National Herb Day

Have you ever been in the spice aisle of your local grocery store and seen all those wonderful fresh herbs and thought, “I should get some of that?” But then you got home, used just a few sprigs for a recipe or two, and now you have several bunches left over. What do you do with them? That’s where National Herb Day comes in! The first Saturday in May is a perfect time to put your leftover herbs to good use. Let’s explore some delicious ideas for using up your remaining herbs!

Pesto is one of the most versatile condiments out there. It can be used as a dip, spread on sandwiches, tossed into pasta dishes, or even turned into a vinaigrette. And best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make with whatever herbs you have on hand. All you need is some garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and your favorite herbs (basil and parsley are popular choices). Throw everything together in a food processor until it reaches the desired consistency – voila! You’ve got yourself some homemade pesto that will last for weeks in the refrigerator.

Herb butter is another great way to use up leftover herbs. All you need is softened butter (preferably unsalted), minced garlic cloves (optional), salt (also optional), pepper (optional), lemon juice (optional), and of course all your favorite fresh herbs. You can also add other ingredients such as nuts or spices if desired. Simply mix everything together until incorporated and then shape it into logs or discs. Refrigerate until firm before serving on top of steak or vegetables – it’s sure to make any meal even more delicious!

Fresh herbs are an excellent way to add flavor and texture to salads without additional calories or fat. Chopped basil adds an earthy flavor while cilantro adds a light citrus note; both pair nicely with delicate greens like arugula or spinach. You can also puree soft-leaved herbs like parsley or dill with olive oil for an herb-infused salad dressing that will be sure to impress dinner guests. And don’t forget about garnishes–chopped chives sprinkled over finished dishes adds an irresistible touch of color and flavor without taking much effort at all!

National Herb Day is the perfect time to celebrate the flavors found in fresh herbs! Whether you use them in pesto, herb butter, salads, dressings, or garnishes – the possibilities are endless when it comes to using up those leftover bunches from your grocery store run last week. So grab your cutting board and get creative – you never know what delicious creation might come out of it!