19 basil recipes to put that fresh bunch to good use
Few things say summer quite like a pile of fresh basil leaves. These 19 recipes offer plenty of ideas for using it in dinners, salads, sauces, and more. Keep a bunch on hand and see where it takes you.
Roasted Tomato Sandwich
This roasted tomato sandwich is a simple way to turn peak-season tomatoes into something delicious. Roasting the tomatoes brings out the richness, and when you add fresh basil and salty olives, it becomes a perfect lunch. Get the recipe: Roasted Tomato Sandwich
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
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
Ground Turkey and Zucchini Lasagna
If you love cheesy, meaty lasagna but want a lighter option, try this ground turkey and zucchini lasagna. It has all the rich, comforting flavors of the classic, just made with zucchini noodles instead of pasta. Get the recipe: Ground Turkey and Zucchini Lasagna
Basil Pesto Sauce
Learn how to make organic basil pesto at home! Try using Thai or purple basil for a fun twist. It’s perfect with pasta, sandwiches, or anything that needs a little something extra. Get the recipe: Basil Pesto Sauce
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
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
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
Pressed Italian Picnic Sandwiches
Pressed Italian picnic sandwiches aren’t just for picnics. Yes, they travel well, but they’re also amazing for lunch. They’re filled with meats, pickled veggies, olive spread, cheese, and more. Get the recipe: Pressed Italian Picnic Sandwiches
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
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
Citrus Lemon Basil Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes
This citrus shrimp with cherry tomatoes and quinoa is fresh, light, and full of flavor. The shrimp, buttery tomatoes, and citrus-basil sauce make it feel fancy, but it’s ready in under 30 minutes. Get the recipe: Citrus Lemon Basil Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes
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
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
Pickled Rhubarb and Strawberry Salad with Burrata
This strawberry rhubarb salad brings together everything good about late spring and summer. Fresh basil, pistachios, and creamy burrata cheese make it a bright, layered bite. Get the Recipe: Pickled Rhubarb and Strawberry Salad with Burrata
Caprese Salad
This caprese salad is the ultimate fresh summer dish. Featuring colorful heirloom tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, balsamic glaze, and fresh basil. It’s a fresh tomato salad recipe that’s both beautiful and delicious. Get the recipe: Caprese 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
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 Pistou
Basil pistou is the French version of pesto, made without nuts or cheese. Since it doesn’t have these additions, it freezes much better as a way to preserve late-season basil. Get the recipe: Basil Pistou