From dill gherkins to zucchini, there are plenty of alternatives that look and taste similar to your favorite pickles.
Here is our list of the 13 best cornichon substitutes and how to use them in your favorite recipes.
1. Pickled Cucumber
You can use almost any type of pickles to replace cornichons but pickled cucumbers are the best option because they match the taste of your pickled gherkins.
Plus, the green of your cornichons is similar to that of a fresh cucumber. Cucumbers are also easily available, so you don’t have to look for a cornichon alternative for too long.
2. Dill Gherkins
Dill is a popular ingredient in traditional cornichon juice, so it’s no surprise that dill gherkins are one of the best alternatives to cornichons.
While the dill flavor is more prominent in dill gherkins, they are also packed with other healthy herbs that could give your recipe a new twist.
If you want a cornichon substitute that looks exactly like cornichons, then dill gherkins are the best option. They are also slightly crunchier.
3. Zucchini
Although zucchini is part of the same family as cornichons, this green and healthy vegetable is much larger than cornichons.
Plain zucchini has a subtle flavor but you can also make your own pickled zucchinis which resemble cornichons closely.
Just keep in mind that zucchinis are slightly more bitter than cucumbers and gherkins. This being said, their texture is very similar, so you get the same nice crunch.
4. White Vinegar
White vinegar is a key ingredient in the pickle mix for cornichons. This means that you can easily use just white vinegar in your salad or recipe.
However, bear in mind that pure white vinegar has an acidic flavor which can taste sour when you add too much vinegar to your recipe.
This makes it not the most ideal cornichon substitute but one of the best alternatives that are widely available.
As long as you keep the amount of white vinegar in your dish to a minimum, you can easily enjoy the same flavor as cornichons.
5. Baby Dill Pickles
If you find that normal dill pickles are too big, then you can also substitute your cornichons with smaller baby dill pickles.
They have the same crunch and size as cornichons. Plus, their flavor is very similar thanks to the pickle mixture.
Baby dill cucumbers are often available in jars which makes it easier to portion them.
6. Green Bell Peppers
Bell peppers aren’t just super healthy but you can also buy them in almost every grocery store across the country.
Green bell peppers have a slightly sweet and earthy flavor. While this doesn’t give them the same taste as cornichons, they look very similar in a dish.
If you cut a green bell pepper in small cubs, then you won’t be able to tell the difference between cornichons and peppers.
This means that if you are looking for a cornichon substitute that looks similar to small pickled gherkins, then green peppers are a great choice.
7. Pickled Vegetables
From pickled cucumbers and pickled gherkins to pickled beets, you can use any type of pickled vegetable as a cornichon alternative.
All pickles have a similar, sour flavor that comes out in your dish. Some of the best pickled vegetables or cabbages and radishes.
However, you can also use any other type of vegetable, including potatoes, carrots, parsnips and beans.
If you want to add a sweet flavor to your dish, then you can even use pickled fruit, such as cherries, blueberries and strawberries.
8. Celery
Celery is a versatile vegetable that you can use in almost any dish. Its slightly bitter flavor when raw can put people off but it transforms into a tangy, sweet aroma when cooked.
Celery also has a lot of crunch which means you can add it to your salad if you want some more texture.
Plus, celery is an incredibly healthy vegetable that counts as your five-a-day.
9. Pickled Capers
Capers are the flower buds of the caper tree. They look like small, green berries which makes them an ideal replacement for cornichons.
You can get them in grocery stores but they are so versatile that it’s a good idea to have them in your pantry.
Pickled capers have a classic sour flavor with an aroma of lemons. This tangy taste makes capers ideal as a cornichon replacement.
In addition, they are also small and round which means you couldn’t tell the difference between cut cornichons and capers.
10. Cucumber
Cornichons are part of the cucumber family, so using a normal cucumber as a cornichon alternative is a good idea.
Although they are different sizes with different flavors, they both are crunchy and fresh.
If you prefer to have the pickled flavor, then you can soak your cucumbers in a mixture of vinegar and salt. This is a quick and easy way to create pickled cucumbers.
11. Green Olives
Similar to capers, green olives are relatively small and round. Their green color and tart flavor resemble cornichons.
Just make sure that your green olives are properly cured, so they don’t have an overwhelmingly bitter taste.
Once your olives completed the curing process, they have the same flavor as cornichons.
12. Pickled Relish
Pickle relish may look difficult but it is simply chopped cucumbers in a pickle solution. The flavor is exactly the same as cornichons and other pickled vegetables.
This being said, pickled relish is very different in appearance from cornichons. However, if you prefer a matching flavor, then pickled relish is the ideal cornichon replacement.
13. Chutney
Chutney originally comes from India where it is made with a variety of locally grown vegetables and fruit.
Chutney is a mix of fruit, veggies, vinegar and a great number of spices that give the chutney flavor.
As chutney comes in a variety of different flavors, you will need to find the one that matches your recipe. This is also a great opportunity to experiment with different aromas in your favorite meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do Cornichons Last?
Cornichons can last for up to two years in an unopened jar. They can even last for a few months if you open them.
However, make sure to keep your cornichons in their juice. This will keep them fresh and tasty.
Can You Make Your Own Cornichons?
Yes, it is relatively easy to make your own cornichons. Simply boil a mix of salt, vinegar and water. Pour the mix into a few jars and then place your gherkins inside.
You can also add tarragon, bay leaves and dill to the mixture. Then, seal the jars tightly and allow your gherkins to soak for a few weeks. You can then enjoy your cornichons.
Are Gherkins And Cornichons The Same?
No cornichons and gherkins are not the same. Cornichons are smaller than gherkins. Plus, cornichons are also made from pickles in a vinegar solution.
Gherkins have a cucumber flavor, while cornichons have a tart taste that makes them taste more like pickles.
Final Thoughts
Cornichons are tasty pickles that aren’t just perfect for salad but also for a variety of other dishes.
Hi, I’m Aubrey, and I have been a chef for close to 8 years. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, as long as I can remember. I loved my play kitchen when I was a kid, and would offer my parents my own (albeit gross) cookie recipes to taste!
Here at ButterandSaltGatherings, I want to offer a wide range of ingredients, flavors, meals and recipes so that you can start living each day to the fullest, and enjoy only the best food.
