Cilantro is one of the most flavorful herbs, and it complements everything from chicken to beans to berries! Here are some yummy cilantro recipes for you to try.
41 Cilantro Recipes We Love
Updated on Sep. 18, 2024
Fajita-Style Shrimp and Grits
I combined two of my favorite dishes—fajitas and shrimp with cheesy grits—into this spicy one-dish meal. For more heat, use pepper jack cheese instead of a Mexican cheese blend. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Not everybody’s a fan of this herb. Here’s the scientific reason why some people think cilantro tastes like soap.
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Halibut Soft Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This warm-weather favorite is quick, colorful and full of nutrients. I sometimes serve the fish wrapped in lettuce instead of tortillas. Either way, the mango salsa tastes amazing with the grilled halibut. —Kristin Kossak, Bozeman, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 taco with 1/3 cup mango salsa: 330 calories, 12g fat (1g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 648mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
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Mexican Street Corn Chowder
Total Time
4 hours 5 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Corn is one of my all-time favorite vegetables, so when it’s in season, I always make this super easy soup in the slow cooker. —Rashanda Cobbins, Food Editor, Taste Recipes
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 287 calories, 18g fat (9g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 743mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein.
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Tangy Cilantro Lime Confetti Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love standout salads that burst with flavor—the kind that make you feel as if you're splurging without having to eat that piece of chocolate cake. This is one of my very favorites, and everyone I serve it to loves it as well. —Jasey McBurnett, Rock Springs, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 187 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 526mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 fat, 1/2 starch.
Psst! Learn how to grow your own cilantro indoors so you always have it fresh and on hand.
5/41
Mojito Pulled Pork
Total Time
7 hours 20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This fork-tender pulled pork tastes fabulous on a bun, or in a wrap or tortilla. My kids like it spooned over rice in its citrus-flavored juices. —Mindy Oswalt, Winnetka, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 418 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 916mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein.
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Open-Faced Breakfast Banh Mi
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love banh mi sandwiches because of the delicious pickled veggies. I also love naan, so I combined the two for a fun breakfast! —Lori McLain, Denton, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 459 calories, 24g fat (9g saturated fat), 229mg cholesterol, 1370mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
7/41
Chili Verde
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chile verde recipe is one of my family's favorites. We enjoy it any time of year, but it's especially good on a cool and rainy day. —Sherrie Scettrini, Salinas, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 404 calories, 20g fat (6g saturated fat), 133mg cholesterol, 509mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 48g protein.
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Peppered Cilantro Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This colorful confetti rice is a traditional dish in Puerto Rico. We enjoy it in the summer alongside grilled shrimp kabobs, but it is good with most any entree.
-Laura Lunardi of West Chester, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 156 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 298mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
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Shrimp Tostadas with Lime-Cilantro Sauce
Total Time
35 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love shrimp and veggies marinated in citrus juice, also known as ceviche. This recipe starts with cooked shrimp and those same fresh ceviche flavors. Enjoy these tostadas as a make-ahead appetizer or dinner entree. — Leslie Kelley, Dorris, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 tostada: 209 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 448mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
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Frito Pie
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Frito pie is legendary in the Southwest for being spicy, salty and fabulously cheesy. Here’s my take on this crunchy classic. —Jan Moon, Alamogordo, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 718 calories, 40g fat (14g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 1719mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 33g protein.
11/41
Spicy Sweet Potato Chips & Cilantro Dip
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings (1-1/2 cups dip)
From the Recipe Creator:
This irresistible combo could become your new signature snack food. Park the spicy baked chips next to a bowl of the cool, creamy dip and let the gang have at it. What a fantastic twist on traditional chips and dip! —Elizabeth Godecke, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup chips with about 1 tablespoon dip: 285 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 217mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein.
12/41
Cilantro-Lime Chicken
Total Time
3 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As a working mom and home cook, I strive to have fabulous flavor-packed dinners that make my family smile. Nothing is more awesome than a slow-cooker recipe that makes it seem as though you've been cooking in the kitchen all day! —Mari Smith, Ashburn, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh: 253 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 390mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.
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Southwestern Pasta Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend who has a catering business asked me to create a dish with pasta for a southwestern-themed event. This is the recipe I dreamed up for her. I was told it was a hit and is now one of her most-requested dishes. —Valonda Seward, Coarsegold, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 203 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 191mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
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Turkey Enchiladas Verdes
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Planning a fiesta night? These authentic-tasting enchiladas in spicy green sauce will please the whole family and you’ll be thankful for turkey leftovers. —Karyn Power, Arlington, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 enchiladas: 350 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 906mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.
15/41
Thai Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing
Total Time
35 min
Servings
22 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this salad to replicate one I tried on a cruise several years ago. It goes over very well at family gatherings and potlucks year-round. We love the spice of the Thai chile, but if your family isn't into spice, feel free to leave it out. It will still be delicious! —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 271 calories, 23g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 69mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
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Peppy Peach Salsa
Total Time
20 min
Servings
1-1/4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Garden-fresh salsas are one of my favorite condiments. So when I saw a recipe for peach salsa in the newspaper, I couldn't think of anything that sounded better. —Jennifer Abbott, Moraga, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 30 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
17/41
Spiced Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Lime Butter
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This grilled chicken gets a lovely pop of color and flavor from the lime butter—don't skip it! —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1 tablespoon lime butter: 430 calories, 27g fat (10g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 411mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 40g protein.
18/41
Chimichurri Steak
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Steak gets a flavor kick from chimichurri. This piquant, all-purpose herb sauce is so versatile, it complements most any grilled meat, poultry or fish. —Laureen Pittman, Riverside, California
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked steak with 3 tablespoons sauce: 336 calories, 26g fat (7g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 462mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein.
19/41
Creamy Lime Pie with Fresh Berries
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I combined the tangy tastes of lime and cilantro with cream cheese for this unusual berry pie that showcases seasonal fruit. The ginger cookies add zip to the crust. —Anneliese Barz, Fort Mill, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 441 calories, 21g fat (12g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 370mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
20/41
Vegetarian Pad Thai
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a simple pad thai loaded with crisp vegetables and zesty flavor. It’s quick, simple, and fresh-tasting. —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 339 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 186mg cholesterol, 701mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.
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Southwestern Goulash
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I had some extra cilantro in the fridge and didn't want to throw it away. Instead, I came up with this delightful and filling family recipe. Everyone just loved it! —Vikki Rebholz, West Chester, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 224 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 567mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 starch.
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Jicama Citrus Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Never tried jicama? It is a crunchy Mexican turnip, and I love to use it in this super easy salad. The jicama is ideal alongside the vibrant flavors of the tangerines and shallots. Between the sweet and sour flavors in this salad and its crunchy texture, it's all delish if you ask me. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 76 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 123mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fruit.
23/41
Orange-Glazed Chicken & Chorizo Meatballs
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These tasty southwestern meatballs warm up a buffet. I add pomegranate seeds, jalapeno pepper jelly and cilantro to make everything pop with color. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 71 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 169mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
24/41
Cilantro Ginger Carrots
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Peppery-sweet ginger and cooling cilantro have starring roles in this colorful side of crisp-tender carrots. The veggie goes from pan to plate in a twinkling. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 73 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 396mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
25/41
Cilantro-Avocado Tuna Salad Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Lime juice and cilantro in tuna salad – who knew? This recipe for avocado tuna salad came to me as a way to have a protein-packed meal with lots of pizzazz. —Heather Waldorf, Black Mountain, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 506 calories, 30g fat (8g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 908mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 30g protein.
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Grilled Flank Steak
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
How to cook flank steak? Easy! Marinate it and grill or broil it! This marinated steak is so moist that it will become one of your favorite ways to serve beef. —Heather Ahrens, Columbus, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef: 186 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 471mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
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Cilantro-Lime Chicken Sandwiches
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You can use any type of bread or roll for this sandwich. We like the ciabatta, but have used other breads and rolls, whatever I might have handy. You can also pan fry the chicken if you can't get to a grill.—Debbie Speckmeyer, Lakewood, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 476 calories, 21g fat (3g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 530mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 44g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
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Cilantro-Lime Rice
Total Time
20 min
Servings
3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
My family's favorite Mexican restaurant serves a similar rice as a side dish. I threw this together one night when I was making fajitas, and everyone loved it! It's such an easy side dish and pairs well with kabobs on the grill, too. —Robin Baskette, Lexington, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 130 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 191mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch.
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Mexican Breakfast Casserole
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tomatoes and green chiles give color and zip to this extra-cheesy egg bake. It's a favorite for breakfast or brunch but it can be enjoyed for lunch or supper, too. —Mary Steiner, West Bend, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 421 calories, 27g fat (15g saturated fat), 382mg cholesterol, 856mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
30/41
Buttermilk Dressing
Total Time
5 min
Servings
32 servings (1 qt.)
From the Recipe Creator:
When serving salad to a crowd, this easy buttermilk ranch dressing comes in handy. It make a full quart of creamy, delicious dressing to toss with your favorite greens and veggies. —Patricia Mele, Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 98 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 155mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat.
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Watermelon and Spinach Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Summer is the perfect time to toss up this watermelon salad. You'd never expect it, but spinach is awesome here. Eat it and feel cool on even the hottest days. —Marjorie Au, Honolulu, Hawaii
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 84 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 288mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 fruit.
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Quinoa and Black Beans
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Some vegan quinoa recipes are boring, but this one definitely isn't. My daughter’s college asked parents for the best quinoa recipes to use in the dining halls. This healthy quinoa recipe fits the bill. —Lindsay McSweeney, Winchester, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 375 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 668mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 10g fiber), 13g protein.
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Sesame Cilantro Shrimp
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
On days when I don't feel like spending much time in the kitchen, I reach for shrimp. I can have a hot meal in the table in 10 minutes. —Tami Penunuri, League City, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup shrimp mixture (calculated without rice): 153 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 461mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
34/41
Radish, Carrot & Cilantro Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Bright carrots and radishes pop in this citrusy salad. My husband likes it with anything from the grill. I like to pile it on tacos. —Christina Baldwin, Covington, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 51 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 145mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
35/41
Garlic Tomato Bruschetta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I drew inspiration from my grandma’s recipe for this garden-fresh bruschetta. The crisp bread and tomato goodness make a great party appetizer, but the dish also works alongside your favorite Italian entree. —Jean Franzoni, Rutland, Vermont
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 77 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 172mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
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Cilantro Potatoes
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh cilantro gives an exotic Syrian-style flavor to these easy, delicious skillet potatoes. They’re a creative complement to Mom’s tangy kabobs. —Weda Mosellie, Phillipsburg, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 160 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 153mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
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Shrimp Gazpacho
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a refreshing take on the classic chilled tomato soup. Our twist features shrimp, lime and plenty of avocado. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 112 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 399mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
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Sweet Potatoes with Cilantro Black Beans
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As a vegan, I'm always looking for impressive dishes to share. Sweet potatoes loaded with beans and a touch of peanut butter are one of my mom’s favorites. —Kayla Capper, Ojai, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 potato with 1/2 cup black bean mixture: 400 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 426mg sodium, 77g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 12g fiber), 11g protein.
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Shrimp Lime Cilantro Skewers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A quick garlicky lime marinade works magic on these juicy shrimp. They come off the grill with huge flavors perfect for your next cookout. —Melissa Rodriguez, Van Nuys, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 167 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 284mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
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Cilantro Beef Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I have leftover steak, it’s time to make cilantro tacos. Set out bowls of toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, avocado and salsa. That’s a fiesta. —Patti Rose, Tinley Park, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos (calculated without toppings): 451 calories, 20g fat (7g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 884mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein.
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Cauliflower Ceviche
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
My 87-year-old mom showed me how to make this delicious vegetarian recipe that tastes so much like seafood ceviche. I often serve it with crackers on the side. —Beatriz Barranco, El Paso, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 129 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 387mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein.
