What to Do with Those Leftover Herbs in Your Fridge

Photo via istock.com/LillGraphie

How many times have you bought fresh herbs for a recipe and ended up tossing the majority of the bundle? If you’re anything like us, the answer is: every single time.

It’s time to change that. With these creative uses for leftover herbs, you’ll never waste fresh basil, cilantro, or parsley ever again.

1. Herb-Infused Olive Oil
via Tasty Yummies

Herb-infused oils may seem fancy, but they really couldn’t be much easier to make. Just wash and dry your herbs, add them to your oil, cook for a few minutes, strain, and store the finished product in the refrigerator.

2. Homemade Pesto
via Greatist

You’re almost certainly well acquainted with traditional basil pesto. But what about kale-parsley, carrot-cilantro, or arugula-mint pesto? Try as many combinations as your heart desires using the link above, or create your own blend.

3. Italian Fresh Herb Vinaigrette
via Serious Eats

If you have a lot of herbs on your hands, this homemade salad dressing is a great way to use them up. It calls for fresh parsley and basil, but you could add as many kinds as you have.

4. Herb-Infused Ice Cubes
via 17 Apart

Bring the spa to your kitchen with infused ice cubes. This recipe uses fresh mint, but get creative with your cubes. Strawberry lemonade with basil ice cubes, anyone?

5. Homemade Herb Butter
via Inspired by Charm

Impress your dinner party guests with homemade herb butter flecked with rosemary, chives, and thyme. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a crusty loaf of fresh bread.

6. White Wine and Fresh Herbs Marinade
via Food Above Gold

This marinade must be used relatively quickly, but it’s a great way to squeeze extra life out of your greens. Bonus: It’ll help use up that bottle of white wine you forgot about.

7. Homemade Mint Tea
via Brooklyn Farm Girl

Grab the mint sitting in your refrigerator, bake it at low heat for a couple hours, and voilà: You’ve got yourself some DIY tea leaves.

8. Home-Dried Herbs
via Bon Appétit

When all else fails, dry your herbs to use them later down the road. All you’ll need is some sunlight, twine, and a little patience.