Cilantro is a popular herb used in many Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes like guacamole, salsa, and pico de gallo. However, some people find that cilantro tastes soapy or metallic due to a genetic trait. If you are one of the cilantro averse, don’t worry – there are plenty of great substitutes that can stand in for cilantro!
Why Do Some People Dislike Cilantro?
Cilantro, also known as coriander, contains an aldehyde chemical compound called (E)-2-decenal. For those with a specific genetic variant, this compound registers as a soapy or metallic taste. This undesirable taste is often described as similar to dish soap or bug spray. It’s estimated that 4-14% of the population has this genetic variant that makes cilantro taste unpleasant to them.
The cilantro soap taste is linked to a variation in olfactory receptor genes that pick up on aldehydes. However, those without the gene variant typically describe cilantro as having a bright, citrusy, or slightly peppery taste. So while cilantro adds a fresh pop of flavor to dishes like pico de gallo for some, for others it imparts an unfavorable soapy flavor.
Cilantro Substitutes to Use in Pico de Gallo
The good news is many herbs and leafy greens can substitute for cilantro in recipes. Here are some of the best options to use in pico de gallo:
Parsley
Italian parsley is very similar in appearance to cilantro, with flat, bright green leaves. And it provides a fresh, herbaceous flavor akin to cilantro. Parsley contains its own distinctive flavor compounds, but without the soapy aldehyde.
For pico de gallo, substitute an equal amount of chopped fresh parsley in place of the cilantro. The parsley provides a clean, fresh taste that complements the tomatoes, onion, lime juice and other pico ingredients nicely.
Basil
Sweet basil is another excellent stand-in for cilantro. The large green leaves of basil have a pleasant sweet and peppery taste. The flavor profile of basil is different than cilantro, but it has a similar vibrancy.
Use fresh chopped basil in place of cilantro in pico de gallo recipes. Start with a 1:1 substitution ratio, then adjust to your taste preferences. The basil notes blend nicely with the flavors of tomato, jalapeño and lime.
Mint
Fresh mint like spearmint or peppermint can also substitute for cilantro. These have their own distinctive menthol taste, but provide a cooling herbal flavor.
For pico de gallo, use a 1:1 ratio of chopped fresh mint leaves in place of the cilantro. You may want to use slightly less if the strong mint flavor is too overpowering. But it can provide a nice twist on traditional pico.
Culantro
Culantro is a herb that looks very similar to cilantro, but with longer, serrated leaves. Also called spiny cilantro, it has a flavor reminiscent of cilantro but with earthier, more citrusy notes. And importantly, it lacks the soapy aldehyde that gives some people an aversion to cilantro.
Substitute culantro in a 1:1 ratio for cilantro in pico de gallo recipes. It will provide a flavor profile closer to cilantro than the other substitutes.
Epazote
Common in Mexican cuisine, epazote is an herb with long, pointed leaves and a potent flavor. Both the leaves and stems of epazote have a strong taste that contains citrus, mineral and almost resinous notes.
Use sparingly in place of cilantro in pico de gallo, starting with about 1/4 of the volume of cilantro called for. Epazote has big flavor, so adjust to taste. It works well in Tex-Mex recipes like pico.
Cress
Garden cress is another leafy substitute for cilantro. Cress has dark, curly leaves and a sharp, peppery taste similar to mustard greens. The bright, tangy flavor of cress can stand in for cilantro’s vibrancy.
For pico de gallo, use about half as much chopped cress leaves as the cilantro amount. Cress has a stronger flavor, so use less and adjust as needed. The heat and zing of cress complement tomatoes, onions and chilies.
Arugula
Arugula is a cruciferous green with a sharp, peppery bite. Its leaves look similar to cilantro leaves but with a more deeply lobed shape. And arugula contains mustard oil compounds that give it a spicy kick.
Use roughly half the amount of chopped arugula in place of cilantro called for in pico de gallo. Arugula gives the pico a pleasant peppery note.
Spinach
Fresh spinach leaves can also work as a stand-in for cilantro, though the flavor profile differs more than other herbs. Raw spinach has an earthy, slightly bitter taste.
Chopped spinach can be substituted for cilantro in pico de gallo using a 1:1 ratio. But keep in mind the spinach flavor will be more dominant. Use less if you want a milder presence.
How to Choose a Cilantro Substitute for Pico
When selecting an alternative to cilantro for pico de gallo, consider these tips:
- Match the substitution ratio to the intensity of flavor. Use less of strongly flavored substitutes like mint or epazote.
- Consider the dish and complementary flavors. For example, mint pairs well with fruit while basil matches the tomatoes in pico.
- Adjust the amount to your taste preferences. You may need to tweak the quantity to get the perfect flavor profile.
- Use fresh herbs for best flavor. Dried herbs won’t have the same vibrancy.
- Chop the leaves finely to distribute the flavor evenly in the pico.
Cilantro Substitute Summary
In summary, here are some excellent cilantro substitute options for pico de gallo:
| Substitute | Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Parsley | 1:1 | Fresh, herbaceous flavor |
| Basil | 1:1 | Sweet, peppery taste |
| Mint | 1:1 | Start with less, strong menthol flavor |
| Culantro | 1:1 | Most similar flavor to cilantro |
| Epazote | 1:4 | Use sparingly, very potent flavor |
| Cress | 1:2 | Spicy, mustard-like flavor |
| Arugula | 1:2 | Peppery greens |
| Spinach | 1:1 | Earthy flavor |
Conclusion
While cilantro adds a signature flavor to many Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes, there are many flavorful cilantro substitutes available. Parsley, basil, mint, culantro and other herbs make excellent stand-ins for those who find cilantro off-putting. With a 1:1 ratio of most substitutes, you can easily swap cilantro for another fresh, vibrant ingredient in pico de gallo and other recipes calling for cilantro. Use this guide to find a substitute with a flavor profile you enjoy.
With a few simple swaps using fresh herbs and greens, you can create flavorful cilantro-free pico de gallo to enjoy. Don’t let a cilantro aversion stop you from savoring dishes like guacamole, salsa and more. Experiment with different cilantro substitutes to find your favorite alternative for Tex-Mex recipes.