PARSLEY - HERB OF THE WEEK

Herbs enhance the flavor of food, make it aromatic and give it that lovely delicious bite.

Here are 20 recipe ideas using parsley, a bright, slightly peppery herb that adds freshness and color to many dishes:

Salads & Fresh Uses

1. Tabbouleh – A Levantine salad made with bulgur, loads of fresh parsley, tomatoes, and lemon juice.

2. Chimichurri Sauce – Blend parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and oregano for this Argentine steak sauce.

3. Gremolata – A zesty mix of parsley, lemon zest, and garlic often served over osso buco or grilled meats.

4. Parsley Potato Salad – Add chopped fresh parsley for a clean, herby finish.

5. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad – Combine with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta.

Pasta & Grains

6. Lemon Parsley Pasta – Sauté garlic in olive oil, toss with pasta, parsley, and lemon zest.

7. Herbed Couscous or Quinoa – Stir chopped parsley in for flavor and color.

8. Garlic Butter Orzo with Parsley – Rich and herby side dish for fish or chicken.

9. Parsley Pesto – A budget-friendly alternative to basil pesto with walnuts or almonds.

10. Stuffed Bell Peppers – Add parsley to rice-meat filling for freshness.

Egg & Veggie Dishes

11. Herb Omelet or Frittata – Mix fresh parsley into eggs with cheese or veggies.

12. Parsley Sautéed Mushrooms – Finish buttery mushrooms with chopped parsley.

13. Grilled Zucchini with Parsley and Lemon – Bright, light, and flavorful.

14. Roasted Carrots with Garlic & Parsley – Simple and elegant side dish.

15. Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Parsley – Crispy and savory with fresh herb topping.

Meat & Fish

16. Grilled Steak with Parsley Butter – Combine chopped parsley with softened butter and garlic.

17. Baked Chicken with Lemon & Parsley – A fresh and juicy main dish.

18. White Fish with Herb Crust – Coat with breadcrumbs, garlic, and parsley before baking.

19. Lamb Meatballs with Parsley & Mint – Earthy, herby, and ideal with yogurt sauce.

20. Herbed Turkey Burgers – Mix chopped parsley into ground turkey for juicier patties.

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Parsley is a bright, fresh herb widely used in cooking for its mild, slightly peppery flavor. It adds color and a subtle herbal note to a variety of dishes including salads, soups, sauces, and garnishes. Beyond flavor, parsley is packed with nutrients and antioxidants.

FAQs – Parsley

Q: What types of parsley are commonly used in cooking?
A: The two main types are curly leaf parsley, often used as a garnish, and flat-leaf (Italian) parsley, which has a stronger flavor and is preferred for cooking.

Q: How should I store fresh parsley to keep it fresh longer?
A: Store parsley like fresh flowers — trim the stems and place in a glass of water, loosely cover with a plastic bag, and keep refrigerated. Alternatively, wrap in a damp paper towel and place in a sealed bag.

Q: Can parsley be frozen?
A: Yes, you can chop parsley and freeze it in ice cube trays with a little water or olive oil for easy use later.

Q: Is parsley only used fresh?
A: While fresh parsley is preferred for flavor and texture, dried parsley is available but has a much milder flavor.

Q: What are the health benefits of parsley?
A: Parsley is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, supports immune health, has antioxidant properties, and may aid digestion.

Printable Nutrition Card (Per 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, approx. 3.8g)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	1 kcal	Very low calorie
Total Fat	0 g	Negligible fat
Sodium	1 mg	Very low sodium
Carbohydrates	0.2 g	Mostly fiber
Dietary Fiber	0.1 g	Provides some dietary fiber
Sugars	0 g	Negligible sugar
Protein	0.1 g	Trace amounts
Vitamin A	10% DV	High in beta-carotene
Vitamin C	13% DV	Supports immune health
Vitamin K	53% DV	Important for blood clotting and bone health

DV = Daily Value; based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Dietary Information Table

Diet Type	Suitable?	Notes
Vegetarian	✅ Yes	Plant-based herb
Vegan	✅ Yes	Completely plant-based
Gluten-Free	✅ Yes	Naturally gluten-free
Keto / Low-Carb	✅ Yes	Low carbohydrate
Paleo	✅ Yes	Compliant ingredient
Low-FODMAP	✅ Yes	Generally well tolerated; small amounts recommended
Dairy-Free	✅ Yes	No dairy involved
Heart-Healthy	✅ Yes	Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For precise nutritional information, consider using a nutrition calculator with exact ingredient measurements.