Whether you reach for flat leaf, curly leaf, or Italian, you probably know that parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note to just about any dish. Popular as a garnish, this mild, versatile herb can also add bright flavor to a variety of cooked dishes while also being rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals. However, if you’re looking to garnish that leg of lamb or need a bright herb to finish your salad dressing and don’t have a bunch of parsley on hand, you’ll be happy to know that there are a variety of options to choose from that have the same look as parsley and can be a great replacement in a pinch.
If replacing dried parsley, we recommend also replacing with a dried herb, and if replacing fresh parsley, a fresh herb, so you get the right amount of balanced flavor in whatever you’re preparing since dried herbs tend to have a more concentrated flavor. When it comes to adding a pop of color or flavor to a dish where there’s not a leaf of parsley in sight, don’t fret; use our guide to 5 tasty substitutes for parsley that are guaranteed not to disappoint.
1. Chervil
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Seen most often in French cooking, chervil is a mild herb that is closely related to parsley, making it well suited as a substitute for fresh or dried parsley. Chervil most closely resembles flat leaf parsley so if you’re going for a bright garnish for a dish, you won’t be disappointed, but if you’re using parsley for a flavor element you’ll want to double the amount of chervil since it has a more mild taste.
2. Tarragon
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Another staple in French cooking is tarragon, which can compliment many dishes as a bright, colorful garnish or for unique flavor when used in small amounts. Tarragon does have a slightly different taste than parsley, so when using it as a stand-in, do your best to taste as you go to achieve the right balance of flavor.
3. Chives
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Whether using fresh or dried, chives are an excellent way to replace parsley when it comes to adding color or bright flavor to a dish. While the flavor of chives is more similar to garlic or onions, it can still be used as a terrific substitute for parsley in all sorts of dishes.
4. Carrot Greens
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An unexpected substitute for parsley as a garnish, carrot greens have a similar look to curly parsley and can add the same bright green aesthetic that parsley provides. If you’re looking to find a replacement for parsley in cooking, you may want to avoid carrot greens, as they have a bitter flavor and may change the flavor of your dish for the worse.
5. Cilantro
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If you’re fan of Mexican or Thai cuisine, then you’re familiar with the cilantro. Similar to flat-leaf parsley aesthetically, cilantro is an excellent fill-in if you’re using it as a garnish. If cooking with cilantro instead of parsley, be mindful of the amount of cilantro you use since the bright, strong flavor may clash with whatever you’re cooking.