À La Carte: These herbs have main character energy

Dilly bean salad, cilantro cashew cream, basil eggplant stir-fry + more 🌿

Herbs = so much more than just a garnish.

I believe these green flavor bombs should be used often and with abandon. In fact, I like to think of herbs as more of a lettuce than a tiny inconsequential sprinkle. They may be small in stature, but they can completely transform a dish.

Tender herbs like parsley, cilantro, dill, and basil are also really good for you. Their saturated color means they are packed with polyphenols, which give them anti-inflammatory and protective properties. Additionally, they’re great sources of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium, iron, and folate.

Spring is a great time to load up on these ingredients because they make everything taste fresh and grassy-green! Below, five ideas [that aren’t pesto] for how to incorporate more herbs into your life…

1. Cannellini Bean Salad with Leeks and Dill

Inspired by classic Ukrainian flavors, this salad uses an entire bunch of dill and is an impressive way to dress up canned beans. Perfect for meal prep.

2. Eggplant Stir-Fry with Garlic and Basil

Torn basil is wilted into this glossy stir-fry at the very end, awakening the savory flavors with bright floral notes.

3. All-Purpose Cilantro Cashew Cream

Soaked and blended cashews provide the creamy base for this zingy condiment. It keeps well in the fridge for several days, and is fabulous on everything from salads and grain bowls, to tacos and sandwiches.

4. Moroccan-Inspired Carrot Salad with Parsley

Earthy parsley lends a grounding quality to this otherwise juicy and crunchy slaw. Flavored with olives, red onion, and ground coriander, it’s the perfect spring salad.

5. Arugula Avocado Salad with Scallion Dressing

OK, so technically scallions are a vegetable, but I’m choosing to include them since they’re often used like an herb. They take this minimal salad from good to wow.

Planning to make one of these? Tell me how it goes in the comments section or tag me with your creation on Instagram.