What Goes Well With Cilantro(Coriander)

Cilantro is the most used herb in Indian, Mediterranean, Latin American, and Mexican cuisine. Be it salsa, salads, chutney, garnishing, and cooking, it complements the overall flavor profile. It usually goes well with most of the ingredients.

In this post, I share which food flavors taste great when paired with this fresh herb. What flavors go well with cilantro in terms of vegetables, fruits, nuts, herbs, spices, and protein.

infographic of cilantro showing what flavors pair well with it.

Jump To Recipe

What Does Coriander Taste Like
What Flavors Pair Well With Cilantro
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Use Coriander (Cilantro)
Other Food Pairings

What Does Coriander Taste Like

Cilantro AKA Coriander is an annual herb from the Apiaceae family. All parts of this plant are edible- stems, leaves, and seeds. Seeds are called coriander seeds and in many places, cilantro is also called simply coriander. Most often leaves and seeds are used for culinary purposes.

Fresh Coriander or Cilantro tastes lemony/citrusy with a peppery flavor. It has a strong aroma and compliments many recipes. However, some do not stand with its soap-like aroma and just hate using it. That is why there are salsa and guacamole recipes without cilantro.

What Flavors Pair Well With Cilantro

Here is the list of food pairing that goes well with them.

Fruits and Vegetables

Avocado, tomato, potato, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber, zucchini, carrots, green beans, lemon, limes, garlic, onion, green peas, tomatillo, bell peppers, strawberry, blueberry, watermelon, raspberry, blackberry, jalapeno, cherry tomato, lettuce, cayenne, winter squash, pumpkin, orange, scallion, coconut, spinach, chard, arugula, broccoli, broccolini, beetroot, pineapple, brussels sprout, jicama, mango, peach, radish, daikon, turnip, parsnip, celery, celery root, mushrooms, sweet potato, leek, poblano, corn, bok choy, ginger, grapes, papaya, grapefruit, eggplant, apple, kohlrabi

Nuts

Cashew, peanut, almond, pine nuts, pecans, walnuts, macadamia, hazelnut

Herbs and Spices

Mint, parsley, cumin, basil, lemongrass, za'atar, tarragon, garam masala, Kadai masala, curry masala, black pepper, clove, nutmeg, bay leaf, cinnamon, oregano, chives, dill, chervil, thyme

Protein and Dairy

Shrimp, chicken, paneer, tofu, Greek yogurt, chickpeas, butter, egg, egg white, steak, lamb, swordfish, beans (black, red, kidney), clams, squid, pork, turkey, halloumi, ricotta, cream cheese, goat cheese, feta cheese, beef, bacon, Mussels, prawn, salmon, mozzarella

Others

Rice, oats, quinoa, honey, lentils, apple cider vinegar, soya sauce, tamarind, sesame, fish sauce, olives, chia seeds, polenta, pasta, broad/fava bean, beer, vodka, tequila, rice vinegar, balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar

infographic of cilantro with all food groups that pairs well with cilantro.

Frequently Asked Questions

What meat goes well with cilantro?

Shrimp, chicken, steak, lamb, swordfish, clams, squid, pork, turkey, beef, bacon, mussels, prawn, salmon pair well with coriander/cilantro.

What to do with cilantro before it goes bad?

Pesto, Indian green chutney, chimichurri sauce are great ways to use it all before cilantro goes bad.

How to use cilantro in salads?

You can add fresh green leafy parts as it is or chop finely before adding in salad ingredients. Finely chopped coriander is a great addition to dressings as well.