Seasoning your dishes with herbs and spices is important to give them more flavor, so you need to make sure that you are using the right ingredients.
For some people, the herbs that are recommended are ones that they do not necessarily like, so finding replacements is important.
Basil is a fresh herb that is very popular in salads and pasta, but what if you don’t like it?
Below you will find out some substitutions for basil so you can still enjoy great tastes without herbs you dislike.
This article will take you through 6 substitutes for basil so that you can find your favorite alternative.
Find out more below to ensure that you do not compromise on good taste!
Substitutes For Basil
1. Parsley
Parsley is a very fresh herb that is very similar to basil in both looks and taste.
Parsley has a milder taste, so if you enjoy using basil for decoration, parsley (see also ‘8 Tasty Substitutes For Parsley‘) works in the same way
You can add parsley to dishes like salads, pizza, or pasta. Some people find it more of a light and fresh taste compared to basil.
2. Thyme
Thyme can also be used as a substitute for basil as it pairs very well with it.
Some people prefer a stronger-tasting herb, and thyme can provide this. It is sharp, peppery, and intense.
You can add thyme to dishes when you are seasoning meats, vegetables, or even pasta sauces.
It is very versatile and can be used with a variety of different types of foods.
3. Spinach
If basil is too strong for you, spinach has a milder taste, so it is perfect for complementing other flavors instead of overpowering them.
Spinach is often already used in the same dishes that basil is, such as pizzas, omelets, and pesto.
Using spinach in pesto instead of basil gives it a fresh and milder flavor.
4. Celery Leaves
Celery leaves are another fresh herb that is great to use instead of basil.
It has a strong taste, but it is milder than basil. It tastes fresh and can be used in various dishes.
It is a great way to reduce waste as lots of people throw away celery leaves, but this is a good opportunity to use them in your meals.
5. Arugula
Arugula is a lot spicier than basil as it has a good kick that adds more punch to your dishes.
It is very nutritious and is great to use in lots of different meals like salads and pizzas.
You should start by using a small amount of arugula and build up to make sure that it isn’t too overpowering.
6. Kale
Kale is a bold leafy green vegetable that is full of essential nutrients that help to keep your body strong and healthy, so using it is important to give your body the care that it needs.
You can use kale in pesto to form a distinctive flavor that is milder than normal, but it can also be added to salads!
Final Thoughts
To conclude, there are many different substitutes for basil, so you do not need to worry if you dislike it.
There are plenty of other herbs that you can use to get the same great flavors in your meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Basil Strong?
Basil is a strong herb that is found in lots of sauces and salads, but there are also many substitutes.
Can You Use Parsley In Sauces?
Parsley is a popular herb to use to make sauces as it is fresh and has a great flavor for complementing food.
Can You Eat Celery Leaves?
Celery leaves can be eaten and are great to use as substitutes for basil.
6 Substitutes For Basil
Discover 6 substitutes for basil to use in your dishes to ensure that you do not need to compromise on great-tasting dishes when you dislike a certain herb.
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