Ingredient substitution guide
Best substitutes for basil paste
Best swap for basil paste: Fresh basil, use 1 tbsp chopped per 1 tbsp paste; chop finely.
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 Paste?
The best swap for Basil Paste is Fresh Basil, use 1 tbsp chopped per 1 tbsp paste; chop finely. Another option is Pesto, use 1 tsp per 1 tsp paste; adds garlic, cheese (milk), oil and usually pine nuts or other tree nuts. The table below also lists Dried Basil, 3 swaps in all.
| Swap | Ratio and notes |
|---|---|
| Fresh basil | use 1 tbsp chopped per 1 tbsp paste; chop finely |
| Pesto | use 1 tsp per 1 tsp paste; adds garlic, cheese (milk), oil and usually pine nuts or other tree nuts |
| Dried basil | use 1/3 as much; less bright flavor, works in cooked 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.