How to Keep Cilantro Fresh + 12 Ways to Use Cilantro

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Let’s learn how to Keep Cilantro Fresh! This simple tip can keep your cilantro fresh up to 2 weeks or more. No more wasted money or wasted cilantro!

How to Keep Cilantro Fresh Up to 2 Weeks or More! (This is so simple!) Plus, 12 ways to use it!

Cilantro is one of my all-time favorite fresh herbs. I’m lucky not to have the genetic predisposition to taste something soapy (that’s a real thing!). It goes well in so many different types of cuisine, from fresh salsa, to slow cooker butter chicken, to avocado ranch dressing, to chili, and more. Cilantro is nearly always in my fridge. I just love it.

What I don’t love is wasting money. Before I learned how to properly store cilantro, I wasted a LOT of herbs. Even though I can get a bunch for fifty cents to a dollar, I hate wasting food and it was always so depressing to open my veggie drawer, pull out the cilantro for my recipe, only to find a mushy, wilted mess. So, here’s my easy solution:

Store Cilantro Like Flowers!

That’s it! I’ve shared this simple tip more times than I can count, but I wanted to share again in case you’re new or you’ve missed it. I simply wash and pat dry a fresh bunch of cilantro, fill a jar or glass with water and put the cilantro in the jar. I cover it with a loose plastic bag (this keeps it from absorbing other flavors from the fridge and helps prevent too much moisture loss). Then, I change the water every few days (like 1-2 times a week, tops).

Stored this way, a bunch of cilantro will keep fresh and vibrant AT LEAST one week, but almost always two weeks. No more wasting food, no more wasted money. Just fresh, bright flavor you can add to any dish. It doesn’t get easier thanthat!

Now that you know how to keep cilantro fresh, here are 12 ways you can use it (find even more ideas here)…

How to Keep Your Fresh Herbs Fresh!

12 Ways to Use Cilantro

Now that you know how to store cilantro, let’s talk about all the delicious ways to use it! It’s one of my favorite herbs since it’s so versatile.

Fish Tacos with Cilantro Slaw and Tomatillo Ranch Dressing. Plated with sliced jalapeños and lime wedges.

(The Best) Fish Tacos with Honey Lime Cilantro Slaw

Our favorite fish tacos recipe! Perfectly cooked fish with a yummy cabbage slaw & tomatillo ranch. These are easy, fresh, and delicious.

Overhead view of a bowl of Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice

Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice (Gluten-Free, Vegan-Friendly)

Restaurant style cilantro lime rice is easier than ever thanks to the pressure cooker! This method will give you fluffy, flavorful rice perfect as a side dish, tucked into burrito bowls, burritos, and more! 

Setting down two bowls of Thai Quinoa Salad with Peanut Dressing

Thai Quinoa Crunch Salad With Peanut Dressing

This colorful quinoa salad is loaded with crunchy veggies and a creamy peanut dressing that just gets better with time. It’s the perfect meal prep lunch! (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Setting down a bowl of coconut shrimp curry on a white background

Coconut Shrimp Curry (Paleo + Whole30 Friendly!)

This shrimp curry recipe has the most AMAZING creamy coconut sauce. It’s so good, you’ll want to eat it by the spoonful!

cilantro hummus with fresh veggies and gluten-free pita chips

Cilantro Hummus

This fresh Cilantro Hummus recipe is the perfect healthy dip for fresh veggies or creamy spread for wraps. (It’s a yummy dupe of the Pita Jungle Cilantro Jalapeño Hummus!)

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce (Gluten-Free)

Quick & easy chicken lettuce wraps drizzled with the most amazing peanut sauce. This fast, fresh dinner is always a winner! 

Close up overhead view of a bowl of pineapple guacamole with a chip dipped inside

Pineapple Guacamole (GF, DF, Vegan, Paleo, Whole30)

Your favorite classic guacamole with a tropical twist! This sweet and spicy guacamole is delicious with all your Tex-Mex faves. (Gluten-Free, Paleo, Vegan) 

homemade salsa in a white bowl next to tortilla chips

Homemade Salsa With Canned Tomatoes

This easy homemade salsa recipe is made with canned tomatoes, so you can quickly whip up a batch next time you get a chips and salsa craving!

Paleo & Whole30 Chicken Zucchini Poppers from One Lovely Life

Chicken Zucchini Poppers (Paleo & Whole30 Approved!)

My MOST POPULAR RECIPE EVER! These chicken meatballs are squeaky clean, but not short on flavor! Gluten free, Paleo, and Whole30 friendly!

Sheet pan of roasted breakfast potatoes and veggies with a spoon taking a scoop

Roasted Breakfast Potatoes and Veggies

These yummy breakfast potatoes taste like the skillet potatoes you could order at a diner, without all the fuss!

Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing with jalapeño, cilantro, and lime from One Lovely Life

Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing (Paleo & Vegan Friendly!)

This bright, fresh ranch dressing gets plenty of flavor from fresh cilantro and plenty of lime. Add a bit of kick with some jalapeño, or see the notes for more ideas for playing with the flavor! 

Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Soup from One Lovely Life

Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice Soup

Soothing chicken and rice soup with a salsa verde twist! This is the perfect meal for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather. (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

What’s your favorite way to eat cilantro? Any recipes I should try? 

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2 Comments

  1. I’m going to try this next time! I love cilantro but hesitate to buy it because I waste so much. Problem solved! I love the video too!

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