Different Types of Parsley
Most recipes that call for parsley don’t actually distinguish between the types of parsley. There are four varieties of parsley, though two are more common than others. Before we jump into substitutes, it’s important to understand the differences in flavors among different types of parsley.
Italian Parsley vs. Parsley
Flat-leaf parsley (also called Italian parsley) has a stronger flavor. Curly leaf parsley has a milder flavor and also used as garnish. If a recipe calls for one of these, you can usually substitute the other. Both Italian and curly parsley can be used in soups, stews and other recipes, but flat leaf parsley is stronger and can be cooked longer without wilting compared to curly parsley (so can be added earlier in the cooking process).
Sixteen Best Parsley Substitutes
It can be quite hard to substitute parsley in a ranch dressing or a Green Goddess dressing. But I’ve listed sixteen substitutes in order of suitability. There’s also a handy infographic at the end of this section!
Substitute Other Types of Parsley
In a pinch, if a recipe calls for one type of parsley, you can substitute it with another type of parsley. The best part about this is that you can do so in a 1:1 ratio, without compromising on the flavor profile.
Non Parsley Substitutes
What are your favorite substitutes for parsley? Let us know in the comments if we’ve missed any!
