Fresh Ways to Use Parsley in Everyday Meals

Few ingredients brighten a plate quite like fresh parsley. Whether it’s the curly tops scattered over a bowl of soup or flat-leaf parsley folded through pasta, this humble herb lifts both flavour and colour. At Queen Victoria Market, bunches of fragrant parsley arrive fresh from local growers, carrying the scent of the morning harvest. Here are a few simple, flavour-filled ways to cook with it, inspired by the Market’s seasonal produce and Melbourne’s love of good, honest food.  

 

The Heart of Fresh Flavour

Parsley’s clean, green taste makes it a staple across many cuisines, from Mediterranean and Middle Eastern to South American. It’s more than a garnish – it adds balance, depth and brightness to all kinds of meals. Whether you prefer the gentle crunch of curly parsley or the robust flavour of flat-leaf, this versatile herb sits comfortably alongside vegetables, grilled meats, pasta and grain salads alike.  

 

1. Parsley Pesto

Swap basil for parsley to make a pesto that’s earthy, peppery and beautifully green. Blend flat-leaf parsley with olive oil, garlic, toasted almonds or walnuts, Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon. Stir it through pasta, spread it on toast or serve alongside seasonal veg from the Queen Victoria Market.  

 

2. Chimichurri

This lively Argentinian sauce lets parsley sing. Combine finely chopped parsley with garlic, oregano, olive oil and red wine vinegar. Spoon it over barbecued steak or vegetables. If you’ve picked up something special from one of the Market’s butchers, this sauce adds just the right burst of freshness.  

 

3. Gremolata

Parsley, lemon zest and garlic come together for a bright, zesty mix that wakes up roast chicken, fish or slow-cooked vegetables. It’s proof that a handful of fresh herbs can transform even the most comforting dishes.  

 

4. Parsley Butter

Soften butter and stir through chopped parsley, garlic and sea salt to create an easy kitchen staple. Try it melted over corn, tossed with green beans or spread onto crusty Market bread. It’s simple, familiar and full of weekend warmth.  

 

5. Tabbouleh

This much-loved Lebanese salad celebrates parsley at its best. Combine heaps of chopped flat-leaf parsley with mint, tomatoes, spring onion, burghul, lemon juice and olive oil. It’s crunchy, bright and perfect for sharing over lunch or a weekend barbecue.  

 

6. Garlic Parsley Potatoes

Toss boiled or roasted potatoes with butter, garlic and chopped parsley for a side that never goes out of style. Add the herbs just before serving to keep their colour and aroma.  

 

7. Parsley and Lemon Pasta

Quick, light and full of life. Cook your favourite pasta, then toss it with olive oil, garlic, lemon zest and lots of chopped parsley. Finish with cracked pepper and a drizzle of good olive oil from one of the Market’s deli stalls.  

 

8. Peas with Parsley and Mint

A spring favourite that’s sweet and fragrant. Cook peas, then mix with butter, garlic, parsley and mint. Finish with a squeeze of lemon for a fresh side dish that suits the season.  

 

9. Parsley-Caper Sauce

Blend parsley with capers, lemon juice, olive oil, mustard and garlic for a punchy green sauce. Spoon it over grilled fish, halloumi or roast vegetables for an easy hit of flavour.  

 

Keeping Your Herbs Fresher for Longer

Market Tip Box  

• Trim and store: Snip the ends of parsley stems and stand them in a glass of water, just like flowers.  
• Cover and chill: Loosely cover with a bag or damp paper towel, then refrigerate.  
• Change the water: Refresh it every couple of days to keep parsley bright for up to a week.  
• Freeze the extras: Chop and freeze parsley in olive oil in an ice cube tray – handy for soups and sauces later.  

Fresh herbs bring instant life to everyday cooking. With a few simple habits, they’ll stay vibrant and flavourful all week. 

 

From Market Stall to Kitchen Table

Whether you’re trying something new or giving a classic your own twist, fresh parsley is one of those quiet essentials that make home cooking feel alive. Wander through Queen Victoria Market and you’ll come across crates of local herbs, seasonal produce and handmade cheeses – ingredients that reflect the city’s generous, community-minded spirit. Next time you shop, pick up a bunch of parsley from your favourite trader and let its freshness inspire your next meal.

Enjoy the same fresh parsley at home – order through QVM Online and have it delivered straight from the Market, fresh and ready to use. Explore more fresh herbs and try new recipes with the best of the Market.