The Best Simple Dill Substitutes

Looking for an alternative to Dill? You’re in the right place! Keep reading for my favourite simple Dill substitutes.

What is Dill ?

Dill is a feathery, leafy green herb used in French cooking. The flavour is slightly aniseedy, fresh and vibrantly green.

The Best Dill Substitutes

(in order of preference)

1. Fennel Tops

The feathery leaves or fronds certainly are the closest match to dill from a visual perspective. The flavour it pretty close too.

2. Flat Leaf Parsley

Parsley is more subdued in flavour compared with dill. Which means it won’t clash with any of the other flavours in your dish. It does add some lovely freshness and the visual greenery of dill so if it’s the only herb you have it will be better than nothing.

3. Chives

Will work in a similar way but just takes the flavours in a different direction. Chopped chives go well with the same types of ingredients as dill. Chives pack a bigger flavour punch so you won’t feel like you’re missing anything. Your dish will end up with more of an oniony flavour.

4. Tarragon

While tarragon is stronger in aniseed type flavours than dill, I can’t think of a place where the aromatic freshness of tarragon wouldn’t work exceptionally well as an alternative. Use significantly less to make sure you don’t overpower your dish.

5. Basil

Basil will take things in a different direction but the fresh pepperiness will work in most recipes calling for dill.

6. Pesto

While this classic Italian sauce won’t look anything like fresh dill, the intense herby flavour in pesto can be a brilliant way to get the extra boost your dish needs. I always have a jar of commercial pesto in the pantry just in case.

How to Prepare Dill

Wash, dry then pick the leaves away from the stems and discard the stems. The leaves can then be either used whole, torn or finely chopped. I generally use them finely chopped.

How to Store Dill

I keep mine wrapped in a plastic bag or container in the fridge. Will generally keep for 1-2 weeks, depending on how fresh it was when you bought it.

You can also freeze dill – it will be completely wilted when defrosted but will still add amazing flavour and fragrance.

Dill goes with…

Cream & Dill
Sour Cream & Dill
Parmesan & Dill
Fish & Dill
Eggs & Dill
Salmon & Dill
Beets & Dill
Smoked Fish & Dill
Capers & Dill
Lemon & Dill
Yoghurt & Dill

Can You Freeze Dill?

Yes you can. The texture will be wilted when defrosted but the fragrance and flavour will still be great. If you finely chop the drefosted dill you won’t really notice the change in texture.

More Ingredient Substitutes

Also see see the Simple Ingredients Substitutes Index.

Have fun in the kitchen!

With love,
Jules x