Do Cilantro and Dill Go Together? A Flavorful Culinary Guide

January 2, 2026 •

5 min read

Interestingly, both cilantro and dill belong to the same plant family, Apiaceae, which hints at their compatibility. This makes the answer to the question, "Do cilantro and dill go together?" a resounding yes, as they can be harmoniously paired to create complex and fresh flavor profiles.

Quick Summary

Cilantro and dill pair effectively despite their assertive flavors, with cilantro adding floral notes and dill contributing grassy freshness. This dynamic herb combination is featured in various global cuisines, especially Uzbek, and works well in sauces, dressings, and dips.

Key Points

Dynamic Pairing: Cilantro and dill, though both assertive, combine to create a balanced, fresh flavor profile where their individual notes are accentuated rather than clashing.
Uzbek Culinary Tradition: The combination is famously used in Uzbek cuisine, often sprinkled over salads, stews, and grilled meats.
Complementary Notes: When paired, cilantro's floral undertone is highlighted, while dill's grassy, slightly sour freshness is accentuated.
Versatile Applications: This herb duo excels in sauces, dressings, marinades, and as a garnish for fish or chicken, especially when combined with dairy like yogurt.
Fresh vs. Dried: Use fresh herbs for bright flavor and garnishes in raw applications, and dried for more concentrated taste and depth in cooked dishes.
Genetic Factor: Be aware that a small percentage of the population has a genetic variation that makes cilantro taste like soap, which can affect their perception of the pairing.
Storage is Key: To maintain freshness, store both herbs like a bouquet of flowers in a jar with water in the refrigerator.

The Flavor Harmony: How Cilantro and Dill Work Together

At first glance, pairing cilantro and dill might seem counterintuitive. Both herbs are known for their distinct and sometimes polarizing flavor profiles. Cilantro, derived from the leaves of the coriander plant, is often described as bright, citrusy, and slightly peppery by some, while others possess a genetic variation that makes it taste like soap. Dill, with its feathery fronds, offers a flavor profile that is grassy, lemony, and has hints of anise. However, it is precisely their assertive nature that makes them so suitable for each other. When combined, these bold flavors do not clash but rather complement one another, creating a more complex and balanced result. Cilantro's fragrant, floral undertone is amplified, while dill's signature sour, grassy freshness is accentuated. This dynamic interplay of flavors adds a surprising depth to dishes that would otherwise feature only one of these potent herbs.

Culinary Uses: Recipes and Applications

The cilantro and dill combination is versatile and can be incorporated into a wide range of dishes, adding a fresh, herbaceous lift. Its use in global cuisines, particularly Central Asian and Eastern European cooking, demonstrates its effectiveness. A great starting point is in creamy sauces and dressings, where a dairy base like yogurt or sour cream helps to mellow the herbs' intensity while still allowing their flavors to shine through. The herbs can also be used as a garnish or stirred into cooked dishes just before serving to preserve their delicate flavor.

Delicious Recipe Ideas

Yogurt-based sauce: Stir equal parts of finely chopped fresh cilantro and dill into Greek yogurt, adding minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for a refreshing sauce perfect for grilled chicken or vegetables.
Vinaigrette: Whisk together chopped cilantro and dill with olive oil, white wine vinegar, and a squeeze of lemon for a vibrant dressing for green salads or potato salads.
Chimichurri: Create a unique chimichurri by blending cilantro, dill, garlic, olive oil, and a splash of vinegar. This flavorful sauce is excellent with grilled fish or steak.
Eggplant and tomato salad: In Uzbek cuisine, this combination is famously sprinkled over cooked eggplant and tomato salads, highlighting the fresh flavor contrast.
Fish topping: Garnish shallow-poached fish with a generous sprinkle of the combined herbs for a delicate and fragrant finish.

Fresh vs. Dried: Choosing the Right Form

When working with cilantro and dill, it is crucial to understand the differences between the fresh and dried forms. The drying process fundamentally changes their flavor profiles, making them suitable for different culinary applications.

Fresh Cilantro: Provides a bright, citrusy, and grassy flavor best for raw applications like salsas, garnishes, and dressings. Its leaves are delicate and their flavor diminishes with cooking.
Dried Cilantro (Coriander seeds): Derived from the seeds, dried coriander has a warm, nutty, and slightly citrusy flavor, entirely different from the fresh leaves. It is best for long-cooking dishes and spice blends.
Fresh Dill: Offers a vibrant, grassy, and lemony flavor. It is ideal for sauces, salads, and as a garnish. Like fresh cilantro, its flavor is delicate and best preserved by adding it towards the end of cooking.
Dried Dill: Has a more muted, earthy, and concentrated flavor than fresh dill. It works well in applications where it can be cooked for longer, such as stews, marinades, and pickling.

Comparison of Fresh Cilantro and Fresh Dill


Feature	Fresh Cilantro	Fresh Dill
Flavor Profile	Bright, citrusy, peppery, some perceive as soapy due to genetics	Grassy, lemony, slightly sweet with hints of anise
Aroma	Pungent, fresh, slightly peppery	Light, fragrant, with a citrus-like scent
Texture	Broad, flat leaves on fragile stems	Delicate, feathery, soft fronds on soft stems
Best Used In	Salsas, guacamole, garnishes, Mexican and Indian curries	Sauces, dressings, garnishes, seafood, pickles, Eastern European cuisine
Optimal Addition	Raw or added at the end of cooking to preserve flavor	Raw or added at the end of cooking
Pairing Harmony	Brings floral undertones when combined with dill	Adds grassy freshness and tartness when combined with cilantro

Companion Planting: A Gardener's Perspective

For those with a garden, it's worth noting that dill and cilantro are considered companion plants. When planted together, they can help attract beneficial insects to the garden, improving overall plant health. However, gardeners should be aware of a potential downside: cross-pollination. If you plan on saving seeds, planting these closely related herbs near each other may result in unintended hybrids, though this typically does not affect the flavor of the leaves harvested during their main growing season.

What to Mix with Cilantro and Dill

The complementary nature of cilantro and dill extends to other ingredients as well. They combine particularly well with dairy products like yogurt, sour cream, and feta cheese, which can help create creamy dips and sauces. A hint of mint can further brighten the flavor profile, while garlic and onions provide a savory foundation that both herbs can build upon. The citrus notes of lime or lemon also naturally enhance the flavors of both cilantro and dill, making them an excellent choice for marinades and dressings. For a heartier application, consider pairing them with fish, like salmon, or chicken, as their robust flavors can stand up to the proteins without being overwhelming.

Conclusion: Embracing the Dynamic Duo

So, do cilantro and dill go together? Absolutely. Rather than competing, these two assertive herbs find a surprising synergy when combined, creating a complex, fresh, and balanced flavor profile that elevates a wide variety of dishes. From creamy yogurt dressings and vibrant vinaigrettes to savory meat marinades and simple garnishes, the culinary applications are numerous. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to experiment, embracing this dynamic duo can open up a new world of taste. Start by trying a simple ratio, like equal parts of fresh cilantro and dill, and adjust to your taste to discover the perfect balance for your next culinary creation. For further inspiration, consider exploring the dishes of Uzbek cuisine, where this pairing is a celebrated staple.

Epicurious has an excellent article on the Uzbek combination of cilantro and dill, found here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, absolutely. They can be harmoniously combined in the same dish, and the pairing is used frequently in certain global cuisines, like Uzbek cooking, to create a complex and fresh flavor.

Excellent complementary flavors include dairy products like yogurt or sour cream, other herbs such as mint, and citrus elements like lime or lemon. Garlic and onion also provide a savory foundation for the herbs.

Yes, Uzbek cuisine is one notable example. In this Central Asian cooking tradition, a mixture of fresh dill and cilantro is often sprinkled liberally over dishes like stews, salads, and vegetable mixes.

No. Fresh cilantro has a bright, citrusy, and grassy flavor, while dried coriander (from the seeds of the same plant) is more earthy, nutty, and muted. The two are not interchangeable.

Try making a yogurt-based sauce by mixing chopped cilantro, dill, garlic, and lemon juice into plain Greek yogurt. This is perfect for grilled fish, chicken, or as a vegetable dip.

Yes, but with care. Dried dill has a more concentrated flavor, so use less—typically a 1:3 ratio (1 teaspoon dried for 1 tablespoon fresh). It should also be added earlier in the cooking process.

In companion gardening, dill should not be planted near carrots or peppers, as they compete for similar nutrients. Culinarily, personal preferences vary, but bitter ingredients might clash with its fresh taste.

For both, treat them like a bouquet of flowers. Trim the stems, place them in a glass or jar with an inch of cold water, and loosely cover the tops with a plastic bag before refrigerating.