What To Make With Parsley And Cilantro

What to make with parsley and cilantro is one of those questions that pops up when you’ve got a big bunch of each sitting in your fridge and you don’t want them to go to waste.
 
The good news is you can make a ton of dishes with parsley and cilantro, from zesty sauces to hearty salads and even crispy fritters.
 
Both herbs are incredibly versatile and they play well with many cuisines, so you’re not stuck making just one thing.
 
In this post, we’ll go over some of the best things to make with parsley and cilantro, plus a few tips to get the most flavor out of them.
 
By the end, you’ll have plenty of ideas for using up those bunches before they turn slimy.
 

Best Things to Make with Parsley and Cilantro

When you’re wondering what to make with parsley and cilantro, the options go way beyond just tossing them into a salad.
 
These two herbs can be the star of the show in sauces, dips, and even main dishes.
 
Here are some of the most delicious ways to use them up.
 

1. Chimichurri Sauce

Chimichurri is a classic Argentinian sauce that traditionally uses parsley, but you can absolutely make it with parsley and cilantro for a fun twist.
 
Just chop up a big handful of both herbs, add garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
 
Blend it all together or chop it finely by hand, and you’ve got a vibrant green sauce that’s amazing on grilled steak, chicken, or even roasted veggies.
 
This is one of the best things to make with parsley and cilantro because it uses up a lot of both herbs at once.
 

2. Cilantro Parsley Pesto

If you love pesto but want to change things up, try making a pesto with parsley and cilantro instead of basil.
 
Toss a couple of cups of fresh herbs into a food processor with nuts (pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds all work), garlic, parmesan, and olive oil.
 
Blend until smooth and you’ve got a bright, herbaceous pesto that’s perfect on pasta, spread on sandwiches, or drizzled over fish.
 
It’s a great way to make something with parsley and cilantro that you can store in the fridge for a week or freeze for later.
 

3. Herb Salad with Parsley and Cilantro

In many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, herbs aren’t just a garnish—they’re the salad itself.
 
A simple salad made with parsley and cilantro, chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and a lemon-olive oil dressing is refreshing and packed with flavor.
 
You can also add bulgur or quinoa to make it more filling.
 
This is a fantastic way to make a dish with parsley and cilantro that really lets their fresh flavors shine.
 

4. Green Smoothies and Juices

If you’re into healthy drinks, you can make a green smoothie with parsley and cilantro by blending them with spinach, banana, apple, and a bit of ginger.
 
The parsley and cilantro add a clean, refreshing taste and a boost of vitamins.
 
You can also juice them with cucumber, celery, and lime for a detox-style drink.
 
It might sound unusual, but it’s a surprisingly tasty way to use up extra herbs.
 

5. Herb Fritters or Patties

Another great option when you’re figuring out what to make with parsley and cilantro is to fold them into fritters.
 
Mix chopped herbs with chickpea flour, water, cumin, and salt to make a batter, then pan-fry spoonfuls until golden.
 
These fritters are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of herby goodness.
 
Serve them with yogurt sauce or a squeeze of lemon.
 

Tips for Cooking with Parsley and Cilantro

Now that you’ve got some ideas for what to make with parsley and cilantro, here are a few tips to help you get the best results.
 

1. Use Them Fresh When Possible

Both parsley and cilantro lose a lot of their flavor when cooked for a long time.
 
That’s why it’s best to add them at the end of cooking or use them raw in sauces and salads.
 
If you’re making a hot dish, stir them in right before serving to keep that fresh taste.
 

2. Don’t Skip the Stems

The stems of parsley and cilantro are just as flavorful as the leaves, especially cilantro stems.
 
Don’t throw them away—chop them finely and add them to sauces, soups, or stir-fries.
 
They also blend well in smoothies and pesto.
 

3. Balance the Flavors

Parsley has a mild, grassy flavor while cilantro is bright and citrusy with a slight peppery kick.
 
When you make something with parsley and cilantro, taste as you go and adjust the amounts.
 
If you want more brightness, add more cilantro; if you want a milder background note, lean on parsley.
 

4. Store Them Properly

To keep your herbs fresh for longer, wash them, dry them well, and wrap them in a damp paper towel.
 
Then place them in a plastic bag or airtight container in the fridge.
 
This way, you’ll have plenty of time to make all these parsley and cilantro recipes without them going bad.
 

So, What to Make with Parsley and Cilantro?

What to make with parsley and cilantro really comes down to how adventurous you want to be.
 
You can make chimichurri, pesto, fresh salads, smoothies, or fritters—all of which use up a good amount of both herbs.
 
The key is to treat them as main ingredients rather than just garnishes.
 
So next time you’re stuck with a big bunch of parsley and cilantro, don’t let them wilt in the fridge.
 
Pick one of these ideas and make something delicious.
 
Whether you go for a zesty sauce or a hearty salad, you’ll be glad you did.