Substitute for Capers: Ratios and Best Uses
By The Recipes by Mom kitchen · Last checked October 21, 2026 · Not kitchen-tested; see how our recipes are made
The most common substitute for one tablespoon of capers is one tablespoon of chopped green olives. Other effective options include chopped caperberries or dill pickles, which can also be used in a one-to-one ratio.
Capers add a distinct salty and acidic tang to many dishes. When choosing a replacement, consider which aspect of the caper’s flavor profile is most important for your recipe. Some substitutes offer a similar briny quality, while others might provide brightness without the same texture.
Substitutes for capers (per 1 tablespoon)
| Substitute | How much | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green olives, chopped | 1 for 1 | Piccata, pasta, tapenade | Milder |
| Caperberries, chopped | 1 for 1 | Sauces | Larger |
| Dill pickles, chopped | 1 for 1 | Tartar sauce | Sweeter, dill flavor |
| Lemon zest + salt | To taste | Piccata | Brightness only |
Ratios are common kitchen equivalents; results vary by recipe, so try a swap in a forgiving recipe first.
Good to know
- Rinse brined capers if you want less salt
How to choose the right caper substitute
To select the best substitute, consider the flavor and texture you need.
- Chopped green olives offer a similar briny, salty flavor and firm texture. They are milder than capers, making them a versatile option that will not overpower a dish. Chopping them helps mimic the small size of capers.
- Chopped caperberries have a taste similar to capers. They are larger, so they should be chopped before use to better mimic the size of capers.
- Chopped dill pickles provide both acidity and salt, but they also introduce a distinct dill flavor and a hint of sweetness. This makes them suitable for specific dishes where their unique taste is a welcome addition.
- Lemon zest and salt should be used when you only need to replicate the bright, acidic note of capers. This combination does not provide the same texture or briny flavor, so it is best used in sauces where brightness is the main goal.
Substitutes by recipe type
Different recipes call for different qualities from capers, so the best substitute can vary.
- For piccata, pasta, or tapenade: Finely chopped green olives are an excellent choice. Their salty flavor integrates well into sauces and spreads, providing a similar taste and texture to capers. Lemon zest with a pinch of salt can also work in piccata sauce if you are only looking for a bright, acidic finish.
- For sauces: Chopped caperberries are a strong option in cooked sauces where their flavor can meld with other ingredients. Their taste is very close to that of capers.
- For tartar sauce: Chopped dill pickles work well as a caper substitute in tartar sauce. Their sweet and tangy profile complements the creamy base of the sauce.
What changes when you use a substitute
Replacing capers will slightly alter your final dish. Green olives are less potent, so the flavor will be milder. Dill pickles add their own characteristic flavor and a touch of sweetness that is not present with capers. Caperberries are a close match in taste but have a different texture. Using lemon zest and salt provides acidity but omits the pickled, briny element entirely.
Many capers are packed in brine, which adds a lot of salt to a recipe. If you want less salt, rinsing brined capers can help. When using a substitute like pickles or olives, which are also brined, you may want to adjust the other salt in your recipe accordingly.
Sources and method
- Substitution ratios: common equivalents from US university extension substitution tables and standard cookbooks, cross-checked by the editors
Last checked October 21, 2026.