Ingredient substitution guide
Best substitutes for basil
Best swap for basil: Dried basil, use 1/3 the amount; less fresh flavor.
How we checked this: these swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes, and their ratios follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than one published chart. For exact amounts on many common swaps, see the NDSU and Colorado State University extension tables listed below. Editorial policy
What can I use instead of Basil?
The best swap for Basil is Dried Basil, use 1/3 the amount; less fresh flavor. Another option is Fresh Oregano, use about half; much stronger. The table below also lists Baby Spinach plus Dried Basil and Thai Basil, 4 swaps in all.
| Swap | Ratio and notes |
|---|---|
| Dried basil | use 1/3 the amount; less fresh flavor |
| Fresh oregano | use about half; much stronger |
| Baby spinach plus dried basil | for pesto: spinach for bulk, dried basil for flavor |
| Thai basil | 1:1; anise note, better in South-East Asian dishes |
Source and limits
These swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes to your kitchen, last updated . We remove swaps known to be unsafe, but not every swap has been tested in a kitchen, and a swap is cooking guidance, not an allergen or nutrition equivalent. Check labels and what the recipe needs before substituting.
The ratios and usage notes follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than a single published chart. These two university extension tables list exact amounts for many common swaps:
- Ingredient Substitutions (FN198), NDSU Extension (opens in a new tab)
- Ingredient Substitutions (9.329), Colorado State University Extension (opens in a new tab)
Browse every ingredient and read how these swaps are sourced.
Read the full guide: Dried basil instead of fresh: the ratio and the catch
Buying more? Storage times for basil