Skip to Content

32 Creative Ways To Use Cilantro

This fantastic collection of recipes is perfect for your next dinner party or a cozy evening at home. This lineup includes everything from the deep, smoky flavors of Grilled Carne Asada and Smoky Chicken Chili to lighter options like Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos and Tropical Cobia with Mango Salsa. Each recipe has been chosen for its unique flavor and straightforward preparation, making them suitable for cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs.

Alongside main dishes, this collection also features some wonderfully zesty dressings and dips, like the Cilantro Lemon Vinaigrette and the rich, smoky Smoked Tomatillo Salsa—great for adding a punch of flavor to any meal. And for a creative twist on dessert, the Coconut Cilantro Margarita Pops are a fun choice for any gathering, especially during the warmer months. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or just enhance your dinner options, these recipes provide a range of exciting flavors and a little culinary adventure.

Traeger Carne Asada

Traeger Carne Asada. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Enjoy this Mexican staple made on a grill for that essential smoky flavor. It’s a tender and savory choice for any barbecue or family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Carne Asada

Traeger Beef Birria Tacos

Traeger Beef Birria Tacos. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

These tacos feature slow-cooked beef with a smoky twist, making them a standout meal option. Ideal for taco nights that call for a bit of flair.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Beef Birria Tacos

Cilantro Lemon Vinaigrette

Cilantro Lemon Vinaigrette. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

Brighten up your salads or marinate your meats with this zesty dressing that blends lemon’s freshness with cilantro’s unique flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lemon Vinaigrette

Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos

Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Light and packed with flavor, these tacos feature grilled chicken marinated in cilantro and lime, perfect for a refreshing meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos

Cilantro Quinoa Corn Salad

Cilantro Quinoa Corn Salad. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

A vibrant salad that combines quinoa, corn, and cilantro, offering a wholesome option for a side dish or a light main course.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Quinoa Corn Salad

Blender Salsa

Blender Salsa. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Whip up this easy salsa in a blender, featuring tomatoes, onions, and cilantro with a kick of heat to suit your taste.
Get the Recipe: Blender Salsa

Smoked Chicken Chile Verde

Smoked Chicken Chile Verde. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This hearty stew gets a smoky upgrade with chicken, offering a satisfying dish with just the right amount of spice.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Chile Verde

Blackstone Ham & Pineapple Fried Rice

Blackstone Ham & Pineapple Fried Rice. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A delightful blend of savory ham and sweet pineapple makes this fried rice a quick and satisfying meal with Asian-inspired flavors.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Ham & Pineapple Fried Rice

Blackstone Fish Tacos with Peach Salsa

Blackstone Fish Tacos with Peach Salsa. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Quick and delightful, these tacos are made with fresh fish grilled for added flavor, served up fast for a tasty meal.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Fish Tacos with Peach Salsa

Cobia Recipe with Mango Salsa

Cobia Recipe with Mango Salsa. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Light and fresh, this fish dish is paired with a sweet and tangy mango salsa, ideal for a summery, flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Cobia Recipe with Mango Salsa

Traeger Chicken Chili

Traeger Chicken Chili. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This chili uses smoked chicken to add a deep, smoky flavor, making it a comforting choice for cooler days.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Chicken Chili

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Fresh and zesty, this shrimp cocktail mixes various ingredients for a flavorful start to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Traeger Smoked Salsa

Traeger Smoked Salsa. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Enhance your snack time with this robust, smoky salsa, perfect alongside chips or as a topping for numerous dishes.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Salsa

BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos

BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

Indulge in these loaded nachos, a perfect dish for gatherings, topped with BBQ pulled pork and a variety of fresh additions.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos

Grilled Skirt Steak Street Tacos

Grilled Skirt Steak Street Tacos. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

These tacos feature marinated skirt steak with a zesty lime and cilantro flavor, grilled to enhance the smoky taste, customizable with your favorite toppings.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Skirt Steak Street Tacos

Chicken Taco Soup

Chicken Taco Soup. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Enjoy the exciting flavors of tacos in a soup form, offering a spicy and enjoyable twist to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Soup

Carne Asada Nachos

Carne Asada Nachos. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

These nachos are a feast of flavors with grilled carne asada, pico de gallo, guacamole, and more, making every bite memorable.
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada Nachos

Mango Habanero Salsa

Mango Habanero Salsa. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

This salsa mixes sweet mango with spicy peppers, perfect for snacking or adding an exotic touch to dishes.
Get the Recipe: Mango Habanero Salsa

Blackened Salmon Tacos

Blackened Salmon Tacos. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

Experience the bold flavor of blackened salmon with a complement of pickled vegetables and cilantro cream, wrapped in blue corn tortillas.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Salmon Tacos

Margarita Ice Pops

Margarita Ice Pops. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

Refresh with these boozy margarita pops flavored with coconut and cilantro, a creative twist on happy hour.
Get the Recipe: Margarita Ice Pops

Mexican Stuffed Onions

Mexican Stuffed Onions. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

Dive into these unique stuffed onions, filled with couscous, chicken, and cheese, offering a hearty and fun dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Stuffed Onions

Curry Roasted Eggplant Burgers

Curry Roasted Eggplant Burgers. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

These burgers blend the rich flavors of roasted eggplant with curry and are topped with a yogurt cilantro sauce, making a great vegetarian choice.
Get the Recipe: Curry Roasted Eggplant Burgers

Cheddar Cauliflower Burgers

Cheddar Cauliflower Burgers. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

Enjoy these cheesy cauliflower burgers, topped with pickled red cabbage and cilantro pesto, a zesty vegetarian delight.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Cauliflower Burgers

Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro Lime Rice. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This rice dish is infused with the bright flavors of cilantro and lime, providing a fragrant side that complements various mains.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice

Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas

Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

Quick and hearty, this one-skillet chicken dish features turmeric and chickpeas, topped with a cilantro garnish for a tasty dinner ready in less than 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas

Fish Taco Slaw

Fish Taco Slaw. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Add this fresh and tangy slaw to your fish tacos for an enhanced flavor and crunch, a perfect match for seafood.
Get the Recipe: Fish Taco Slaw

Moroccan Lamb Lentil Stew

Moroccan Lamb Lentil Stew. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

A comforting stew with Moroccan spices, lamb, and chickpeas, garnished with yogurt and cilantro for a warming meal.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Lamb Lentil Stew

Cilantro Lime Crema

Cilantro Lime Crema. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This creamy sauce combines cilantro and lime for a tangy flavor, excellent over tacos or bowls.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Crema

Easy Blackstone Carne Asada

Easy Blackstone Carne Asada. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Master the art of carne asada with this straightforward recipe using a griddle, yielding juicy and well-charred meat perfect for various dishes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Blackstone Carne Asada

Slow Cooker Balsamic Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker Balsamic Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

Savor this slow-cooked pulled pork served over cheesy polenta and topped with cilantro avocado crema, a comforting and indulgent dish.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Balsamic Pulled Pork

Smoked Tomatillo Salsa

Smoked Tomatillo Salsa. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This salsa brings a smoky twist to the sharpness of tomatillos, ideal for enhancing the flavor of Mexican meals.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Tomatillo Salsa

Mango Wild Rice Salad

Mango Wild Rice Salad. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

This wild rice salad is tossed with a bright cilantro mango dressing, featuring cabbage, jicama, and jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Get the Recipe: Mango Wild Rice Salad