Need a cilantro substitute for salsa, curry, tacos, or whatever you’re cooking tonight? If cilantro just isn’t your thing, no problem – there are a number of quick and easy swaps you could use instead. On the other hand, if you actually like cilantro but don’t have fresh leaves on hand, frozen cilantro is a simple backup that still delivers that familiar flavor.
Sometimes cilantro adds freshness, sometimes brightness, and sometimes it’s just that final touch that brings everything together. So, the best choice of cilantro substitute really depends on how cilantro is used in your recipe. Let’s explore the different choices (and when to use them) next!
What Is the Best Substitute for Cilantro?
In most cases, flat-leaf parsley with a little lime juice is the best substitute for cilantro when you want a different herb. Parsley brings a clean, green freshness, while lime restores the brightness cilantro is known for.
However, if you like cilantro and simply don’t have fresh leaves available, frozen cilantro cubes are the closest match since you’re still using real cilantro—just in a more convenient form.
Here’s a quick guide to help you choose:
| Cilantro substitute | Best for | What to expect |
| Flat-leaf parsley + lime | Salsa, guacamole, tacos, salads | Fresh, mild, with a citrus note |
| Frozen cilantro cubes | Sauces, rice, soups, marinades, dips | Real cilantro flavor, straight from the freezer |
| Culantro | Latin American and Caribbean dishes | Stronger, more intense cilantro-like flavor |
| Basil | Curries, noodle dishes, soups, sauces | Fresh, aromatic, and slightly sweet |
| Dill | Seafood, salads, dips, creamy sauces | Bright, tangy herbal flavor |
| Mint | Chutneys, salads, grain dishes | Cool and refreshing |
| Green onions or chives | Tacos, bowls, soups, garnishes | Mild onion flavor with a fresh bite |
7 Cilantro Substitute Options and When to Use Them
1. Flat-Leaf Parsley and Lime
Flat-leaf parsley is one of the easiest cilantro substitutes to reach for. It looks similar and works across a wide range of dishes, making it a reliable everyday option.
On its own, though, it’s milder and less citrusy than cilantro. A squeeze of lime juice or a little zest helps bring back the brightness cilantro usually adds. Together, they work especially well in salsa, guacamole, tacos, grain bowls, and fresh salads.
For a deeper comparison, check out our guide to parsley vs. cilantro.
2. Frozen Cilantro Cubes
If you like cilantro but don’t have fresh leaves to hand, frozen cilantro is the closest option because it’s still real cilantro.
Dorot frozen chopped cilantro comes pre-portioned and because it’s stored in the freezer, it’s ready whenever you need it. Each cube is about one teaspoon of chopped cilantro, so you can easily stir it into soups, sauces, rice, marinades, dips, and more—no chopping or measuring required.
For cold dishes like dips, dressings, or guacamole, just let the cube thaw before mixing.
3. Culantro
Culantro is a different herb from cilantro, but it has a similar aroma and a much stronger, more concentrated flavor. The University of Florida notes that it smells like cilantro but is more intense.
Because it’s so bold, it’s best to start small and adjust as you go. It works especially well in soups, sauces, and Caribbean or Latin American dishes, where a stronger herb flavor fits naturally.
4. Basil
Basil doesn’t taste like cilantro, but it can still bring a fresh, aromatic note when cilantro isn’t essential to the dish.
Thai basil is especially good in curries, noodle dishes, stir-fries, and soups thanks to its slightly sweet, peppery flavor. Regular basil is softer and works well in soups, sauces, grain dishes, and everyday savory cooking.
If basil works for your recipe, Dorot frozen basil cubes are a convenient option that again you can keep in the freezer.
5. Dill
Dill has a bright, distinctive flavor that works well in the right dishes, even though it isn’t a ‘like for like’ replacement for cilantro.
It pairs especially well with seafood, salads, yogurt-based sauces, dips, and anything with lemon or lime. Since it’s quite strong, it’s best to start small and adjust to taste.
If dill fits your dish, Dorot frozen dill also comes in pre-portioned frozen cubes for easy use.
6. Mint
Mint is a great option when you’re after freshness more than a true cilantro replacement.
It works well in chutneys, grain salads, fresh vegetables, and mixed herb dishes. You can also mix a little mint with parsley for a brighter, more balanced flavor.
7. Green Onions or Chives
Sometimes you don’t really need a replacement at all.
When cilantro is just a garnish, green onions or chives work nicely instead. They add color, freshness, and a light bite to tacos, rice bowls, soups, eggs, and salads—though they do bring a mild onion flavor.
Tips for Choosing the Right Cilantro Substitute
To narrow things down, start with why you’re replacing cilantro in the first place. If you simply don’t like it, parsley, basil, dill, mint, or green onions are usually a better fit than trying to recreate its exact flavor.
Some people experience cilantro differently because of natural differences in taste perception. It can carry a “soapy” taste for some people, which SeriousEats have investigated here. It’s a really interesting read, well worth a look if you have a few minutes (when you’re done here, of course!).
Overall though, the key to success is to match the substitute to the dish:
- Parsley + lime – best for fresh dishes like salsa, guacamole, and tacos
- Basil – works well in soups, sauces, curries, and noodle dishes
- Dill – great for seafood, salads, and creamy sauces
- Mint or green onions – best for fresh, bright finishing touches
Here’s an extra few quick things to keep in mind:
- Coriander seeds are not cilantro — cilantro refers to the fresh leaves, while coriander refers to the dried seeds. They come from the same plant but taste completely different.
- Dried herbs can work in cooked dishes, but they won’t give you that fresh, bright cilantro finish.
- Stronger herbs like dill, mint, or culantro are best added a little at a time, so they don’t overpower the flavors you want in the dish.
Dorot Gardens: The Easy Way to Have Cilantro Ready for Your Next Recipe
There’s no single cilantro substitute that works in every situation. Parsley and lime are the most flexible option when you want a different herb, while frozen version of cilantro is the easiest way to keep real cilantro ready for recipes whenever you need it.
For a simple freezer-friendly option, take a look at Dorot Gardens cilantro cubes, or explore our cilantro recipes for more easy ways to use cilantro in everyday cooking. And lastly, if you can’t find our products in your go-to grocery store, our store locator can help you find somewhere carrying them!