This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more information.
Are you about to make some guacamole? Did you just notice that you have no cilantro? If this is you, you’re likely trying to figure out what you can use to substitute for cilantro in guacamole, and this post has all the answers you need!
We’ve shared the lime juice substitutes for guacamole here, but if you’re out of cilantro, keep reading to see ways to replace this herb in a guac recipe.
Guacamole is a Mexican avocado-based dip made with ingredients like avocados, lime juice, tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, salt, and black pepper.
If you’re making guacamole and you have no cilantro, you need some substitutes now. Below, you will find 6 tried and true cilantro substitutes that work in guacamole. Most of them are quite easy to find too.
What can I substitute for cilantro in guacamole?
The best alternatives for cilantro in guac are herbs like culantro, Pabalo, parsley, mint, basil, and tarragon. Each of these herbs will be discussed below.
Best substitutes for cilantro in guacamole
Parsley
If you have parsley, this herb can be used as a replacement for cilantro in guac.
While parsley has a fresh, peppery, mild flavor with a more herbal scent, compared to the strong pungent, citrusy flavor of cilantro, it works great in this avocado dip.
Culantro
Another herb that can be used in guacamole in place of cilantro is culantro or sawtooth coriander. Culantro is a herb that is popular in the tropics and that has a similar, albeit a stronger flavor than cilantro.
This herb can be used to replace cilantro in stews, soups, salsa as well as guacamole. The leaves of culantro are tougher, so they need to be chopped finely. Also try using the younger, more tender leaves as they’re better in raw food preparations.
Use half as much culantro in your guacamole as the amount of cilantro the recipe calls for. For example, use ½ cup of culantro to replace 1 cup of cilantro in your guac.
Mint
Mint is also good for substituting cilantro. Obviously adding this herb to your guacamole is a personal choice as its flavor is very different from the pungent citrusy flavor of cilantro. Nonetheless, mint works well in this avocado dip.
Basil
Fresh basil is another great sub for cilantro in guac. It is not a very popular herb to use in guacamole, but, the fresh, sweet, peppery flavor of basil is quite unique and great in a guacamole dip.
Tarragon
Tarragon is another fresh herb that can be used to make guacamole. Like all the other herbs listed here, its flavor is quite different than that of cilantro, but it works quite well. Use fresh tarragon of course, and use on a 1:1 substitute ratio.
Papalo
Papalo also referred to as summer cilantro is another ideal alternative for cilantro in guac. This is a Mexican herb that can be described as having a flavor that is a cross between cilantro and cucumbers.
The flavor of papalo is more robust than that of cilantro, so less is required. However, if you can find this herb, feel free to use it in place of fresh cilantro guacamole.
