What To Do With Leftover Parsley And Cilantro

Leftover parsley and cilantro can be turned into vibrant sauces, refreshing drinks, freezer-friendly cubes, and flavorful dishes instead of being thrown away.
 
If you’ve ever stared at a wilting bunch of herbs in your fridge wondering what to do with leftover parsley and cilantro, you’re definitely not alone.
 
Those half-used bunches often get forgotten until they turn into a slimy mess, but there are actually plenty of ways to use up leftover parsley and cilantro before that happens.
 
In this post, we’ll explore what to do with leftover parsley and cilantro, from simple storage tricks to creative recipes that make the most of every last leaf.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

What to Do With Leftover Parsley and Cilantro: Best Uses

Knowing what to do with leftover parsley and cilantro starts with understanding how versatile these herbs really are.
 
They can go into sauces, drinks, marinades, and even baked goods, so there’s no reason to let them go to waste.
 
Here are the best ways to put leftover parsley and cilantro to work in your kitchen.
 

1. Blend Them Into Fresh Herb Sauces

One of the easiest things to do with leftover parsley and cilantro is to blend them into a bright, zesty sauce.
 
Chimichurri is a classic option made with parsley, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar.
 
Cilantro chimichurri works just as well and pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even eggs.
 
You can also make a green sauce by combining leftover parsley and cilantro with yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
 
This kind of sauce keeps in the fridge for about a week and transforms even the simplest meal into something special.
 

2. Make Cilantro or Parsley Pesto

If you’re wondering what to do with leftover cilantro, pesto is a brilliant answer.
 
Traditional pesto uses basil, but cilantro and parsley both work wonderfully as swaps.
 
Just blend the herbs with nuts, garlic, parmesan, and olive oil until smooth.
 
Parsley pesto tends to have a slightly peppery, fresh taste, while cilantro pesto brings a citrusy kick.
 
Toss either one with pasta, spread it on sandwiches, or swirl it into soup for an instant flavor boost.
 

3. Freeze Them in Olive Oil or Water

Freezing is probably the most practical answer to what to do with leftover parsley and cilantro when you don’t have time to cook right away.
 
Chop the herbs finely and pack them into ice cube trays.
 
Cover them with olive oil or water before freezing.
 
Once frozen, pop the cubes out and store them in a freezer bag.
 
Whenever a recipe calls for fresh herbs, just toss a cube or two straight into the pan.
 
This method keeps leftover parsley and cilantro usable for months.
 

4. Stir Them Into Soups and Stews

Both parsley and cilantro make excellent finishing herbs for soups, stews, and curries.
 
Add chopped parsley to chicken noodle soup for a fresh, clean taste.
 
Stir cilantro into a coconut curry or lentil stew right before serving to keep its flavor bright.
 
The heat will slightly wilt the herbs, which is exactly what you want.
 
Just remember that cilantro loses its punch the longer it cooks, so add it at the end.
 

Creative Ways to Use Up Leftover Parsley and Cilantro

Beyond the basics, there are plenty of creative ways to use up leftover parsley and cilantro that might surprise you.
 
These ideas are perfect when you have a little bit of each herb and want to make something fun.
 

1. Infuse Drinks and Cocktails

Cilantro and parsley both work beautifully in drinks.
 
Muddle cilantro with lime, sugar, and soda water for a refreshing non-alcoholic cooler.
 
Parsley adds a clean, grassy note to green juices and smoothies.
 
You can even freeze chopped herbs into ice cubes and drop them into lemonade or iced tea.
 
It’s a simple way to use leftover parsley and cilantro while making your drinks look and taste fancier.
 

2. Add Them to Salads and Grain Bowls

Tossing a handful of chopped parsley or cilantro into a salad is one of the quickest ways to use them up.
 
They add freshness to grain bowls, tabbouleh, and even pasta salads.
 
Try a simple salad with quinoa, chickpeas, cucumber, and a big pile of leftover parsley and cilantro.
 
Dress it with lemon and olive oil for a light, satisfying meal.
 

3. Whip Up a Batch of Herb Butter

Herb butter is another great option for what to do with leftover parsley and cilantro.
 
Soften a stick of butter and mash in finely chopped herbs, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon.
 
Roll it into a log, wrap it in plastic, and chill.
 
Slice off pieces to melt over steak, fish, corn on the cob, or crusty bread.
 
This is a smart way to preserve leftover parsley and cilantro while adding flavor to future meals.
 

4. Sprinkle Them Over Eggs and Avocado Toast

Sometimes the simplest answer to what to do with leftover parsley and cilantro is to just use them as a garnish.
 
Scrambled eggs, omelets, and avocado toast all benefit from a generous sprinkle of fresh herbs.
 
It takes seconds and makes your breakfast feel a little more gourmet.
 

5. Toss Them Into a Frittata or Quiche

If you have a bit more time, fold leftover parsley and cilantro into a frittata or quiche.
 
They pair well with spinach, feta, and caramelized onions.
 
This is a great way to use up not just herbs but also any lingering veggies in your fridge.
 

How to Store Leftover Parsley and Cilantro So They Last Longer

Before you decide what to do with leftover parsley and cilantro, it helps to store them properly so they stay fresh as long as possible.
 
Here are a few storage tips worth knowing.
 

1. Treat Them Like Flowers

Trim the stems and place the bunches in a glass of water.
 
Cover loosely with a plastic bag and refrigerate.
 
This keeps leftover parsley and cilantro fresh for up to a week or more.
 

2. Wrap Them in Damp Paper Towels

Another method is to wrap the herbs in a slightly damp paper towel and place them in a zip-top bag.
 
This works well for both parsley and cilantro and prevents them from drying out.
 

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

Moisture is the enemy of fresh herbs.
 
So wait to wash leftover parsley and cilantro until right before you use them.
 
This one small habit can make a big difference in how long they last.
 

So, What to Do With Leftover Parsley and Cilantro?

Leftover parsley and cilantro can be blended into sauces, frozen into cubes, stirred into soups, or used as garnishes for just about anything.
 
Instead of letting them wilt in the fridge, you now have plenty of ideas for what to do with leftover parsley and cilantro.
 
Whether you go simple with a sprinkle over eggs or ambitious with a batch of herb butter, these herbs deserve a spot in your next meal.
 
So the next time you find yourself with extra bunches, you’ll know exactly what to do with leftover parsley and cilantro.