10 Recipes that Celebrate Cilantro

Cilantro is an herb that is used and loved all over the world. It is commonly used in South Asian and Latin American dishes and shows up everywhere as a garnish on soups and salads.

It has a strong distinctive smell and a pungent flavor with fresh, citrusy notes.   It is recognizable in salsas, soups, chutneys, and rice dishes.  Interestingly, a significant number of people have a strong aversion to cilantro claiming it to have a soapy flavor.

Cilantro is thought to be high in antioxidants, and it has anti-inflammatory properties.  Antimicrobial and antibacterial properties in cilantro suggest that it may be effective in fighting infections in the body, though more research is needed. It is high in vitamins A, C, K, Manganese, and Iron and also contains Magnesium, Calcium, Copper, and Zinc.

Take a look at these OGP recipes that showcase the memorable flavor of cilantro in all its glory.

For clarity, ‘cilantro’ here refers to the leaves of the coriander/cilantro plant.

1. Cilantro Jalapeño Hummus

Source: Cilantro Jalapeño Hummus/One Green Planet

This is a really simple recipe for Cilantro Jalapeño Hummus by Celeste Meredith.  It takes a traditional hummus recipe and soups it up with zesty cilantro and spicy jalapeño giving it reminiscent flavors of salsa.  This recipe comes together in no time and requires just a handful of ingredients and a blender.  This is ideal for all of your summertime dipping needs.

2. Cilantro Chickpea Veggie Burgers

Source:  Cilantro Chickpea Veggie Burgers/One Green Planet

Here is a great recipe for Cilantro Chickpea Veggie Burgers by Faith VanderMolen.  Sunflower seeds give a bite and a nutty flavor to an already zesty burger.  This is a high-protein burger that can be served on a bun or with fries, or for a healthier option, try serving it on your favorite greens as a burger salad.

3. Cilantro Lime Tacos

Source: Cilantro Lime Tacos/One Green Planet

Don’t forget the cilantro on Taco Tuesday. These Cilantro Lime Tacos by Maria and Alyssa Tosoni have a crisp, light, and fresh flavor.  The combination of cilantro, corn, lime, and avocado goes perfectly with the black beans for a Mexican-inspired meal. These tacos come with a flavor and protein boost from a sweet spread of hummus.

4. Cilantro Mint Chutney

Source: Cilantro Mint Chutney/One Green Planet

This Cilantro Mint Chutney by Stephanie McKinnie is based on the Indian condiment that you might find served with samosas or pakoras at an Indian restaurant. It is a versatile chutney that works well on potatoes, sandwiches, and a host of other Indian dishes.  This is a really easy recipe that can zest up many a meal.

5. Cilantro-Lime Corn Salsa

Source: Cilantro-Lime Corn Salsa/One Green Planet

With summer comes salsa. This Cilantro-Lime Corn Salsa by Kristina Humphreys combines sweet and creamy corn with the zing of lime and cilantro.  It is light and refreshing and perfect for a snack or starter.  Serve this salsa with a big bowl of tortilla chips, flatbreads, or tacos.  This is a Taco Tuesday winner, for sure.

6. Cilantro Lime Rice

Source: Cilantro Lime Rice/One Green Planet

This Cilantro Lime Rice by Kristina Humphreys is great for burritos and burrito bowls. The light fluffy rice is flavored by the zest of the lime and the freshness of the cilantro while Himalayan salt crystals enhance the whole dish. This is a clean and simple recipe that works well as an accompaniment to other vegetable dishes.

7. Cilantro Lemon Fava Beans

Source: Cilantro Lemon Fava Beans/One Green Planet

Here is another clean and fresh meal.  This Cilantro Lemon Fava Beans recipe by Denna Mahta makes for a wonderfully filling and protein-rich lunch or dinner.  Fava beans are rich in minerals and contain many of the B vitamins.  Cumin, tomatoes, lemon, and cilantro help to round out the earthy flavor of the fava beans.

8. Cilantro Lime Glazed Chickpeas With Mango Salsa

Source: Cilantro Lime Glazed Chickpeas With Mango Salsa/One Green Planet

Simple lime glazed chickpeas are topped with a cool and refreshing mango in this quick and easy recipe by Taavi Moore.  Cilantro Lime Glazed Chickpeas With Mango Salsa is a perfect meal on a summer’s day.  It is filling, but light and crisp in flavor.  You can serve this as a main meal, or you can use it as a taco filling.

9. Cilantro Blueberry Detox Smoothie

Source: Cilantro Blueberry Detox Smoothie/One Green Planet

If you know the health benefits of cilantro, but you are perhaps not too overly fond of the flavor, this might be the perfect solution for you.  In this Cilantro Blueberry Detox Smoothie by Nikki Stokes, the bananas and oranges sweeten the drink, helping to disguise the powerful flavors of the cilantro and spirulina.  Meanwhile, the blueberries get to work with their antioxidants and brain supercharging action.

10. Red Lentil Cabbage Soup with Cilantro Oil

Source:  Red Lentil Cabbage Soup with Cilantro Oil/One Green Planet

This is a very simple, yet filling and protein-rich soup.  This Red Lentil Cabbage Soup with Cilantro Oil by Stephanie McKinnie is silky smooth and flavored with citrusy lemongrass and, of course, the deep zesty flavor of the cilantro oil.  The cilantro oil could be made at an earlier date and left to infuse for an even more prominent flavor.

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