What To Do With Cilantro And Parsley

You can do a lot with cilantro and parsley, and they’re two of the most versatile herbs you can keep in your kitchen.
 
They add freshness to everything from soups to salads, and they’re also key players in sauces, marinades, and even drinks.
 
Whether you’re wondering what to do with cilantro and parsley because you bought too much at the store or you’re trying to tell them apart, this post will help.
 
So if you’ve been asking what to do with cilantro and parsley, keep reading.
 
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to use them, store them, and even swap one for the other when you’re in a pinch.
 

What to Do with Cilantro and Parsley

What to do with cilantro and parsley starts with understanding each herb’s personality.
 
Cilantro has a bright, citrusy, slightly peppery flavor that some people love and others absolutely hate.
 
Parsley, on the other hand, is milder, grassy, and a little bit earthy, which makes it a quiet team player.
 
Neither one is hard to use, but cilantro tends to dominate a dish while parsley blends in.
 
That’s why knowing what to do with cilantro and parsley depends on the recipe.
 

1. Toss Them Into Salads

One of the easiest things to do with cilantro and parsley is chop them up and throw them into salads.
 
Cilantro works great in Mexican-inspired salads with corn, black beans, and lime.
 
Parsley shines in Mediterranean salads with tomatoes, cucumbers, and lemon.
 
You can even mix both herbs together for a fresh, herby green salad base.
 
Just chop them roughly and don’t worry about being perfect.
 

2. Blend Them Into Sauces

Cilantro and parsley both make incredible sauces when blended with oil, garlic, and acid.
 
Cilantro gets along famously with lime, jalapeño, and garlic in a classic cilantro-lime sauce.
 
Parsley pairs beautifully with lemon, capers, and anchovies in salsa verde.
 
These sauces keep in the fridge for about a week and can go on chicken, fish, tacos, or roasted veggies.
 
That’s another solid answer to what to do with cilantro and parsley when you’ve got way too much on hand.
 

3. Sprinkle Them as a Garnish

If you want to know what to do with cilantro and parsley without cooking them, use them as a garnish.
 
A handful of chopped parsley on top of a soup adds freshness and color.
 
A few sprigs of cilantro on a bowl of curry or tacos brightens everything up.
 
You don’t need much, just a light sprinkle works wonders.
 
This is probably the simplest thing to do with cilantro and parsley because there’s basically no prep beyond washing and chopping.
 

Ways to Use Cilantro and Parsley in Cooking

Cooking with cilantro and parsley is where things get fun, because heat changes how both herbs behave.
 
Parsley holds up surprisingly well when cooked, while cilantro tends to lose its punch when exposed to high heat.
 
So knowing when to add each one matters if you want real flavor.
 

1. Add Parsley Early, Cilantro Late

Parsley is sturdy, so you can add it to soups, stews, and sauces near the beginning.
 
Cilantro, however, is delicate, so stir it in right before serving or after the heat is off.
 
This way, you keep that citrusy edge cilantro is known for.
 
And you avoid the dull, grassy taste that comes from overcooking it.
 

2. Use Them in Marinades

Both herbs make excellent marinade bases when blended with oil, vinegar, and spices.
 
A cilantro-based marinade works great for chicken, shrimp, or steak destined for the grill.
 
A parsley-based marinade is perfect for lamb, fish, or roasted vegetables.
 
Let your protein sit in the marinade for at least an hour so the herbs really soak in.
 
That’s a smart way to put cilantro and parsley to work when you’re planning a big meal.
 

3. Stir Them Into Rice or Grains

Another easy option when you’re wondering what to do with cilantro and parsley is to fold them into rice or grains.
 
Cilantro rice is a staple in many Latin dishes and pairs well with beans and grilled meat.
 
Parsley works just as well in tabbouleh, quinoa, or buttered rice.
 
Chop finely, stir in, and let the residual heat release the aroma.
 
This transforms a plain side dish into something people actually remember.
 

4. Freeze Them for Later

If you still have more than you can use, freezing is a great plan for cilantro and parsley.
 
Chop them up and pack them into ice cube trays with a little olive oil or water.
 
Once frozen, pop the cubes out and store them in a freezer bag.
 
Then just drop a cube into a hot pan whenever a recipe calls for fresh herbs.
 
That’s a clever answer to what to do with cilantro and parsley when your fridge is overflowing.
 

Can You Swap Cilantro for Parsley?

You can swap cilantro for parsley, but the flavor won’t be the same.
 
Parsley is milder and won’t give you that bright, citrusy kick cilantro brings.
 
Still, in a pinch, parsley is the better substitute because it won’t overpower a dish.
 
Never swap cilantro for parsley if someone at the table has that soapy-taste gene, though.
 
They’ll notice right away, and no amount of garlic will cover it up.
 
So if you’re deciding what to do with cilantro and parsley in a recipe that calls for just one, taste as you go.
 

So, What to Do with Cilantro and Parsley?

What to do with cilantro and parsley comes down to how you want your food to taste.
 
Cilantro brings bold, citrusy energy to tacos, curries, and marinades.
 
Parsley adds a gentler, grassy note to salads, soups, and grain dishes.
 
You can chop them, blend them, cook with them, freeze them, or swap one for the other.
 
The best thing to do with cilantro and parsley is simply to use them before they wilt.
 
So grab that bunch from your fridge, rinse it well, and start cooking.