What I found was a revelatory collection of recipes that, together, allow any cilantro-lover to fully express his or her fandom. There’s the electrifyingly zesty Cilantro Lime Rice and the show-stoppingly vibrant Cilantro Pesto, and the ways to use them could hardly fail to impress.
In my interpretation, the Cilantro Lime Chicken is the perfect use for these two, as you could hardly ask for a better chicken marinade or sauce. The zesting and lime juicing will almost certainly involve more lime than you’ve ever used at one time in your life, which is to say that the dish is deliciously intense.
And the contrasting flavor and texture of the chicken, once cooked, with the two preparations you’ve already made is a study in the kinds of bold flavors that are so good with cilantro.
The 12 Best cilantro recipes
1. Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Cilantro Lime Rice is a lively, invigorating dish of long-grain white rice cooked with olive oil and salt, then brightened with a generous amount of fresh lime juice, cilantro, and garlic. It’s an ideal accompaniment to a host of different entrees, from grilled meats to salmon to pork.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
1. Wash the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. This removes the excess starch and helps the rice cook nicely.
2. In a medium saucepan, add the rice, and combine it with the water, olive oil, and salt. Heat over medium-high heat until everything comes to a boil.
3. After reaching a boil, lower the heat and cover the pot. Allow the rice to simmer 18-20 minutes until it has absorbed all the water and turned tender.
4. Take the saucepan off the burner. Use a fork to make the rice light and fluffy. Stir in the lime juice, cilantro, and minced garlic. Serve immediately.
2. Cilantro Pesto Recipe
Uncover my recipe for cilantro pesto. It includes fresh, vibrant cilantro leaves, salty and nutty Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, sweet and crunchy pine nuts, aromatic garlic, rich olive oil, and a hint of lemon juice.
This sauce is bright and delicious.
Ingredients
2 cups fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup pine nuts
2 cloves garlic
1/2 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Place the cilantro, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic in a food processor. Chop them finely.
2. As the processor runs, slowly drizzle in the olive oil and lemon juice until the pesto is the consistency you want.
3. Add salt and pepper according to your taste. If needed, adjust the seasoning.
4. Use right away or keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
3. Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe
Enjoy the bold tastes of Cilantro Lime Chicken with this uncomplicated chicken thigh or breast recipe calling for lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, and cumin. It suits any meal occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag, combine the marinade ingredients: lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Ensure that the chicken is coated all over with the marinade. Add the chicken to the marinade, and if you want a flavor punch, let it go for 2 hours. You don’t have to let it go that long, though. Even a 30-minute soak in the marinade will give the chicken a nice flavor boost—one you won’t have to pay for afterward in your time.
3. Set your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. For about 6-7 minutes per side, cook the chicken until done, when it registers 165°F (75°C) at the center.
4. Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before you serve it. If you want to, you can garnish it with some more cilantro and some lime wedges.
4. Cilantro Lime Shrimp Recipe
I quickly and zestfully prepare a Cilantro Lime Shrimp recipe that calls for shrimp, olive oil, garlic, cumin, lime juice, and cilantro. This quick and easy dish offers bright, bold flavors that work perfectly for any meal.
Ingredients
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Juice of 2 limes
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, garlic, cumin, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the shrimp are well coated.
2. Prepare a large skillet at medium-high temperature. Add shrimp to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque.
3. Take the pan off the heat. Stir in the chopped cilantro. If needed, adjust the seasonings, using more salt and pepper as advisable. Serve right away.
5. Cilantro Jalapeño Sauce Recipe
Cilantro Jalapeño Sauce is a vibrant and zesty blend using fresh cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, garlic, and creamy Greek yogurt or sour cream. This adaptable sauce is just right for supplying a spicy wallop to your food.
Ingredients
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, packed
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and roughly chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/3 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
1. Pulse together the cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, lime juice, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and salt in a food processor or blender until smooth.
2. Puree the ingredients until they are reduced to a fine chop and a smooth, well-mixed consistency.
3. While the blender is running, drizzle the olive oil in slowly, and wait until it is smooth and emulsified before moving on to the next step.
4. Alter the seasoning to your liking and serve at once or keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will remain fresh for about a week.
6. Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe
The dressing is a combination of fresh cilantro, Greek yogurt or sour cream, lime juice, and garlic, all blended smooth with olive oil and honey. Packaged for salad or taco use, it has a creamy texture and delivers a zesty kick.
Ingredients
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, packed
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Mix the cilantro, Greek yogurt or sour cream, lime juice, and minced garlic in a blender or food processor. Process until the cilantro is very finely chopped.
2. With the food processor or blender running on low, drizzle in the olive oil and continue blending until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
3. Add honey, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Blend again briefly to combine.
4. If needed, you can change the seasoning to your liking before serving. This dish can be served right away or kept in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week.
7. Cilantro Chutney Recipe
Cilantro Chutney is a lively and zesty condiment starring fresh cilantro, onion, and green chiles, all of which are elevated to new flavor heights by toasting a few cumin seeds and adding a little lemon juice. You can use this colorful paste as a dipping sauce for all sorts of snacks and appetizers.
Ingredients
1 bunch of fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
1 small onion, roughly chopped
1-2 green chilies, chopped (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons water (or as needed for blending)
Instructions
1. Put the cilantro, onion, green chilies, and cumin seeds into a blender or food processor.
2. Incorporate the lemon juice and a dash of salt.
3. Blend the mixture until smooth, adding water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
4. Taste and adjust salt and lemon juice as needed. Serve right away or store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
8. Cilantro Garlic Sauce Recipe
The zesty blend that is Cilantro Garlic Sauce features fresh cilantro, garlic, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and olive oil. This perfect dip, sauce, and dressing adds a burst of flavor to any dish.
Additionally, its versatility complements several types of cuisine.
Ingredients
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
3 cloves garlic, peeled
1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt to taste
Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
1. In a food processor, blend the cilantro leaves and garlic cloves. Pulse until they are finely chopped.
2. Combine the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lime juice, and olive oil in the food processor. Purée until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Add salt and a dash of black pepper to taste, and season the sauce as necessary. Blend the sauce again to ensure an even distribution of the salt and pepper.
4. If needed, adjust the consistency with a little more olive oil and serve as a dip, dressing, or accompaniment.
9. Cilantro Avocado Dip Recipe
Explore my Cilantro Avocado Dip, a lively mix of silky avocados, fragrant cilantro, fresh lime juice, and optional jalapeño for a more strenuous workout of your taste buds. Serve it with chips for the ultimate Snakestyle experience, or use it as a dressing for a super green salad.
Ingredients
Avocados, peeled, pitted, and mashed (2 large)
Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (1 cup)
Lime juice (2 tablespoons)
Garlic cloves, minced (2)
Jalapeño, seeded and chopped (optional, 1 small)
Salt (to taste)
Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, combine the lime juice with avocados. This will keep the avocados from browning.
2. The bowl should contain chopped cilantro; minced garlic; a jalapeño; olive oil; and salt.
3. Combine all components until silky and harmonious. Alter the seasoning to personal preference and palate.
4. Present without delay with tortilla chips or as a flavorful finishing touch for your preferred main dishes.
10. Cilantro Lime Quinoa Recipe
Quinoa Lime Cilantro is composed of the following components:
1. Fluffy quinoa cooked in water.
2. The zesty flavor of lime.
3. The fresh taste of cilantro.
4. Olive oil, as needed for healthy fats.
5. A touch of garlic.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
1. Wash the quinoa in cold water to get rid of any bitterness. Let it drain and then set it aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the quinoa and salt. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed.
3. Take the saucepan off the heat and allow the quinoa to sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Use a fork to fluff the quinoa.
4. Add the olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and minced garlic to the pan, and stir well. Serve this vibrant dish warm.
11. Cilantro Hummus Recipe
Cilantro Hummus is a wonderfully creamy blend of chickpeas, fresh cilantro, tahini, lime juice, and olive oil. It’s an intense, vibrant spin on classic hummus—almost too good to be true and so near the edge of perfect that it has no real flaws.
You could, of course, serve it with pita bread, crackers, or crudités; you might just find that you want to keep eating it straight from the container.
Ingredients
1 can (15 ounces) of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup of fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 cup of tahini
2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt to taste
Instructions
1. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, cilantro, tahini, lime juice, olive oil, and garlic. Blend until smooth.
2. Should the hummus be too thick, add a tablespoon of water each time until the consistency you desire is achieved.
3. Taste and add salt as needed, blending to combine.
4. Place in a serving dish and crown with more cilantro or a drizzle of olive oil before serving. Relish with pita, crackers, or veggies.
12. Cilantro Chimichurri Recipe
Cilantro Chimichurri is a combination of fresh cilantro and parsley with garlic, red wine vinegar, and olive oil, which makes for a zesty, aromatic sauce that is perfect for grilled meats and vegetables. This cilantro chimichurri is a good condiment to have around.
It’s something you can drizzle on various proteins and something you can use to bring life to leftover dishes.
Ingredients
1 cup cilantro leaves, packed
1 cup parsley leaves, packed
3 cloves garlic
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Place the cilantro, parsley, and garlic in a food processor and pulse until they are chopped very finely.
2. Combine the following ingredients: red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Purée until smooth.
3. While the processor is running, drizzle the olive oil in very slowly until the mixture is well combined and emulsified.
4. Adjust seasonings with more salt, pepper, or vinegar as necessary. Use right away or refrigerate for up to a week and use as needed.
