20 herb recipes that make the most of fresh flavors

Herbs are small ingredients that can make a big difference in the kitchen. This collection puts fresh and flavorful favorites to work in recipes for every kind of meal. Consider it a good excuse to pick up a few extra bunches next grocery trip.

Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad

This creamy cucumber tomato salad is easy to make and quick to throw together in just 15 minutes. The secret ingredient in this refreshing summer side dish is Greek yogurt, perfect for a cookout or barbecue. Get the recipe: Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad

Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon with Herb Chimichurri

Cedar plank grilled salmon with mixed herb chimichurri looks like something straight off a restaurant menu. The smoky wood and fresh herbs make it next-level good every time. Get the recipe: Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon with Herb Chimichurri

Mediterranean Falafel Pita Burgers

This recipe skips all of the hassle of traditional falafel. These Mediterranean falafel pita burgers start with a can of chickpeas, a handful of pantry spices, and fresh parsley. You mash, mix, bake, and eat in 30 minutes. Get the recipe: Mediterranean Falafel Pita Burgers

Roasted Potato Salad with Fresh Herbs

This roasted potato salad is bright and full of fresh herbs. A simple homemade dressing and crunchy pistachios make it a fresh and lively side. Get the recipe: Roasted Potato Salad with Fresh Herbs

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

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

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

Chicken Rice Salad with Fresh Basil

A bowl of chicken and rice salad. — Image Credit: The Honour System

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

30-Minute Tomato Basil Chicken

A plate of Tomato Basil Chicken. — Image Credit: The Cookin’ Chicks

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

Creamy Lemon Dill Chicken

This creamy lemon chicken is bright and flavorful with a lemon dill sauce that makes the dish feel fresh. It’s a light and quick recipe that’s ready in just 20 minutes. Get the recipe: Creamy Lemon Dill Chicken

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

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

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

Blackberry Basil Grilled Cheese

A plate of Blackberry Grilled Cheese. — Image Credit: Life as a Strawberry

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

Mushroom And Herb Risotto

This creamy vegan mushroom and herb risotto is pure comfort in a bowl. Arborio rice, sautéed mushrooms, and fresh herbs blend into a rich, cozy dish that works for any night of the week. Get the recipe: Mushroom And Herb Risotto

Classic Cucumber Dill Sandwiches

Cucumber sandwiches feel almost too simple to write down until you make a truly good one. This version with cream cheese and fresh dill is soft yet crunchy, fresh, and just rich enough without feeling heavy because the real key is how you treat the ingredients. Get the recipe: Classic Cucumber Dill Sandwiches

Pineapple Mint Green Smoothie

This minty pineapple cucumber green smoothie is light and refreshing, perfect for hot summer days. The mint and cucumber keep it extra fresh while adding a boost of fruits and veggies in every sip. Get the recipe: Pineapple Mint Green Smoothie

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

Smoked Salmon Canapés

These smoked salmon canapés are a quick and elegant appetizer with only a handful of ingredients. You can whip up this delicious appetizer in about 15 minutes. Get the recipe: Smoked Salmon Canapés