The easiest substitute for capers is chopped green olives. They are salty, briny, easy to find, and work in pasta, chicken piccata, tuna salad, sauces, and dressings. For acidity without the caper texture, use a small splash of lemon juice or vinegar. For a stronger savory flavor, use anchovies only when fish flavor fits the dish.
Best Capers Substitutes
| Substitute | How to use it | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Chopped green olives | Use about the same amount as capers | Pasta, chicken, tuna salad, sauces |
| Cornichons or dill pickles | Chop small; start with slightly less | Egg salad, potato salad, tartar sauce, sandwiches |
| Caper berries | Slice or chop; use when you want caper flavor in bigger pieces | Garnishes, antipasto, salads |
| Pickled onions | Chop small and use for briny crunch | Salads, bowls, smoked fish, dips |
| Lemon juice or vinegar | Use a small splash, not a full 1:1 swap | Pan sauces, dressings, marinades |
| Anchovies | Use a very small amount, mashed or minced | Caesar-style dressings, pasta sauces, savory pan sauces |
Best Choice by Recipe
- Chicken piccata: chopped green olives plus a little lemon is the closest easy swap.
- Pasta puttanesca: olives and anchovies can cover the briny, savory role.
- Tuna salad: chopped pickles, cornichons, or green olives work well.
- Tartar sauce: chopped pickles are usually the most practical substitute.
- Salads: use olives, pickled onions, or caper berries depending on the texture you want.
How Much to Use
For chopped green olives, start with the same amount as the capers in the recipe. For pickles or pickled onions, start with a little less because the flavor can be sharper or sweeter. For lemon juice, vinegar, and anchovies, start with a small amount and taste before adding more.
Sodium and Allergen Notes
Capers, olives, pickles, and anchovies can all be salty. Rinse capers or olives briefly if you need less brine, and taste the dish before salting. Anchovies are fish, so avoid them when cooking for someone with a fish allergy or when the dish must be vegetarian.
FAQ
What is the closest substitute for capers?
Chopped green olives are the closest easy substitute because they bring briny, salty flavor and a similar small bite.
Can I use pickles instead of capers?
Yes, especially in salads, sauces, sandwiches, and tartar sauce. Chop them small and start with slightly less than the caper amount.
Can I leave capers out?
Yes, if capers are only a garnish. If they are central to the sauce, add olives, pickles, lemon juice, or vinegar to replace some of the briny acidity.
Are caper berries the same as capers?
No. Caper berries are larger and have a different texture, but they can work when sliced or chopped in salads and garnishes.
What is a non-pickled substitute for capers?
Lemon zest plus a small amount of lemon juice can add brightness without pickled texture. It will not taste the same, but it can balance rich sauces.