What To Do With Cilantro And Parsley

Cilantro and parsley are two of the most versatile herbs you can keep in your kitchen, and knowing what to do with cilantro and parsley opens up a world of fresh flavor possibilities.
 
Both herbs can be used in sauces, salads, soups, and marinades, but they have very different personalities that work best in different dishes.
 
If you have a bunch of each sitting in your fridge right now, you’re in the right place because there’s plenty you can do with cilantro and parsley.
 
In this post, we’ll explore what to do with cilantro and parsley, how to store them, and some tasty ways to use them up before they wilt.
 
Let’s get to it.
 

What to Do With Cilantro and Parsley: The Basics

Knowing what to do with cilantro and parsley starts with understanding how each herb behaves in the kitchen.
 
Cilantro has a bright, citrusy, slightly peppery taste that people either love or hate.
 
Parsley, on the other hand, is milder, grassy, and clean-tasting, which makes it a team player in almost any recipe.
 
Here are some easy ways to put both herbs to work.
 

1. Blend Them Into Fresh Sauces

One of the best things to do with cilantro and parsley is to blend them into sauces.
 
Cilantro shines in chimichurri, salsa verde, and creamy avocado sauces.
 
Parsley is the star of classic pesto, gremolata, and salsa verde too.
 
Just toss either herb with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a blender.
 
You’ll have a vibrant sauce ready in minutes.
 

2. Toss Them Into Salads

If you’re wondering what to do with cilantro and parsley when you have more than you can use, salads are a no-brainer.
 
Treat them like leafy greens instead of delicate garnishes.
 
Combine cilantro and parsley with chopped cucumber, tomato, red onion, and a squeeze of lime.
 
That’s a refreshing herb salad that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or fish.
 

3. Use Them as Garnishes

The simplest answer to what to do with cilantro and parsley is to chop them up and sprinkle them over everything.
 
Soups, stews, tacos, curries, scrambled eggs, and roasted vegetables all benefit from a handful of fresh herbs.
 
Cilantro works especially well on Mexican and Thai dishes.
 
Parsley adds a clean finish to Mediterranean and European recipes.
 

Creative Ways to Use Cilantro and Parsley

Once you’ve mastered the basics, there are plenty of creative things to do with cilantro and parsley that go beyond garnishing.
 
These herbs can carry a dish on their own if you let them.
 

1. Make Herb-Infused Butter or Oil

Another great option for what to do with cilantro and parsley is to infuse butter or oil.
 
Soften a stick of butter and mix in finely chopped herbs, garlic, and lemon zest.
 
Roll it into a log, chill it, and slice off pieces to melt over steak, fish, or bread.
 
You can also warm olive oil with cilantro and parsley stems for a flavorful drizzle.
 

2. Freeze Them Into Ice Cubes

If you have more cilantro and parsley than you can use right away, freezing is a smart solution.
 
Chop the herbs, pack them into ice cube trays, and cover with olive oil or water.
 
Once frozen, pop the cubes into soups, sauces, or smoothies whenever you need a flavor boost.
 
This trick means you’ll always have an answer to what to do with cilantro and parsley before they spoil.
 

3. Add Them to Marinades and Dressings

Cilantro and parsley both work wonders in marinades and salad dressings.
 
Blend cilantro with lime juice, jalapeño, and garlic for a zesty chicken marinade.
 
Whisk parsley into a vinaigrette with Dijon mustard, honey, and red wine vinegar.
 
These herbs add freshness that dried spices just can’t match.
 

How to Store Cilantro and Parsley So They Last

Knowing what to do with cilantro and parsley also means knowing how to keep them fresh longer.
 
Proper storage can mean the difference between herbs that last two days and herbs that last two weeks.
 

1. Keep Stems in Water

Treat cilantro and parsley like fresh flowers by trimming the stems and placing them in a glass of water.
 
Cover the leaves loosely with a plastic bag and store the glass in your fridge.
 
Change the water every couple of days and they’ll stay perky much longer.
 

2. Wrap Them in Damp Paper Towels

Another easy method is to wrap the herbs in slightly damp paper towels.
 
Place the bundle inside a zip-top bag or airtight container and store it in the crisper drawer.
 
This keeps humidity levels just right so the leaves don’t dry out or turn slimy.
 

3. Avoid Washing Until You’re Ready to Use Them

Moisture is the enemy of fresh herbs, so don’t wash cilantro and parsley until the moment you plan to use them.
 
Excess water on the leaves speeds up spoilage and encourages mold.
 
Give them a quick rinse and pat them dry right before chopping.
 

So, What to Do With Cilantro and Parsley?

What to do with cilantro and parsley really comes down to using them generously and creatively.
 
You can blend them into sauces, toss them into salads, freeze them into cubes, or simply sprinkle them over your favorite meals.
 
Both herbs bring brightness and freshness that elevate everyday cooking.
 
Store them properly, use them often, and you’ll never let a bunch go to waste again.
 
Now you know exactly what to do with cilantro and parsley.