What To Do With Extra Cilantro From Garden

Extra cilantro from your garden can be put to delicious use in your kitchen instead of letting it go to waste.
 
If you’ve ever wondered what to do with extra cilantro from garden, you’re definitely not alone.
 
Cilantro grows fast and can bolt quickly in warm weather, leaving you with way more than you can eat fresh.
 
But there are plenty of ways to use up that extra cilantro from garden, from sauces to freezing techniques that keep it fresh for months.
 
In this post, we’ll explore practical and tasty ideas for what to do with extra cilantro from garden so nothing goes to waste.
 

What to Do with Extra Cilantro from Garden: Tasty Recipes

When you have extra cilantro from garden, turning it into flavorful recipes is one of the best ways to use it up.
 
Here are some easy ideas to try.
 

1. Make Fresh Cilantro Pesto

Cilantro pesto is a fantastic way to use up extra cilantro from garden.
 
Just blend cilantro leaves with garlic, lime juice, olive oil, and a handful of nuts like almonds or pepitas.
 
You can toss it with pasta, spread it on sandwiches, or use it as a marinade for chicken or fish.
 
It keeps in the fridge for about a week and freezes beautifully too.
 

2. Whip Up Chimichurri Sauce

Chimichurri is another great option for what to do with extra cilantro from garden.
 
This vibrant green sauce traditionally uses parsley, but cilantro works wonderfully as a substitute or addition.
 
Mix chopped cilantro with olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
 
Spoon it over grilled steak, roasted vegetables, or even eggs for a burst of fresh flavor.
 

3. Blend Cilantro into Smoothies

If you have extra cilantro from garden, sneak a handful into your morning smoothie.
 
Cilantro pairs surprisingly well with fruits like mango, pineapple, and banana.
 
It adds a fresh, slightly citrusy note and a boost of vitamins without overpowering the drink.
 
Just blend it with your favorite fruits, some yogurt, and a splash of water or juice.
 

Preserving Extra Cilantro from Garden for Later

Sometimes you can’t use all your extra cilantro from garden right away, so preserving it is the next best thing.
 
Here’s how to keep that cilantro fresh for months.
 

1. Freeze Cilantro in Olive Oil

Freezing is a smart answer to what to do with extra cilantro from garden.
 
Chop the cilantro finely and pack it into ice cube trays.
 
Top each cube with olive oil or water, then freeze.
 
Once frozen, pop the cubes into a freezer bag and use them directly in soups, stews, or sautés.
 

2. Dry Cilantro for Long-Term Storage

Drying extra cilantro from garden is another option if you prefer shelf-stable storage.
 
Hang small bundles upside down in a cool, dark, well-ventilated spot until completely dry.
 
Once dry, crumble the leaves and store them in an airtight jar away from light and heat.
 
Dried cilantro is milder than fresh, so add it toward the end of cooking for the best flavor.
 

3. Make Cilantro Ice Cubes with Water

For a simple method, freeze extra cilantro from garden in water.
 
Finely chop the leaves and stems, then spoon them into ice cube trays.
 
Cover with water and freeze until solid.
 
Drop these cubes into curries, rice dishes, or even cocktails for an instant cilantro boost.
 

Share Extra Cilantro from Garden with Others

If you still have more than you can handle, sharing your extra cilantro from garden is a wonderful idea.
 
Neighbors, friends, and coworkers are usually thrilled to receive fresh herbs.
 
You can also swap cilantro with other gardeners for different herbs or vegetables.
 
Some food banks and community kitchens accept fresh garden produce too, so check local options.
 

1. Host a Cilantro-Themed Dinner

A fun way to deal with extra cilantro from garden is to invite friends over for a cilantro-inspired meal.
 
Serve tacos, cilantro rice, and a fresh cilantro salad, then send guests home with a bundle.
 
It turns a surplus into a social event and helps you use up a lot of cilantro at once.
 

2. Donate to a Local Food Pantry

Many food pantries welcome fresh herbs, so consider donating extra cilantro from garden if you truly can’t use it all.
 
Call ahead to confirm they accept homegrown produce and how they’d like it packaged.
 
It’s a generous way to keep your cilantro from going to waste while helping others.
 

So, What to Do with Extra Cilantro from Garden?

Extra cilantro from garden can be turned into pesto, chimichurri, smoothies, frozen cubes, or dried herbs for later use.
 
You can also share it with friends, neighbors, or local food banks if you have more than you need.
 
The key is to act before the leaves turn yellow or slimy so you get the most flavor and freshness.
 
With these ideas, you’ll never be stuck wondering what to do with extra cilantro from garden again.