10 Ways to Use Fresh Herbs You Haven’t Tried Yet

If you’ve been sticking to sprinkling parsley on pasta or adding basil only to marinara, get excited: today we’re diving into 10 fresh, creative, and healthy ways to use herbs you probably HAVEN’T tried yet. These ideas are easy, nutrient-rich, and perfect for home cooks at any level.

Let’s make those herbs earn their keep! 

1. Herb-Infused Water (Better Than Lemon Water!)

Instead of plain water or basic lemon slices, try infusing your bottle or pitcher with fresh herbs like mint, basil, rosemary, or thyme.

Why it’s amazing:

• Hydration becomes more enjoyable

• Contains beneficial plant compounds

• Helps reduce cravings for sugary drinks

Try this combo:

• Cucumber + mint + basil

• Orange + rosemary

• Strawberry (or raspberries)+ thyme

Make a big pitcher and keep it in the fridge - it's refreshing AND beautiful.

2. Make an Herb Chimichurri (Not Just for Steak)

Chimichurri is traditionally parsley-based, but you can use cilantro, oregano, mint, or basil to switch things up.

Ingredients:

• Fresh herbs

• Olive oil

• Garlic

• Vinegar or lemon juice

• Chili flakes

• Pinch of salt

Use it on:

• Roasted vegetables

• Rice bowls

• Scrambled eggs

• Grilled tofu

• Shrimp or fish

It instantly brightens ANY dish.

3. Add Herbs to Your Smoothies (Yes, Really!)

Most people never think to add herbs to their morning smoothie, but they add freshness, nutrients, and surprising flavor.

Best herbs for smoothies:

• Mint (amazing with chocolate or berries)

• Basil (pairs beautifully with strawberries and peaches)

• Parsley (great detoxifying benefits & vitamin K)

• Cilantro (in tropical blends: pineapple, mango, coconut)

Start small - ½-1 tablespoon - and build up to your taste.

4. Blend Fresh Herbs into Salad Dressings

Forget bottled dressings - fresh, homemade herb dressings elevate every salad.

Try these:

• Green Goddess dressing → parsley + chives + basil

• Cilantro lime dressing → cilantro + lime + yogurt

• Rosemary balsamic vinaigrette → rosemary + garlic + olive oil

Fresh herbs = brighter flavor + fewer artificial ingredients.

5. Make Herb Butter or Herb Oil

These take minutes but add days of flavor.

Herb Butter:

Blend softened butter with:

• Parsley

• Tarragon

• Chives

• Dill

• Lemon zest

Roll into a log, chill, and slice for:

• Grilled fish

• Vegetables

• Fresh bread

• Baked potatoes

Herb Oil:

Blend herbs + olive oil + garlic → drizzle over EVERYTHING.

6. Add Herbs to Your Baking for a Gourmet Twist

Fresh herbs aren’t just for savory cooking! They elevate baked goods in incredible ways.

Try adding herbs to:

• Lemon rosemary cookies

• Basil blueberry muffins

• Lavender honey scones

• Thyme shortbread

Floral. Fresh. Unique. And absolutely delicious.

7. Freeze Herbs in Olive Oil (Zero Waste Trick!)

If your herbs are starting to wilt, freeze them!

How to:

1. Chop herbs

2. Add to ice cube tray

3. Pour olive oil over them

4. Freeze

Use in:

• Soups

• Sautéed vegetables

• Pasta sauces

• Roasted potatoes

A perfect way to avoid wasting herbs while always having flavor on hand.

8. Make a Fresh Herb Salt (Great for Gifts!)

Homemade herb salt tastes gourmet but is incredibly easy.

How to make herb salt:

• Blend 2 cups of flaky sea salt with 1 cup of fresh herbs

• Spread on a tray to dry

• Store in a jar

Try with:

• Rosemary

• Thyme

• Basil

• Dill

Sprinkle on grilled meats, popcorn, roasted veggies, or avocado toast.

9. Add Fresh Herbs to Your Eggs in New Ways

Most people stick to chives or parsley - but eggs LOVE herbs.

Try:

• Dill in scrambled eggs

• Basil in omelets

• Cilantro in breakfast burritos

• Tarragon in egg salad (game-changing!)

• Mint with feta + eggs (Mediterranean-inspired)

Herbs bring brightness and gourmet flavor for almost zero calories.

10. Turn Fresh Herbs into a Quick “Green Sauce” You Can Use All Week

This 5-minute sauce is the BEST way to use up leftover herbs.

“Green Everything Sauce” Recipe

Throw into a blender:

• 2 cups mixed herbs (anything you have!)

• 1 garlic clove

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• ⅓ cup olive oil

• Salt + pepper

• Optional: chili or yogurt for creaminess

Use on:

• Grain bowls

• Meat or fish

• Veggies

• Sandwiches

• Pasta

• Scrambled eggs

It makes everything taste fresh and expensive.

Nutrition Spotlight: Why Fresh Herbs Are Worth Using More Often

Fresh herbs are tiny but mighty - they’re concentrated sources of:

• Antioxidants

• Vitamin K and C

• Anti-inflammatory compounds

• Plant polyphenols

A small handful boosts nutrition without adding fat, sugar, or sodium. They’re one of the easiest ways to make meals healthier and more flavorful.

Get Creative with Your Herbs

Fresh herbs don’t have to go to waste, and they’re much more versatile than you might think. Whether you blend them into smoothies, bake them into cookies, or whip them into dressings, herbs can bring brightness, complexity, and nutritional benefits to your daily meals.

Try one new method this week - and watch how quickly your kitchen routine transforms.