How To Make Cilantro Olive Oil

You can make cilantro olive oil by blending fresh cilantro with olive oil and straining it into a vibrant green infusion.
 
This homemade cilantro olive oil adds a fresh, herbaceous kick to dressings, marinades, drizzles, and dips.
 
It’s a simple way to capture that bright cilantro flavor without relying on dried herbs or store-bought bottles.
 
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just experimenting in the kitchen, making cilantro olive oil at home is easy, fast, and incredibly rewarding.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make cilantro olive oil step by step, plus a few tips to keep it tasting fresh.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

How to Make Cilantro Olive Oil

Making cilantro olive oil comes down to three simple things: fresh cilantro, good olive oil, and the right method.
 
Here’s exactly how to make cilantro olive oil that tastes bright and lasts well.
 

1. Gather Your Ingredients

To make cilantro olive oil, you’ll need a big handful of fresh cilantro leaves and stems, about one packed cup.
 
You’ll also need one cup of good-quality extra virgin olive oil.
 
A pinch of salt is optional, but it helps balance the flavor.
 
If you want a little heat, you can add a small clove of garlic or a pinch of chili flakes, but the classic version just needs cilantro and olive oil.
 

2. Wash and Dry the Cilantro

Rinse your cilantro well under cold water to remove dirt and grit.
 
Then pat it completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
 
Any water left on the leaves can cause your cilantro olive oil to spoil faster, so take a minute to dry it properly.
 
Once dry, roughly chop the cilantro, stems and all, since the stems carry plenty of flavor.
 

3. Blend Cilantro with Olive Oil

Add the chopped cilantro to a blender or food processor.
 
Pour in the olive oil and blend on high for about 30 to 60 seconds until the mixture looks like a bright green puree.
 
If your blender struggles, pulse in short bursts and scrape down the sides.
 
You want the cilantro olive oil mixture to be as smooth as possible so the flavor fully infuses.
 

4. Strain the Oil

Pour the blended cilantro olive oil through a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth or a clean nut milk bag.
 
Let it drain naturally for a few minutes, then gently press the solids to squeeze out every last drop.
 
What’s left in your bowl is a gorgeous green cilantro olive oil ready to use.
 
If you don’t mind a little texture, you can skip straining entirely and keep it as a loose cilantro olive oil paste.
 

Ways to Use Cilantro Olive Oil

Once you’ve made cilantro olive oil, you’ll find dozens of ways to enjoy it.
 
Here are some of my favorites.
 

1. Dressings and Vinaigrettes

Whisk cilantro olive oil with lime juice, a splash of vinegar, and a pinch of salt for a quick dressing.
 
It’s perfect over greens, grain bowls, or grilled veggies.
 

2. Marinades for Meat and Fish

Brush cilantro olive oil onto chicken, shrimp, or fish before grilling.
 
The oil carries that fresh cilantro flavor right into the food.
 

3. Drizzles and Finishing Oil

A few drops of cilantro olive oil over tacos, soups, or roasted potatoes add instant brightness.
 
It’s also great drizzled over scrambled eggs or avocado toast.
 

Tips for Storing Cilantro Olive Oil

Cilantro olive oil is perishable, so proper storage matters.
 
Here’s how to keep it fresh longer.
 

1. Keep It in the Fridge

Store your cilantro olive oil in a sealed jar or bottle in the refrigerator.
 
Cold temperatures slow spoilage and help the oil last up to two weeks.
 
The oil may solidify slightly in the fridge, but it will loosen up again at room temperature.
 

2. Use a Dark Bottle

Light breaks down olive oil over time, so a dark glass bottle is best.
 
Label it with the date so you know when your cilantro olive oil was made.
 

3. Watch for Spoilage

Fresh cilantro olive oil has a bright green color and a fresh, herby smell.
 
If it turns dull, smells off, or looks cloudy in a bad way, toss it out.
 
Never leave cilantro olive oil at room temperature for more than a few hours.
 

So, How Do You Make Cilantro Olive Oil?

You make cilantro olive oil by blending fresh cilantro with olive oil and straining the mixture into a clean jar.
 
It’s a fast, no-fuss way to bring bold cilantro flavor to your cooking.
 
Just remember to dry the cilantro well, use quality olive oil, and store your cilantro olive oil in the fridge.
 
Once you try homemade cilantro olive oil, you’ll want a jar in your kitchen at all times.