What To Do With Fresh Cut Cilantro

Fresh cut cilantro is one of those herbs that can instantly brighten up a dish.
 
If you’re wondering what to do with fresh cut cilantro, you have plenty of options.
 
From salsas and soups to salads and marinades, fresh cut cilantro adds a burst of flavor that’s hard to beat.
 
It’s also incredibly versatile, so you can use it in both cooked and raw preparations.
 
In this post, we’ll explore the best ways to use fresh cut cilantro, how to store it properly, and some creative ideas you might not have tried yet.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

What to Do with Fresh Cut Cilantro: Top Uses

 
Fresh cut cilantro can be used in so many ways, and here are some of the best options:
 

1. Add It to Salsas and Dips

 
One of the most popular things to do with fresh cut cilantro is to chop it up and toss it into salsa.
 
Whether you’re making a classic pico de gallo or a creamy avocado dip, fresh cut cilantro adds a fresh, zesty kick.
 
It pairs beautifully with tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and lime juice.
 
You can also blend fresh cut cilantro into guacamole for an extra layer of flavor.
 
Just chop it finely and fold it in at the end so it stays bright green.
 

2. Use It as a Garnish

 
Fresh cut cilantro makes a beautiful and flavorful garnish for soups, stews, tacos, and curries.
 
A handful of roughly chopped fresh cut cilantro sprinkled on top of a bowl of pho or a plate of enchiladas can totally transform the dish.
 
It adds color, aroma, and a fresh taste that cuts through rich, heavy flavors.
 
So next time you’re plating dinner, reach for that bunch of fresh cut cilantro in your fridge.
 

3. Mix It into Salads

 
Fresh cut cilantro isn’t just for hot dishes.
 
You can treat it like a leafy green and add it to salads.
 
Toss fresh cut cilantro with lettuce, cucumber, red onion, and a simple lime vinaigrette for a refreshing side dish.
 
It also works great in grain salads with quinoa, black beans, and corn.
 
The key is to use fresh cut cilantro that’s been washed and dried well so it doesn’t make your salad soggy.
 

4. Blend It into Sauces and Marinades

 
If you’re looking for a way to use up a lot of fresh cut cilantro at once, blend it into a sauce or marinade.
 
Cilantro chimichurri, for example, is made with fresh cut cilantro, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil.
 
You can spoon it over grilled steak, chicken, or fish.
 
You can also puree fresh cut cilantro with yogurt, lime, and jalapeño to make a creamy sauce for tacos or roasted vegetables.
 
The possibilities are endless when you have fresh cut cilantro on hand.
 

How to Store Fresh Cut Cilantro

 
Once you’ve cut your cilantro, you need to store it properly so it stays fresh as long as possible.
 
Here’s how to keep fresh cut cilantro vibrant:
 

1. Keep It Damp but Not Wet

 
Fresh cut cilantro loves a little moisture, but too much water will make it slimy.
 
Wrap the cut stems in a slightly damp paper towel, then place the whole bunch in a plastic bag.
 
Squeeze out excess air and store it in the crisper drawer of your fridge.
 
This method helps fresh cut cilantro last for up to a week.
 

2. Use a Glass of Water

 
If you have fresh cut cilantro with long stems, treat it like flowers.
 
Trim the ends and place the stems in a glass of water.
 
Cover the leaves loosely with a plastic bag and refrigerate.
 
Change the water every couple of days, and your fresh cut cilantro will stay perky for days.
 

3. Freeze It for Later

 
If you have more fresh cut cilantro than you can use, freeze it.
 
Chop the fresh cut cilantro and pack it into ice cube trays with a little water or olive oil.
 
Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag.
 
You can drop these cubes directly into soups, stews, or sauces whenever you need a hit of cilantro flavor.
 

Creative Ideas for Using Fresh Cut Cilantro

 
Beyond the basics, here are some fun and unexpected ways to use fresh cut cilantro:
 

1. Cilantro Pesto

 
Swap basil for fresh cut cilantro in your next batch of pesto.
 
Blend fresh cut cilantro with nuts, garlic, parmesan, and olive oil.
 
Toss it with pasta, spread it on sandwiches, or drizzle it over roasted veggies.
 
It’s a great way to use up a large amount of fresh cut cilantro before it goes bad.
 

2. Infused Water or Cocktails

 
Fresh cut cilantro isn’t just for food.
 
Muddle a few leaves into a mojito or a cucumber-lime mocktail.
 
You can also add fresh cut cilantro to a pitcher of water with lemon and cucumber for a refreshing spa-style drink.
 
Just be sure to strain out the leaves before serving if you don’t want them floating in your glass.
 

3. Cilantro Butter

 
Mix finely chopped fresh cut cilantro into softened butter with a pinch of salt and lime zest.
 
Roll it into a log, chill it, and slice off pieces to melt over grilled corn, steak, or baked potatoes.
 
This is a simple but impressive way to use fresh cut cilantro that your guests will love.
 

So, What to Do with Fresh Cut Cilantro?

 
Fresh cut cilantro can be used in salsas, salads, sauces, marinades, and so much more.
 
It’s a versatile herb that adds brightness and flavor to almost any dish.
 
And with the right storage methods, you can keep fresh cut cilantro on hand for days.
 
Whether you’re making a quick pico de gallo or freezing cubes for later, fresh cut cilantro is a kitchen staple worth celebrating.
 
So grab that bunch, chop it up, and start experimenting.
 
You might just find your new favorite way to enjoy fresh cut cilantro.