Spinach, particularly baby spinach, can be a great substitute for basil in dishes where the herb would be served raw, like pesto or Caprese salads. Spinach provides similar color and texture to fresh basil, although it lacks some of the herb’s aromatic nuance.
Step 3: Add Oil & Mix
Put the tomatoes, cheese and cilantro into a bowl and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Then mix gently, but well.
Step 2: Prepare Tomatoes, Mozarella & Cilantro
You can do slices of tomatoes and cheese, but I like to cube them for bite sized goodness.
Chop a good handful of cilantro .
Easy Caprese Salad Recipe with Balsamic Glaze
FAQ
What can I use if I don’t have basil?
Substitutes for Basil: Basil substitutes can include its mint cousins: Greek oregano, mint, and thyme. Tarragon and savory are also suitable alternatives to basil. Because basil is included in Italian seasoning, that is also a good alternative for basil when called for in an Italian-style recipe.
Is parsley a good substitute for basil?
Dried Parsley: You can use dried parsley instead of dry basil or their fresh counterparts in dishes that are milder in flavor. Fresh parsley also makes an excellent garnish for its mild, grassy flavor and pretty leaves.
How do you substitute dried basil for fresh basil leaves?
Our general rule of conversion for using dried herbs is to use 1/3 of the original quantity of fresh herbs. Using your ¼ cup of fresh basil as an example, it is reasonable to substitute 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of dried basil leaves in place of the ¼ cup (which is equivalent to 4 tablespoons) of fresh basil.
What can replace basil in pesto?
Try replacing half the basil with arugula, kale, radish greens, parsley, or spinach. You could also skip the basil entirely and use a mix of parsley and cilantro or a 50/50 blend of fresh mint and spinach. Swap the nuts. Almost any nut or seed works well in this vegan pesto recipe!