Cilantro Substitutes – 5 Best Fresh Herb Alternatives
The best substitute for cilantro is Flat-Leaf Parsley at a 1 tbsp cilantro = 1 tbsp flat-leaf parsley ratio. It works best for salsas, guacamole, garnishes. There are 4 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Flat-Leaf Parsley
1 tbsp cilantro = 1 tbsp flat-leaf parsley
The most common substitute, especially for those who dislike cilantro. Milder flavor but provides similar fresh green appearance.
What are the other substitutes for cilantro?
Parsley + Lime Juice
1 tbsp cilantro = 1 tbsp parsley + squeeze of lime
Parsley provides the green freshness while lime juice adds the citrusy brightness that cilantro contributes.
Thai Basil
1 tbsp cilantro = 1 tbsp Thai basil
In Thai and Vietnamese recipes specifically, Thai basil is often a better substitute than parsley due to its aromatic intensity.
Dill
1 tbsp cilantro = 1 tbsp dill
Fresh and aromatic like cilantro but with a different flavor profile. Works in Middle Eastern and Indian dishes.
Culantro (long coriander)
1 tbsp cilantro = 1/2 tbsp culantro
A different plant with a very similar but more intense cilantro-like flavor. Common in Caribbean and Latin American cooking.
What should you know before substituting cilantro?
About 14% of people have a genetic variation that makes cilantro taste like soap. For those people, parsley with a squeeze of lime is the best workaround. Cilantro stems have concentrated flavor-don't discard them, chop and use in cooking.
How do you substitute cilantro in a recipe?
A bright, citrusy herb (also called coriander leaf) essential in Mexican, Thai, Indian, and Middle Eastern cuisines for salsas, curries, and garnishes.
The best substitute for cilantro depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Flat-Leaf Parsley (1 tbsp cilantro = 1 tbsp flat-leaf parsley), which works well for salsas, guacamole, garnishes.
If you need a different option, Parsley + Lime Juice (1 tbsp cilantro = 1 tbsp parsley + squeeze of lime) is another reliable choice. Parsley provides the green freshness while lime juice adds the citrusy brightness that cilantro contributes.
When substituting cilantro, 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. See our testing methodology for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does cilantro taste like soap to some people?
About 14% of people have variations in olfactory receptor genes (particularly OR6A2) that make them highly sensitive to aldehyde chemicals in cilantro, causing a soapy taste. Parsley is the best alternative.
What is the best cilantro substitute for salsa?
Flat-leaf parsley with a squeeze of fresh lime juice is the best substitute for cilantro in salsa. The parsley provides the fresh green element while lime adds citrusy brightness.
Is cilantro the same as coriander?
In the US, cilantro refers to the fresh leaves and stems while coriander refers to the dried seeds. In many other countries, the whole plant is called coriander. They have very different flavors.