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You can make so many wonderful things with parsley and cilantro, from fresh sauces to hearty soups and vibrant salads.
If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen staring at a big bunch of parsley and cilantro wondering what to make with parsley and cilantro, you’re definitely not alone.
These two green herbs are powerhouses of flavor, and they can transform simple dishes into something special.
In this post, we’ll explore what to make with parsley and cilantro, including sauces, salads, soups, and more.
Let’s dive into some delicious ideas for using up those fresh herbs.
What to Make with Parsley and Cilantro: Fresh Sauces and Dips
One of the best things to make with parsley and cilantro is a vibrant, fresh sauce that brings any meal to life.
These herbs shine in uncooked preparations where their bright flavors can really pop.
1. Chimichurri
Chimichurri is a classic South American sauce that traditionally uses parsley, but adding cilantro gives it an extra layer of freshness.
Simply blend together a big handful of parsley, a handful of cilantro, several garlic cloves, red wine vinegar, olive oil, oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
This sauce is incredible spooned over grilled steak, chicken, or even roasted vegetables.
It’s one of the easiest things to make with parsley and cilantro when you have a surplus.
2. Cilantro-Parsley Pesto
Move over basil, because parsley and cilantro make a fantastic pesto.
Combine equal parts parsley and cilantro with pine nuts or walnuts, garlic, parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a food processor.
Toss this pesto with pasta, spread it on sandwiches, or swirl it into soups for an instant flavor boost.
What to make with parsley and cilantro that’s more versatile than this?
Not much.
3. Green Tahini Dip
For a creamy dip that’s perfect for parties, blend tahini with lemon juice, garlic, and a generous amount of chopped parsley and cilantro.
The herbs turn the dip a beautiful shade of green and add a refreshing herbal note.
Serve it with pita chips, raw veggies, or drizzle it over falafel.
This is a great answer to what to make with parsley and cilantro when you want something a little different.
What to Make with Parsley and Cilantro: Salads and Sides
These herbs aren’t just for sauces, they also make incredible salads and side dishes.
Using them as a main ingredient rather than just a garnish allows their flavors to shine.
1. Tabbouleh
Traditional tabbouleh is a Middle Eastern salad that’s heavy on parsley and mint, but swapping in some cilantro works beautifully.
Mix finely chopped parsley, cilantro, and mint with bulgur wheat, diced tomatoes, cucumber, lemon juice, and olive oil.
It’s fresh, filling, and perfect for summer.
If you’re wondering what to make with parsley and cilantro in bulk, tabbouleh is a brilliant choice because it uses up several cups of herbs at once.
2. Herbed Quinoa Salad
Cook up a batch of quinoa and let it cool.
Then fold in chopped parsley, cilantro, green onions, dried cranberries, and toasted almonds.
Dress it with a simple lemon vinaigrette.
This salad is packed with protein and makes a fantastic lunch.
It’s another tasty option for what to make with parsley and cilantro.
3. Cilantro-Parsley Slaw
Shred some green and red cabbage, then toss it with a dressing made from lime juice, mayonnaise, honey, and lots of chopped parsley and cilantro.
This slaw is crunchy, creamy, and slightly sweet.
It pairs perfectly with fish tacos or pulled pork sandwiches.
What to make with parsley and cilantro that’s this crowd-pleasing?
This slaw is a winner.
What to Make with Parsley and Cilantro: Soups and Stews
Adding these herbs to soups and stews is a wonderful way to use them up while adding depth and freshness.
They can be stirred in at the end of cooking to preserve their bright flavor.
1. Herbed Chicken Soup
Start with your favorite chicken soup recipe, and right before serving, stir in a big handful of chopped parsley and cilantro.
The heat of the soup will gently wilt the herbs without destroying their flavor.
This simple addition makes the soup taste incredibly fresh.
It’s a comforting answer to what to make with parsley and cilantro on a cold day.
2. Cilantro-Parsley Lentil Soup
Lentil soup is hearty and healthy, and it loves herbs.
Cook red lentils with onions, carrots, and cumin, then blend partially for a creamy texture.
Finish with a generous stir-in of chopped parsley and cilantro, plus a squeeze of lemon.
The herbs brighten the earthy lentils beautifully.
What to make with parsley and cilantro that’s this nutritious?
This soup is a great option.
3. Green Herb Broth
If you have a lot of stems and leaves, simmer them in chicken or vegetable broth with garlic and ginger for twenty minutes.
Strain the broth, and you have a flavorful base for noodles or rice.
This is a smart way to use every part of the herbs when you’re figuring out what to make with parsley and cilantro.
So, What to Make with Parsley and Cilantro?
You can make so many wonderful things with parsley and cilantro, from fresh sauces to hearty soups and vibrant salads.
These two herbs are incredibly versatile and can be used in a countless number of dishes.
Whether you’re blending them into chimichurri, tossing them into tabbouleh, or stirring them into soup, they always deliver fresh, bright flavor.
So the next time you have a bunch of parsley and cilantro on hand, you’ll know exactly what to make with parsley and cilantro.
Enjoy your cooking!