What To Do With Excess Fresh Cilantro

Excess fresh cilantro can be used in so many ways, and you don’t have to let it wilt and go to waste.
 
If you’ve ever bought a big bunch of cilantro for one recipe and ended up with way more than you needed, you’re definitely not alone.
 
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to use up excess fresh cilantro, from sauces and soups to freezing and even making cilantro ice cubes.
 
In this post, we’ll go over some of the best things to do with excess fresh cilantro so you can enjoy every last leaf.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

What to Do With Excess Fresh Cilantro

There are many great things you can do with excess fresh cilantro, and here are some of the most useful.
 

1. Make a Batch of Cilantro Pesto

One of the best things to do with excess fresh cilantro is to turn it into a vibrant cilantro pesto.
 
Just blend cilantro with garlic, nuts (like almonds or pepitas), lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
 
This cilantro pesto keeps in the fridge for about a week and freezes beautifully.
 
You can toss it with pasta, spread it on sandwiches, or drizzle it over roasted veggies.
 

2. Whip Up Some Cilantro Chimichurri

If you have excess fresh cilantro on hand, chimichurri is another fantastic option.
 
Finely chop cilantro, parsley, garlic, and red onion, then mix with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a little oregano.
 
This sauce is amazing on grilled steak, chicken, fish, or even roasted potatoes.
 
It’s a great way to use up a big handful of cilantro in one go.
 

3. Blend It Into Soups and Curries

Adding excess fresh cilantro to soups and curries is a smart move.
 
Stir a big handful of chopped cilantro into a pot of lentil soup, coconut curry, or tortilla soup right before serving.
 
The heat will gently wilt the cilantro and release its fresh, citrusy flavor.
 
This is one of the easiest ways to use up cilantro without much extra effort.
 

4. Freeze Cilantro in Olive Oil or Water

Freezing is a great long-term solution for excess fresh cilantro.
 
Chop the cilantro finely, then pack it into ice cube trays and top with olive oil or water.
 
Once frozen, pop the cubes out and store them in a freezer bag.
 
Whenever a recipe calls for cilantro, just drop a cube or two straight into the pan.
 

More Creative Ways to Use Up Excess Fresh Cilantro

Beyond the basics, there are even more creative ways to deal with excess fresh cilantro.
 

1. Add It to Salads and Dressings

Fresh cilantro makes a wonderful addition to salads, especially grain salads and slaws.
 
You can also blend cilantro into a creamy dressing with yogurt, lime, and avocado.
 
This is a refreshing way to use up excess fresh cilantro before it goes bad.
 

2. Mix It Into Guacamole and Salsas

Guacamole and salsa are classic destinations for excess fresh cilantro.
 
Mash avocado with lime, onion, jalapeño, and a generous amount of chopped cilantro.
 
Or make a fresh salsa verde with tomatillos, cilantro, and chili peppers.
 
Both are delicious ways to enjoy cilantro while it’s still fresh.
 

3. Infuse Cilantro Into Rice and Quinoa

Cilantro rice is a simple and tasty way to use up excess fresh cilantro.
 
Cook your rice or quinoa as usual, then fold in chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a little butter or olive oil.
 
This turns plain grains into a flavorful side dish that pairs with almost anything.
 

4. Make Cilantro-Infused Cocktails or Drinks

Believe it or not, excess fresh cilantro works great in drinks.
 
Muddle cilantro with lime and sugar for a refreshing mocktail or cocktail.
 
You can also blend cilantro into smoothies or juices for a fresh, herbaceous kick.
 

5. Dry or Dehydrate Cilantro

If you have more excess fresh cilantro than you can use quickly, try drying it.
 
Hang small bunches upside down in a cool, dark place, or use a dehydrator.
 
Once dry, crumble the leaves and store them in an airtight jar.
 
Dried cilantro is milder but still adds flavor to soups, stews, and spice blends.
 

How to Store Excess Fresh Cilantro So It Lasts Longer

Before you use up your excess fresh cilantro, proper storage can buy you extra time.
 

1. Keep It in a Glass of Water

Treat cilantro like fresh flowers and place the stems in a glass of water.
 
Cover the leaves loosely with a plastic bag and refrigerate.
 
This method can keep excess fresh cilantro fresh for up to a week or more.
 

2. Wrap It in a Damp Paper Towel

Another easy method is to wrap the cilantro in a slightly damp paper towel.
 
Then place it in a zip-top bag or airtight container in the fridge.
 
This helps maintain humidity without letting the leaves get soggy.
 

3. Blanch and Freeze Whole Leaves

If you want to preserve excess fresh cilantro for months, blanching works well.
 
Dip the cilantro in boiling water for just a few seconds, then transfer to ice water.
 
Pat dry, chop, and freeze in bags or containers for later use.
 

So, What to Do With Excess Fresh Cilantro?

Excess fresh cilantro can be turned into pesto, chimichurri, soups, salsas, rice dishes, drinks, or simply frozen for later.
 
You can also store it properly to extend its shelf life, giving you more time to decide how to use it.
 
With these ideas, you’ll never have to watch your excess fresh cilantro wilt in the fridge again.
 
Whether you blend it, freeze it, or cook with it, there’s always a way to make the most of every last leaf.