8 Best Substitutes for Sweet Basil in Cooking

Need a substitute for sweet basil? The best options are herbs and blends that come close to its sweet, herbaceous flavor, especially in pesto, pizza Margherita, marinara, and other Italian dishes.

This guide walks through some of the best replacements for sweet basil and how to use them. Whether you need a sweet basil replacement for tomato sauce, pesto, Caprese salad or Thai-inspired dishes, you’ll find a reliable option here.

Best Substitutes for Sweet Basil

1. Dorot Gardens Basil Cubes

These ready-to-use cubes are made from basil that is washed, chopped and frozen quickly after harvest, which helps preserve its color, flavor and quality. Their long shelf life and pre-portioned format also save time – just pop a cube into sauces, soups or marinades.

Because they deliver real basil flavor year-round, they’re a reliable option when fresh sweet basil isn’t available.

2. Oregano

Oregano is part of the mint family and a staple in Mediterranean cooking. It has a warm, slightly peppery taste and is often used in tomato dishes when basil isn’t available. Use it sparingly, about a 1:1 ratio with basil, so it doesn’t overpower the dish, or try it in an oregano-based pesto for a bolder twist.

3. Tarragon

Tarragon has an anise-like flavor with a touch of sweetness. Since basil and tarragon share subtle licorice notes, it works well as a sweet basil replacement in creamy sauces, chicken dishes and salad dressings. Start with half the amount of basil you’d normally use, then adjust to taste.

4. Mint

Mint is a cousin of basil in the mint family. It’s fresh and aromatic, and even though the flavor is different, it still works well with many dishes. Add minced mint to fruit salads, spring rolls or pasta salads when you want a sweet, herbaceous lift.

5. Thyme

Thyme has a flavor that sits somewhere between basil and oregano, without as much pepperiness. It works well fresh or dried in Italian cooking or roasts, and you can use roughly half as much thyme as basil. Since dried herbs are more concentrated, start with a smaller amount and adjust as needed.

6. Savory

Summer savory has a peppery, slightly spicy taste that’s similar to thyme and mint. It pairs well with bean dishes, stuffing and poultry. Use it as a basil substitute in hearty stews or vegetable sautés when you want a stronger herb flavor.

7. Cilantro (Coriander leaves)

Cilantro brings a bold, citrusy flavor and takes the dish in a different direction. It works well in soups, salads and salsas, but because people tend to either love it or dislike it, it’s best to use it lightly when cooking for a crowd.

If you want that fresh cilantro flavor without the prep, Dorot Gardens also offers frozen cilantro cubes.

8. Italian seasoning blend

Most Italian seasoning blends include oregano, basil, marjoram, rosemary and thyme. If a recipe calls for dried basil, this blend adds complexity while still giving you that herby profile. Use 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning for each teaspoon of dried basil, then adjust to taste.