Calling all cilantro haters! We know you don’t like “soap” in your salads so here is an awesome collection of salad recipes with no cilantro.
Cilantro is the mother of all great divides. The word “hate” has never been more liberally used than by those who abhor the herb. In fact, they are almost proud of it, taunting us cilantro lovers with memes designed to ignite a vegetable brawl.
Before we understood this unimaginable distaste, it was incredibly difficult to empathise. How could this refreshing, earthy, citrusy and tart herb that elevates so many dishes around the world, be so gross to so many?
We use to categorise cilantro haters as “fussy eaters” and cilantro lovers the world over would roll their eyes when they would watch their friends and families pick out the cilantro one by one.
Or even worse, having to create a separate portion of your signature dish just for that one friend (you know who you are!).
The common complaint that cilantro tastes like soap must have sparked the curiosity of Cornell University when in 2012 they decided to conduct a study with approximately 30,000 people.
The results were fascinating and revealed that there is one specific gene, OR6A2, an olfactory receptor, that causes the dislike. This gene is particularly sensitive to the scent of aldehyde chemicals, which also exists in soap.
So, cilantro haters, it’s in your genes. Whilst we all have this gene; your olfactory abilities are more heightened which makes some odours more pronounced and acute than others.
This explains why all cilantro haters think cilantro tastes like soap.
This finding however brings about conflicting emotions for us cilantro lovers. Now we have no choice but to be a little bit more sensitive about your vehement dislike which frankly, was so much more fun when we could outrightly groan with frustration. Haha!
But most of all, empathy has turned to pity. Your inability to enjoy this diverse herb across so many signature dishes is well, just so darn sad.
Alright, alright…..despite your genetic failings, we still do love cooking for you. We don’t want you to miss out on some of the tastiest salad recipes you’ll ever come across.
As a result of that, we have compiled for you, some of our favourite salads that DON’T have cilantro.
NO SOAP FOR YOU!
Asparagus Pasta Salad with Pecan Pesto
1/17
Fresh peas and asparagus pasta salad with a nutty and aromatic pecan pesto is a fantastic combination to whip up for a quick, tasty vegetarian side dish.
Medley of Roasted Potato Salad with Anchovy Dressing
2/17
No regular pale gluggy potato salad here. Delicious, sweet roasted potatoes and New Zealand yams amped up with a touch of sophisticated flavour through a zippy salty anchovy dressing.
A great addition to summer barbeques or winter roasts.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad with Dutch Carrots
3/17
Sweet maple roasted Brussels sprouts and Dutch carrots salad, what’s not to love?
Along with the nutty texture of freekeh balanced with freshness of peas and rounded off with creamy goat cheese, our warm Brussels sprouts salad is insanely flavoursome.
Tamari Seeds and Baby Gem Lettuce Salad
4/17
Would you like to create a piece of salad artwork in just 20 minutes flat?
We’ll show you how to do exactly that when you combine the crispness of the baby gem lettuce, the splatter of the tar-like black tahini and the ever so umami tamari seeds.
Tropical Mango Salad Recipe with Coconut
Colourful summer mango salad recipe that is bursting with fresh, vibrant tropical flavours.
Effortless to put together, the combination of sweet mangoes and toasted coconut flakes with a tangy lime dressing is utterly delicious.
5/17
Salmon Sashimi Salad with Crispy Salmon Skin
6/17
Bold spicy Asian flavours that will definitely get your taste buds moving.
Delicious texture with tofu skin, cucumber and cauliflower mixed with a chilli black vinegar dressing that is spicy, sweet and sharp all at the same time.
Persimmon Salad with Candied Hazelnuts
7/17
If you’re wondering what to do with persimmons because your tree is overflowing, try this sweet persimmon salad recipe topped with candied hazelnuts, coconut chips and dressing with a pomegranate molasses dressing.
Charred Fennel Salad with Bresaola
8/17
The combination of salty bresaola, anise-like fennel and orange citrus sweetness, makes this salad a crowd pleaser.
This Charred Fennel Salad with the stunning look of the burrata will definitely get the oohs and ahhs from your guests!
Rustic Black Rice Salad with Purple Broccolini
9/17
Once a ‘forbidden rice’ due to its rarity, this Black Rice Salad is an impressive recipe.
Enhanced by the elusive purple broccolini, saltiness from the anchovies and the decadent undertones of buttery breadcrumbs, this salad deserves a place on your dinner table.
Yellow Salad with Zucchini Flowers
10/17
Zucchini flowers are such special ingredients. Beautiful to look at and delicious when devoured. Let’s spoil your friends and family with this gold and yellow themed salad!
Prawn and Fennel Salad with Yuzu Jam Dressing
11/17
The citrus yuzu jam creates a delicate aromatic dressing that provides a perfect counterpoint to the crunchy shaved Fennel and Apple Salad.
Topped with fresh succulent prawns and salty tobiko, this is an exquisite salad!
Roast Pumpkin Salad with Israeli Couscous and Apple
12/17
A Roast Pumpkin Salad is nothing but goodness served on a plate. Envelop it with the pop of Israeli couscous, crunch of an apple and smeared with tahini dressing, it’s a match made in heaven!
Green Bean, Truffle Butter Breadcrumbs and Quail Egg Salad
13/17
Add a touch of gourmet to an otherwise easy recipe. Your guests will be so impressed with the delectable truffle tones in this Quail Egg Salad.
King Oyster Mushroom Salad with Yellow Beans
14/17
A special occasion calls for a majestic salad. This King Oyster Mushroom Salad exudes umami flavours complemented with sweet yellow beans and butter crisped sage. What a decadent combination!
Celeriac Mango and Guava Salad
15/17
Who would have thought a knobby, ugly root vegetable, sweet tropical fruits and a nasal clearing infused dressing could be so good?
This Guava Salad is no simple flavour combination and you’ll be surprised how fantastic it tastes!
Baby Cauliflower and Spiced Chickpeas with Beetroot Tahini
16/17
What could be more scrumptious than whole roasted baby cauliflower?
Combine them with spiced chickpeas and beetroot tahini, and you’ll have a middle eastern inspired salad that won’t disappoint.
Marinated Japanese Mushroom Salad with Sesame Spinach
17/17
Delicate tangy flavours with a meaty bite, marinated Japanese Mushroom Salad over fresh spinach makes a delicious side dish to zest up any meal.
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jill
I’m not a hater, but I know a few people who can’t do cilantro. I love it so much! I’ll pass this post on to those haters!!
The Devil Wears Salad
Thanks Jill! We have quite a few friends who hate it so we’re constantly having to either omit them altogether or just make a salad without them.
Kay
I made the Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad with Dutch Carrots recipe and it was soooooo good 🙂
Will make this over the Xmas period will go down well with the family
Thanks for sharing!!
The Devil Wears Salad
You welcome and thanks for the feedback!
Faith
Love cilantro, but these are amazing salads too!