makes an excellent garnish for fish, pasta, and salads.
How do you substitute capers in a recipe?
Small, briny flower buds pickled in salt or vinegar, adding bursts of tangy, salty flavor to dishes. Capers are essential in piccata, puttanesca, bagels with lox, tapenade, and Mediterranean salads.
The best substitute for capers depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Green Olives (chopped) (1 tbsp chopped green olives = 1 tbsp capers), which works well for pasta sauces, salads, tapenade.
If you need a different option, Pickled Nasturtium Seeds (1 tbsp nasturtium seeds = 1 tbsp capers) is another reliable choice. Often called 'poor man's capers,' these pickled seeds have a remarkably similar flavor and size. Available at specialty stores or easy to make at home.
When substituting capers, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and FoodSafety.gov. See our testing methodology for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of capers in chicken piccata?
Chopped green olives are the best substitute for capers in piccata, providing similar briny saltiness. Finely diced cornichons also work well and add the tangy acidity that defines the dish.
Are capers and caper berries the same thing?
No: capers are the small unopened flower buds of the caper bush, while caper berries are the larger fruit that forms if the buds are allowed to bloom. Caper berries are milder and about the size of a small olive.
Do I need to rinse capers before using them?
Salt-packed capers should be rinsed and soaked for 10 minutes to reduce saltiness. Brine-packed capers can be used directly, though a quick rinse helps if you prefer less salt.