Dill substitutes
Dill substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Fennel fronds
Same amount as the dill
Feathery green tops of fennel with similar anise flavor.
The best substitutes for dill are fennel fronds, tarragon, parsley, or a combination of parsley and lemon zest for similar flavor profile.
Dill is aroma — a fresh, grassy, faintly aniseed note that lifts fish, potatoes and yoghurt — so replacing it is a flavour decision only, and the closer a herb sits to that combination of anise and freshness, the less the dish changes.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- fish
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
- Jobs
- Aroma & flavor identityprimary
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of dill | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fennel frondsfish | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Tarragonfish | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Parsley + lemon zestfish | 1 tbsp parsley + ½ tsp lemon zest per 1 tbsp dillWorks | Works |
| 4 | Dried dillcooking | 1 tsp dried dill per 1 tbsp fresh dillTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Chervilfish | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 6 | Basilsalads | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Fennel fronds
similar taste and texture
Feathery green tops of fennel with similar anise flavor.
- Covers
- Aroma & flavor identity
- Best for
- fish, salads, soups, garnishes
Closest flavor match to dill.
Tarragon
similar taste, different texture
Herb with similar anise-like flavor.
- Covers
- Aroma & flavor identity
- Best for
- fish, chicken, sauces, salads
Stronger flavor, use sparingly.
Parsley + lemon zest
similar taste and texture
Combination that mimics dill's fresh, bright flavor.
- Covers
- Aroma & flavor identity
- Best for
- fish, salads, sauces, garnishes
Good substitute for fresh dill.
Dried dill
similar taste, different texture
Dehydrated version with concentrated flavor.
- Covers
- Aroma & flavor identity
- Best for
- cooking, baking, spice blends
Use 1/3 the amount of fresh dill.
Chervil
similar taste and texture
Delicate herb with mild anise flavor.
- Covers
- Aroma & flavor identity
- Best for
- fish, salads, soups, garnishes
Milder than dill, more delicate.
Basil
different taste, similar texture
Sweet, aromatic herb with different flavor profile.
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- salads, sauces, garnishes
Different flavor but adds freshness.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use fennel fronds instead of dill?
Yes, fennel fronds are the closest substitute for dill as they have a similar anise-like flavor and feathery texture.
What's the difference between fresh and dried dill?
Fresh dill has a more vibrant, delicate flavor, while dried dill is more concentrated. Use about 1/3 the amount of dried dill compared to fresh.
Can I use tarragon instead of dill?
Yes, tarragon has a similar anise-like flavor, but it's stronger than dill, so use it sparingly to avoid overwhelming your dish.
Why is dill so popular with fish?
Dill's fresh, anise-like flavor complements the delicate taste of fish and seafood, and it's a traditional pairing in many cuisines, especially Scandinavian and Eastern European.
Tips for substituting dill
6 tips- Dill adds fresh, anise-like flavor to dishes
- Dill pairs particularly well with fish and seafood
- Add fresh dill at the end of cooking to preserve its flavor
- Dill can be used in both sweet and savory dishes
- Dill seeds have a stronger flavor than the leaves
- Dill can be frozen for longer storage