Herbs Galore

Posted On Jun 7, 2019 By Erin Kuh, MBA, RD

Various potted herbs on a counter.

Herbs are a flavorful health-packed way to add variety and pizzazz to your meals. There’s nothing better than a simple salad with fresh basil and homegrown tomatoes alongside a grilled steak topped with sprigs of rosemary.

Knowing how to use, store, and combine herbs can be overwhelming. Before I knew that basil shouldn’t be refrigerated, I threw away multiple packages of blackened basil. My cilantro would get green and slimy before I used the entire bunch until I wrapped it in paper towels and stored in a green savor bag. I hesitated to buy fresh herbs for one dish if I didn’t know how else to use them.

With a few tricks up your sleeve and using the chart below of my favorite fresh herbs, you can easily become an herb-using pro and start creating fresher more flavorful dishes to celebrate the summer season.

Herb Flavor Combinations & Uses How to store
Basil Citrus
Tomatoes
Chicken or turkey		 In cool dry place; do not keep in the fridge
Cilantro Salsas and guacamole
Lime
Cumin
Omelets		 Snip off ends, wash and dry leaves gently, place in a jar filled with water or use my above recommendation
Dill Lemon
Chicken
Seafood, especially salmon, halibut, and other white fish
Potatoes
Mixed with yogurt for dips
Salads
Green beans, Asparagus		 Same as cilantro
Rosemary
(remove rosemary sprigs after cooking; do not consume)		 Chicken
Steak/Beef
Pork
Potatoes		 In cool dry place or in a sealed container in the fridge

Mango-Cilantro Salsa

Uses: Top grilled chicken, fish, or pork with this sweet and savory salsa. Add to salads instead of dressings. Ingredients can be changed to suit flavor preferences.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Mango cilantro salsa in a clear bowl.

Ingredients

  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 mango, peeled and chopped
  • ½ red onion
  • 1 jalapeno (optional)
  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 tsp. ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Combine all chopped vegetables in a medium mixing bowl. Stir to combine.
  2. In a small bowl, mix lime juice, oil, and spices. Whisk until well-combined.
  3. Pour liquid over vegetables and mango; toss to combine.

This delicious salsa keeps for 3–4 days in the fridge.