Ever been halfway through a recipe when you realize you’re out of fresh dill? It happens to the best of us. Whether you’re whipping up a creamy dip, seasoning salmon, or finishing off a potato salad, dill is one of those herbs that adds something special—fresh, tangy, and unmistakable. But when it’s missing from your fridge, don’t panic. There’s a substitute for dill out there that can save your dish—and maybe even become your new go-to.

Key Points at a Glance:

• Dorot Gardens Chopped Dill is the easiest, freshest herb substitute for dill—flash-frozen and pre-portioned for no-mess meals.
• Common swaps include tarragon, fennel fronds, basil, parsley + lemon zest, and dried dill.
• Know when and how to use each substitute for dill based on your dish type.
• Freezer-based solutions like Dorot Gardens cubes save time, reduce waste, and eliminate prep stress.

1. Dorot Gardens Chopped Dill (Your Freezer’s Secret Weapon

Before diving into other options, let’s talk about the fastest, easiest fix—Dorot Gardens Chopped Dill. It’s everything fresh dill wishes it could be on a busy weeknight: always available, pre-measured, and packed with real flavor.

• Why it works: Each cube is flash-frozen within 90 minutes of harvest, locking in peak flavor and freshness. No wilting. No last-minute store runs.
• How to use: One cube equals one teaspoon of chopped fresh dill. Just pop it into your dish—no thawing required for hot recipes.
• Where it shines: Soups, fish, roasted potatoes, egg dishes, dressings, and more.

Best of all? There’s zero prep and zero waste.
Pop. Drop. Done.

If you’re looking for a reliable herb substitute for dill, this one’s ready to go straight from your freezer.

2. Tarragon

Tarragon brings a sweet, slightly anise-like flavor that works well as a dill alternative in certain dishes.

• Flavor profile: Bright, aromatic, mildly licorice
• Usage: Use half the amount of tarragon as you would dill, especially in creamy sauces or egg dishes
• Best in: Béarnaise sauce, herbed chicken, and seafood recipes

Tarragon can be a solid substitute for dill when you’re after an elevated, herbal twist.

3. Fennel Fronds

Don’t toss those green fronds if you’ve got fresh fennel in the fridge—they’re light, fresh, and perfect for mimicking dill in terms of texture and mild sweetness.

• Flavor: Herbaceous with subtle anise
• Best use: Garnishing salads, finishing brothy soups, or pairing with fish

Fennel fronds offer a visually appealing and aromatic herb substitute for dill.

4. Basil

While basil doesn’t taste exactly like dill, it offers freshness and lift, especially in Mediterranean-style dishes. It’s a solid stand-in if used in moderation.

• Ideal for: Pasta salads, tomato sauces, light dressings
• Tip: Add at the end of cooking to preserve its flavor
• Try it with: Dorot Gardens frozen basil cubes for ultimate ease

Our frozen basil cubes let you skip chopping entirely—just pop in the flavor and move on with your meal.

5. Parsley + Lemon Zest

If you’re out of dill but want to replicate that brightness and freshness, a mix of flat-leaf parsley and lemon zest can work wonders.

• Ratio: 1 tablespoon chopped parsley + ¼ teaspoon lemon zest for every tablespoon of fresh dill
• Great for: Potato salad, yogurt dips, marinades

And when time is tight, Dorot Gardens frozen parsley cubes bring clean, herby flavor in seconds—no knife needed.

6. Dried Dill (When Fresh Isn’t an Option)

Dried dill can be effective in cooked dishes, although it lacks the punch and texture of fresh or flash-frozen dill.

• Conversion: Use 1 teaspoon of dried dill for every tablespoon of fresh
• Best in: Warm dishes like soups, casseroles, and sauces
• Tip: Add early during cooking to help the flavor release

While not ideal for garnishes or cold dips, dried dill is still a functional recipe with longer cooking times.

Bonus Tips for Swapping Dill Confidently

• Balance is key: Some herbs like tarragon are more intense—start small and adjust to taste.
• Layer flavors: Blend options like parsley, lemon zest, and a touch of tarragon for complexity.
• Use frozen herbs for consistency: Dorot Gardens offers frozen basil cubes and frozen parsley cubes, both designed to lock in freshness and simplify prep.

When you’re cooking on a schedule (and let’s be real—who isn’t?), there’s nothing better than a freezer stocked with flavorful, ready-to-use ingredients. Dorot Gardens takes the guesswork out of cooking with herbs, giving you back time without sacrificing taste.