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.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Shrimp, chicken, steak, lamb, swordfish, clams, squid, pork, turkey, beef, bacon, mussels, prawn, salmon pair well with coriander/cilantro.
Pesto, Indian green chutney, chimichurri sauce are great ways to use it all before cilantro goes bad.
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.
How To Use Coriander (Cilantro)
Here are some recipes that show you how you can enjoy it when you have this fresh herb at home.
Cilantro in Garnishing & Cooking
Recipes where cilantro is used heavily
Check this post in case you like to substitute cilantro in any of the recipes.
Other Food Pairings
- What Goes Well With Watermelon
- What Goes Well With Blueberries
- Foods To Pair Up With Mango
- Flavors To Go With Raspberry
- What Goes Well With Strawberries
- Foods To Pair Up With Peaches
- What Goes Well With Mushrooms
- What Goes Well With Asparagus
Check these more food pairing posts.
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