How To Use Up Fresh Cilantro

You can use up fresh cilantro in many ways before it wilts.

 

It’s one of those herbs that adds a bright, citrusy punch to almost any dish, so you don’t have to let it go to waste.

 

If you’ve been wondering how to use up fresh cilantro, you’re in the right place.

 

In this post, we’ll go over the best ways to use up fresh cilantro, from sauces to soups, so you can enjoy every last leaf.

 

Let’s dive in.

 

How to Use Up Fresh Cilantro in Everyday Cooking

You can use up fresh cilantro in your everyday meals with just a little creativity.

 

Here are some of the easiest ways to do it:

 

1. Blend It Into a Fresh Cilantro Pesto

One of the best ways to use up fresh cilantro is to turn it into a pesto.

 

Just swap basil for cilantro and blend it with garlic, nuts, lime juice, and olive oil.

 

This is a great way to use up fresh cilantro because the sauce keeps in the fridge for about a week.

 

You can also freeze it in ice cube trays so you can use up fresh cilantro anytime you need a flavor boost.

 

2. Stir It Into Soups and Stews

You can use up fresh cilantro by tossing a handful into soups and stews right before serving.

 

The heat gently wilts the leaves and releases that fresh, grassy aroma.

 

This is a smart way to use up fresh cilantro because a little goes a long way in a big pot of soup.

 

Think tortilla soup, lentil stew, or a spicy chili.

 

3. Add It to Salads and Grain Bowls

If you want to use up fresh cilantro without cooking it, chop it up and fold it into salads.

 

It pairs beautifully with quinoa, rice, black beans, and corn.

 

You can use up fresh cilantro this way and add a pop of color and flavor to any bowl.

 

A simple lime-cilantro vinaigrette is another easy way to use up fresh cilantro and dress up your greens.

 

4. Make a Batch of Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro lime rice is a classic way to use up fresh cilantro.

 

Just cook your rice, then stir in chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.

 

This is a fantastic way to use up fresh cilantro because it uses a generous amount at once.

 

It’s perfect alongside tacos, burritos, or grilled fish.

 

Creative Ways to Use Up Fresh Cilantro Before It Wilts

If your cilantro is starting to look a little sad, you can still use up fresh cilantro before it goes bad.

 

Here are some creative ideas:

 

1. Freeze It in Oil or Water

One of the most practical ways to use up fresh cilantro is to freeze it.

 

Chop the leaves and pack them into ice cube trays with olive oil or water.

 

Once frozen, you can pop a cube out whenever you want to use up fresh cilantro in a sauté or sauce.

 

This method lets you use up fresh cilantro months after you bought it.

 

2. Dry the Leaves

You can use up fresh cilantro by drying it, though the flavor will be milder.

 

Just wash it, pat it dry, and hang it upside down in a warm, dark spot.

 

Once dry, crumble the leaves and store them in a jar.

 

This is a simple way to use up fresh cilantro if you have more than you can eat right away.

 

3. Infuse It Into Oils or Vinegars

Another clever way to use up fresh cilantro is to infuse it into oil or vinegar.

 

Just pack clean, dry cilantro into a jar, cover it with olive oil or white vinegar, and let it sit for a week.

 

Strain it, and you’ve got a flavorful base you can use to use up fresh cilantro in dressings and marinades.

 

4. Whip Up a Cilantro Chimichurri

Chimichurri is traditionally made with parsley, but you can use up fresh cilantro instead.

 

Blend cilantro with garlic, vinegar, oregano, and olive oil.

 

This is a delicious way to use up fresh cilantro and spoon it over steak, chicken, or roasted veggies.

 

Tips to Use Up Fresh Cilantro Without Wasting It

To truly use up fresh cilantro, a little planning helps.

 

Here are some quick tips:

 

1. Store It Properly First

If you want to use up fresh cilantro before it turns to mush, store it right.

 

Trim the stems and place them in a glass of water, then cover the leaves with a plastic bag.

 

This keeps cilantro fresh for up to two weeks, giving you more time to use up fresh cilantro.

 

2. Chop and Prep Ahead

You can use up fresh cilantro faster if it’s already chopped.

 

Wash, dry, and chop the whole bunch, then keep it in a container in the fridge.

 

That way, you can use up fresh cilantro by tossing a handful into any meal.

 

3. Add It at the End of Cooking

To get the most flavor when you use up fresh cilantro, add it at the end.

 

Heat dulls the bright, citrusy notes, so stir it in just before you serve.

 

This way, you can use up fresh cilantro and still taste that fresh punch.

 

4. Pair It With Lime and Garlic

Cilantro loves lime and garlic.

 

When you use up fresh cilantro with these two ingredients, you amplify its flavor.

 

It’s a simple trick that makes any dish you use up fresh cilantro in taste restaurant-worthy.

 

So, How to Use Up Fresh Cilantro?

You can use up fresh cilantro by blending it into pesto, stirring it into soups, freezing it in oil, or making chimichurri.

 

The key is to treat it like a star ingredient rather than a garnish.

 

With these ideas, you’ll never again watch a bunch of cilantro wilt in the fridge.

 

Now you know exactly how to use up fresh cilantro, so grab that bunch and get cooking.