15 basil recipes (because herbs should never be the forgotten ingredient in the drawer)
Basil has a way of making even the simplest meals feel fresh and lively. It shows up in sauces, salads, and anything that could use a lift. These 15 basil recipes make it easy to use that bunch sitting in the fridge before it turns on you.
Chicken Pasta Primavera
This chicken pasta primavera features vibrant spring vegetables tossed in a light, creamy sauce. It’s a colorful, wholesome dish that is ready in about thirty minutes. Get the recipe: Chicken Pasta Primavera
Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta
This fresh tomato basil pasta is a summer favorite when the tomatoes are at their sweetest. The no-cook sauce is simple but bright, fresh, and perfectly balanced. Get the Recipe: Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta
Marry Me Chicken
This skillet chicken with fresh basil and a sun-dried tomato parmesan cream sauce is rich, cozy, and packed with flavor. It’s a 5-star dinner that’s fast enough for weeknights and fancy enough to impress anyone. Get the recipe: Marry Me Chicken
Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta
This cherry tomato pasta comes together in 15 minutes with garlic, fresh basil, and melty mozzarella pearls. It’s light, easy, and basically peak summer in a bowl. Get the recipe: Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta
Spicy Basil Sauce with Garlic and Jalapeno
Got a ton of fresh basil? This spicy green sauce brings the heat with jalapeños and garlic, then cools it down with avocado, sour cream, and lime. Get the recipe: Spicy Basil Sauce with Garlic and Jalapeno
Chicken Rice Salad with Fresh Basil
Perfect for using all of that summer basil! This fresh and delicious lemon basil chicken rice salad recipe has tons of flavors and textures. Tailor-made for meal-prepping lunches. Get the recipe: Chicken Rice Salad
Blackberry Basil Grilled Cheese
This blackberry grilled cheese is a total upgrade with goat cheese, mozzarella, fresh basil, and juicy berries. It’s giving Caprese vibes with a sweet twist and makes grilled cheese feel way more fun. Get the recipe: Blackberry Basil Grilled Cheese
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
This roasted tomato basil soup, made with fresh tomatoes, somehow tastes even better the next day. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and still super creamy. Get the recipe: Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Avocado Green Goddess Dressing
This avocado green goddess dressing is fresh, light, and full of lemony herb goodness. It’s a Trader Joe’s copycat that is vegan, oil-free, and comes together in just a few minutes. Get the recipe: Avocado Green Goddess Dressing
30-Minute Tomato Basil Chicken
This tomato basil chicken is a quick and healthy dinner featuring juicy tomatoes, garlic, and plenty of fresh basil. A sprinkle of Parmesan on top makes it feel a little extra. Get the recipe: Tomato Basil Chicken
Burrata Caprese Salad with Fresh Basil Vinaigrette
This burrata caprese salad is peak summer on a plate, juicy tomatoes, creamy burrata, and a quick basil vinaigrette that makes it feel a little fancy. No cooking, just 15 minutes, and the best ingredients doing their thing. Get the recipe: Burrata Caprese Salad with Fresh Basil Vinaigrette
Shrimp Scampi Pasta
This shrimp scampi pasta is packed with garlic, lemon, basil, and plenty of juicy shrimp. It’s simple to make and a light dinner that feels special without a lot of fuss. Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Watermelon Feta Basil Salad
This watermelon feta basil salad takes a classic combo and turns it into the ultimate summer side. Juicy watermelon, tangy feta, and fresh basil come together with greens, red onion, and a balsamic drizzle. Get the recipe: Watermelon Feta Basil Salad
Basil Fried Rice
Each grain of this vegan Thai basil fried rice is infused with the aroma of sweet Thai basil, satisfying umami, and an intensely fiery heat from homemade chilli paste. You won’t be able to put your fork (or chopsticks!) down. Get the recipe: Vegan Thai Basil Fried Rice
Creamy Scallop Curry
This scallop curry is creamy and fragrant, and made with fewer than 10 ingredients, and takes 30 minutes. Silky coconut milk and spicy Thai red curry paste team up to take your taste buds to Thailand. Get the recipe: Creamy Scallop Curry