Your basil plant is thriving… maybe too thriving. Are you drowning in fragrant green leaves, desperately searching for a way to use it all before it turns into a sad, brown, basil-flavored raisin? Fear not, fellow garden enthusiast!
We’ve got you covered with 17 fresh basil recipes, proving there’s more to life than just pesto (although, let’s be honest, pesto is pretty great).
1. Classic Basil Pesto
Blend fresh basil leaves with pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil for the perfect pasta topper. This bright green sauce keeps in the fridge for a week.
Freeze extra pesto in ice cube trays for quick flavor bombs. Just pop out a cube whenever you need a taste of summer!
2. Tomato Basil Bruschetta
Chop ripe tomatoes and mix with torn basil, garlic, and olive oil. Spoon this mixture onto toasted bread slices for an easy appetizer.
The juicy tomatoes soak into the crispy bread. Add a sprinkle of salt just before serving to make the flavors pop!
3. Strawberry Basil Sorbet
Sweet strawberries and aromatic basil create a surprising summer treat. Blend the ingredients with simple syrup, then freeze until firm.
The basil adds a sophisticated twist to this fruity dessert. Garnish with a tiny basil leaf for a fancy finish that will impress your guests!
4. Caprese Salad Skewers
Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto small skewers. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for instant party food.
These colorful bites mimic the Italian flag. They’re perfect for summer gatherings when you need something quick but impressive!
5. Lemon Basil Chicken
Marinate chicken breasts in lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped basil. Grill until juicy and serve with extra basil on top.
The acid from the lemon tenderizes the meat. This simple dinner tastes like summer and cooks in just 15 minutes!
6. Basil Infused Water
Fill a pitcher with water, add basil leaves and sliced cucumber. Let it sit for an hour in the fridge.
This refreshing drink has zero calories but tons of flavor. It’s a beautiful way to stay hydrated during hot days without any added sugar!
7. Peach Basil Jam
Cook diced peaches with sugar, lemon juice, and finely chopped basil until thick. The herb adds a unique flavor to this sweet spread.
This jam tastes amazing on toast or ice cream. The basil’s flavor mellows during cooking, leaving a hint of herbal goodness that complements the sweet peaches.
8. Basil Lemonade
Muddle basil leaves with sugar syrup, then mix with fresh lemon juice and water. The result is a zippy drink that’s not your ordinary lemonade.
The herbal notes balance the tart lemons perfectly. Serve over ice with a basil sprig for a drink that looks as good as it tastes!
9. Thai Basil Stir-Fry
Sauté chicken, bell peppers, and onions in a hot wok. Add fish sauce, soy sauce, and a large handful of Thai basil at the end.
The basil wilts just enough to release its flavor. This quick dinner brings restaurant flavors home in less than 20 minutes!
10. Basil Vinaigrette
Blend basil leaves with olive oil, vinegar, and a touch of honey. This bright green dressing livens up any salad or grilled vegetables.
Make extra and store it in a jar in the fridge. The flavors actually improve after a day or two as they meld together!
11. Basil Garlic Bread
Mix softened butter with minced garlic and chopped basil. Spread on bread and bake until golden and fragrant.
The basil adds color and freshness to regular garlic bread. It’s impossible to eat just one slice of this addictive side dish!
12. Watermelon Basil Salad
Toss watermelon cubes with crumbled feta, torn basil leaves, and a light vinaigrette. The sweet-salty-herbal combination is unexpected and delicious.
This refreshing salad is perfect for hot days. The juicy watermelon and cool basil make it taste like summer in a bowl!
13. Basil Oil Drizzle
Blanch basil briefly, then blend with olive oil and strain. The resulting vibrant green oil adds flavor and color to soups, pizza, or grilled fish.
A little goes a long way with this concentrated flavor booster. Store in a pretty bottle for an instant kitchen upgrade!
14. Basil Ice Cream
Steep fresh basil leaves in warm cream, then strain and freeze according to your ice cream maker’s instructions. The result is surprisingly delicious!
The herbal notes create a sophisticated dessert. Serve with fresh berries for a fancy finish that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.
15. Basil Pesto Grilled Cheese
Spread basil pesto between two slices of bread with your favorite melting cheese. Grill until golden and gooey.
The pesto adds a flavor punch to the classic sandwich. It’s comfort food with a grown-up twist that comes together in just minutes!
16. Basil Blackberry Mojito
Muddle blackberries with basil leaves and lime. Add rum, simple syrup, and soda water for a fruity twist on the classic cocktail.
The purple berries and green basil make a beautiful drink. This refreshing sipper is perfect for summer parties on the patio!
17. Tomato Basil Soup
Simmer ripe tomatoes with onions, garlic, and a handful of basil. Blend until smooth for a comforting bowl of summer flavor.
This soup tastes like garden freshness. You can serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich!