What To Do With Fresh Cut Cilantro

Fresh cut cilantro is incredibly versatile and can be used in everything from salsas and guacamole to soups, curries, and salads.
 
If you’ve ever wondered what to do with fresh cut cilantro after you’ve chopped a big bunch, you’re definitely not alone.
 
That bright, citrusy herb can elevate so many dishes, and it’s one of the easiest ways to add a punch of fresh flavor without much effort.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through the best things to do with fresh cut cilantro, how to store it so it lasts, and a few creative ideas you might not have tried yet.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

What to Do with Fresh Cut Cilantro in Everyday Cooking

 
Fresh cut cilantro shines brightest when you use it as a finishing herb.
 
Because heat can dull its delicate flavor, the best move is often to sprinkle it on at the end.
 
Here are some of the simplest and tastiest ways to put it to work.
 

1. Toss It Into Salsas and Guacamole

 
There’s a reason fresh cut cilantro is a staple in Mexican cuisine.
 
Finely chopped cilantro stirred into a chunky tomato salsa or mashed avocado gives everything a vibrant, zesty lift.
 
You can also add a handful of fresh cut cilantro to a mango salsa or a corn and black bean salad for a refreshing twist.
 

2. Use It as a Garnish for Soups and Stews

 
A bowl of spicy tortilla soup, a warm bowl of pho, or a hearty lentil stew all benefit from a generous pinch of fresh cut cilantro on top.
 
The heat from the soup gently releases the herb’s oils, so you get that lovely aroma without cooking away the flavor.
 

3. Mix It Into Rice, Noodles, and Grain Bowls

 
Fluff fresh cut cilantro through a pot of steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice for an instant upgrade.
 
You can also toss it with cold soba noodles, quinoa, or farro along with a squeeze of lime and a drizzle of sesame oil.
 
That’s one of my favorite answers to what to do with fresh cut cilantro when I have a big bunch to use up.
 

4. Blend It Into Sauces and Dressings

 
Chimichurri, cilantro-lime crema, and green goddess dressing all love fresh cut cilantro.
 
Just blend the herb with olive oil, garlic, vinegar or citrus, and a pinch of salt for a bright sauce that works on grilled meats, roasted veggies, or tacos.
 

Creative Ways to Use Fresh Cut Cilantro Beyond the Basics

 
Once you’ve mastered the everyday uses, fresh cut cilantro can also star in some unexpected places.
 

1. Freeze It in Oil or Butter

 
If you have more fresh cut cilantro than you can use, chop it and pack it into an ice cube tray.
 
Top each cube with olive oil or melted butter, then freeze.
 
Later, you can drop a cube straight into a hot pan for an instant flavor boost.
 
This is a brilliant trick when you’re wondering what to do with fresh cut cilantro before it wilts.
 

2. Make Cilantro Pesto

 
Swap basil for fresh cut cilantro in your next pesto batch.
 
Blend it with almonds or pepitas, Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil.
 
Toss that pesto with pasta, spread it on sandwiches, or swirl it into soup.
 

3. Add It to Scrambled Eggs and Omelets

 
Fresh cut cilantro folded into eggs along with a little cheese and hot sauce makes a seriously good breakfast.
 
The herb stays bright and pairs beautifully with the creamy eggs.
 

4. Infuse It Into Drinks

 
Muddle fresh cut cilantro into a mojito, a margarita, or a simple limeade.
 
You can also blend it into a green smoothie with pineapple, spinach, and coconut water.
 
The flavor is refreshing and totally unique.
 

How to Store Fresh Cut Cilantro So It Lasts

 
Knowing what to do with fresh cut cilantro also means knowing how to keep it fresh.
 
If you’ve already chopped it, place the cilantro in a paper towel-lined container and seal it.
 
The paper towel absorbs extra moisture, which helps prevent the leaves from turning slimy.
 
You can also stand the stems in a glass of water, cover the leaves loosely with a plastic bag, and refrigerate.
 
Change the water every couple of days, and your fresh cut cilantro will stay perky for a week or more.
 
For longer storage, chop and freeze the cilantro in oil or water cubes as mentioned earlier.
 

So, What to Do with Fresh Cut Cilantro?

 
Fresh cut cilantro can be used in salsas, soups, rice bowls, pesto, eggs, drinks, and so much more.
 
The key is to treat it as a finishing herb, add it at the end of cooking, and store it properly so it stays fresh.
 
Whether you’re making guacamole, freezing cubes for later, or muddling it into a cocktail, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy it.
 
So next time you have a bunch of fresh cut cilantro on hand, you’ll know exactly what to do with fresh cut cilantro.