9 Simple Alternatives for Cilantro

Cilantro is one of those ingredients people either adore or avoid. Whether you’re part of the ‘love it’ crew or firmly believe it tastes like soap, you may need a substitute at some point.

A key ingredient in many global dishes, cilantro’s unique flavor is hard to miss. While it’s easy to find replacements, they may change the taste slightly, though the quality will remain intact. (For those in the soap camp, that’s a win!)

If you’ve run out, discovered your bunch has gone bad, or simply prefer not to use it, don’t worry—we’ve got plenty of alternatives for you.

What Exactly Is Cilantro and How Is It Used?

Cilantro refers to the leaves of the Coriandrum sativum plant, while coriander is the name for the seeds. However, in many parts of the world outside the US, cilantro is also called coriander or coriander leaf (this can be confusing, but it's good to know when reading international recipes or menus).

For those lucky enough not to have the gene that turns cilantro’s fresh, grassy, and citrusy flavor into a soapy taste, it’s a wonderfully versatile herb. It can be blended with other herbs to create sauces like chimichurri, mixed into guacamole, or used as a garnish. Cilantro is key in many cuisines, especially Latin American, Asian, and Caribbean dishes. While it’s commonly used raw—on tacos and the like—it can also be cooked into curries, stir-fries, soups, and meat dishes.

Top Cilantro Substitutes

Parsley

This vibrant green herb likely already has a spot in your fridge – maybe even right next to the cilantro. Both parsley and cilantro belong to the same plant family, and flat-leaf parsley looks so much like cilantro that it’s often bought by mistake (Instacart shoppers and husbands, take note). While parsley has a slightly more bitter flavor, it’s just as fresh in recipes, and when chopped, it mimics cilantro’s look. To more closely match cilantro’s citrusy notes, try adding a bit of lemon juice or zest. Mexican dishes like salsa and guacamole are perfect places for parsley to shine as a replacement.

Basil

Basil’s flavor is distinctively different from cilantro’s, with a more earthy, woody taste. Whether in cooking or as a garnish, basil can easily replace cilantro, offering a similar appearance. If you can find Thai basil – a spicier, more aromatic version of the herb – it’ll not only bring a unique flavor, but a beautiful appearance as well. Basil works particularly well as a substitute in curries and stir-fries.

Oregano

Oregano, especially fresh rather than dried, has a strong, peppery, and herbaceous flavor. While oregano isn’t the most obvious replacement for cilantro (given how different their tastes are), it can work in dishes packed with herbs or in creamy sauces, such as this cilantro-avocado sauce. For an even better substitution, try combining fresh oregano with parsley. This pairing can work well in a wider range of dishes, such as Sweet Chili Lime Chicken with Cilantro Couscous, where the lime juice compensates for cilantro’s signature citrusy flavor.

Fresh Herbs

Herbs are generally quite interchangeable. When you're unsure, try chopping a variety of them—like parsley, dill, tarragon, and oregano—to create a flavorful, multi-layered twist in your dishes. While it won’t perfectly replicate cilantro, it’ll add an exciting new flavor profile. This approach is especially helpful if cilantro isn’t your favorite. The possibilities are endless when you mix fresh herbs. For example, try using them in a chimichurri or a vibrant herb-packed pesto.

Dried Cilantro or Other Dried Herbs

When substituting dried cilantro or other dried herbs for fresh, you should adjust the amount used. A good rule of thumb is to use half the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh. So, for a recipe that calls for 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, substitute 2 tablespoons of dried cilantro. Dried herbs work best in cooked dishes, such as cilantro lime chicken or slow-cooker recipes, but avoid using them in dishes like cilantro rice that require fresh herbs.

Dill

Dill has a very distinct flavor compared to cilantro, but it can be a great alternative in dishes like potato salad or other chilled recipes. Since dill has a stronger taste, a little goes a long way.

Lemon or Lime Juice

To bring out cilantro's citrusy undertones, a squeeze of lemon or lime juice can add a refreshing burst of flavor. While it won’t mimic the green color, it will provide a lovely brightness. This is a great option for garnishing or as a finishing touch, but not for dishes where cilantro is a key ingredient, like salsa verde.

Cumin

Cumin, which belongs to the parsley family, has a warm, nutty, and spicy flavor. For a substitute in Mexican dishes like guacamole or seasoned beef tacos, use 1 teaspoon of cumin for every tablespoon of fresh cilantro. It also works wonderfully in chili. If cilantro is just used as a garnish, a small sprinkle of cumin can be a great alternative.

Curry Powder

Curry powder offers a far more complex flavor profile than cilantro, so it can't simply replace it directly. However, its rich, layered taste can be a delightful substitute in dishes like soup or marinades. Just use about 1/4 of the amount you would normally use for cilantro.