Basil is one of our favorite herbs. When you get it fresh, it adds a wonderful herby sweetness to your dishes.
We’ve compiled this great list of Fresh Basil Recipes so that you can make the most of this gorgeous herb.
You’ll find flavors you expect like pesto and caprese, as well as many other great ways to use basil.
From pastas to salads, soups to appetizers, dressings to sweets, there is a huge variety of things here for you to try.
Go through all of these great recipes so you always know how to use fresh basil to it’s fullest!
What to Cook With Basil:
1. Pesto Sauce
We’re starting this list of great Basil recipes with our own favorite classic Pesto Sauce. This homemade Pesto recipe is a tried and true method to make the best Basil Pesto recipe every single time.
Homemade Pesto is infinitely more tasty than store bought varieties. The sauce is ready in just 5 minutes and it’s very delicious and versatile.
2. Thai Basil Chicken
This Thai Basil Chicken is arguably the gold standard of Thai chicken stir fries! An incredibly fast and easy Thai recipe that truly tastes just as good as your favorite restaurant.
It’s flavorful and extremely delicious and will soon become your family’s favorite super quick dinner.
3. Caprese Salad
The perfect Caprese Salad recipe! Once you try this way you will never need any other recipe.
This salad is unbelievably easy to make and only requires a handful of basic fresh ingredients. You can serve this delicious Caprese Salad as an appetizer or side dish.
Get the Recipe @ loveandlemons
4. Thai Basil Fried Rice
Thai Basil Fried Rice is packed full of sweet and spicy flavor from the Thai basil pieces and it pairs perfectly with the rich soy sauce and umami flavor of fish sauce seasonings. If you love fried rice with chinese sauces, then you will want to try this easy to make Thai Basil Fried Rice recipe.
5. Tomato Basil Soup
If you’re looking for the best recipe for tomato soup that is still easy to make, well then, you have found it.
Just put all the flavorful ingredients in the slow cooker and wait for the most amazing soup you will ever eat. Serve this soup with parmesan cheddar croutons for extra deliciousness.
Get the Recipe @ damndelicious
6. Garlicky Pasta with Burst Cherry Tomatoes, Burrata and Basil
This Garlicky Pasta with Burst Cherry Tomatoes, Burrata and Basil will become your new favorite pasta dish!
Absolutely delicious and easy to make, this fresh and comforting pasta is perfect for summer weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe @ gimmesomeoven
7. Tomato Basil Chicken
Tomatoes and Basil are a match made in heaven! This Tomato Basil Chicken recipe is so quick and easy to make with few ingredients.
Top pan seared chicken with a buttery cherry tomato and basil mix and you will have the best chicken dish ever. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
8. Pesto Shrimp and Grits
We all think it’s fair to say that we can’t get enough of Shrimp and Grits in our life, which inspired us to create this Italian take on a Southern classic.
Fresh, aromatic basil pesto pairs perfectly with these tender shrimp and creamy parmesan cheese grits. This dish an amazing comfort food fusion!
9. Coconut Basil Chicken Curry
Coconut Basil Chicken Curry is made with tender chicken pieces smothered in a flavorful coconut curry sauce with lots of fresh basil. The curry gets ready in minutes, is super easy and great for any night of the week.
This dish is a kind of a hybrid between Indian and Thai flavors, and will be a huge hit with all curry lovers.
10. Pork Chops with Lemon Basil Cream Sauce
These delicious oven baked parmesan crusted Pork Chops served with a tangy, creamy lemon basil sauce have it all!
Break up the usual dinner routine with this spectacular pork dinner that will leave you satisfied and happy for a long time.
Get the Recipe @ damndelicious
11. Basil Pesto Bread
When it comes to home cooking, there are few things that bring as much joy as a loaf of homemade bread. This Basil Pesto Bread recipe is very easy to make and it’s super flavorful.
This version has no rising time, is infused with the flavor of herby pesto, and is baked in a slow cooker.
12. Chicken Caprese Mac and Cheese
Chicken Caprese Mac and Cheese recipe is the best! It’s so easy, so fresh and so, so delicious.
Give your family classic mac and cheese a fresh twist with delicious caprese flavors. The fresh basil, tomatoes and mozzarella take this dish to another level.
Get the Recipe @ therecipecritic
13. Summer Blackberry Basil Pizza
Does life get any sweeter than this Summer Blackberry Basil Pizza? It is the perfect summer pizza to change things up and have some fun with your food.
This easy and delicious pizza is perfect for summer BBQ’s or backyard parties.
Get the Recipe @ loveandlemons
14. Basil Vinaigrette
Make this bright and flavorful Basil Vinaigrette in just 5 minutes using pantry staples. This Basil Vinaigrette goes great on just about everything.
You can use it as a salad dressing, but it is also great on vegetables, chicken, fish and pasta. It will become a summer favorite for sure.
Get the Recipe @ gimmesomeoven
15. Mango Basil Smoothie
This Mango Basil Smoothie is incredibly creamy thanks to a banana and mango base. This provides balance and brightness, while basil adds a pop of freshness.
It’s a healthy summer smoothie that makes a great snack any time of the day.
Get the Recipe @ wholesomelicious
16. Avocado Caprese Pasta Salad
This Avocado Caprese Pasta Salad recipe is fresh and satisfying, loaded with juicy cherry tomatoes, avocado, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil and balsamic vinegar.
It makes a fabulous light lunch or dinner that is healthy, yet tastes luxuriously delicious.
Get the Recipe @ cookingclassy
17. Red Curry Basil Garlic Oil Noodles
Red Curry Basil Garlic Oil Noodles are super easy to make, requiring only 20 minutes. They’re an amazingly flavorful ramen noodle variation that you have to try!
Get the Recipe @ halfbakedharvest
18. Basil Feta Sauce Chicken
Do you like feta cheese? If yes, then you will love this Basil Feta Sauce Chicken
Recipe.
It’s made with a flavorful mixture of basil, garlic and feta cheese sauce poured over perfectly pan seared juicy chicken. Try this super easy, delicious and satisfying dish, you’ll love it.
19. Peach, Basil and Ricotta Flatbread
If you’re craving something fresh and homemade, then this Peach, Basil and Ricotta Flatbread is perfect for you.
It features seasonal ingredients like fresh peaches, basil, ricotta and balsamic vinegar reduction that make this flatbread super delicious.
Get the Recipe @ cookieandkate
20. Strawberry Basil Bruschetta
Here’s the perfect, easy summer appetizer that will look beautiful on the plate, but will only be there for a split second, long enough for you and your guests to gobble them down in a matter of minutes.
This Strawberry Basil Bruschetta is made with Greek yogurt, juicy strawberries in balsamic reduction and fresh basil over fresh French baguette.
21. Creamy Basil Chicken Skillet
This Creamy Basil Chicken is a flavorful, quick weeknight dinner that is prepared in one skillet and is ready in just 30 minutes.
It’s an amazing dish that makes the perfect choice for dinner, filled with protein from chicken and a delicious flavorful sauce that’s smooth and creamy.
Get the Recipe @ thegirlonbloor
22. Thai Basil Beef Noodle Stir Fry
Thai Basil Beef Noodle Stir Fry is a flavorful and satisfying meal. Its savory, spicy and packed with the flavor of basil and soy, oyster, fish, chili garlic sauces that makes these noodles absolutely delicious.
This recipe is so versatile that you can use any protein you like, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe @ gimmesomeoven
23. Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Bake
It doesn’t get much more comforting than a Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Bake, and it will soon become your family’s favorite.
It’s an easy, quick and super simple throw together weeknight dinner that will feed a hungry family. Kids will love this cheesy pasta bake for sure.
Get the Recipe @ halfbakedharvest
24. Sun Dried Tomato Basil Hummus
Sun Dried Tomato Basil Hummus takes just minutes to make, with only a few ingredients, and it tastes so much better than store bought hummus!
Trust this hummus will kick start your dinner party. It’s creamy, nutty and all things yummy and Middle Eastern.
Get the Recipe @ cookingclassy
25. Baked Fish with Garlic and Basil
Baked Fish with Garlic and Basil is a combination of garlic, basil, a few spices and lemon. It’s a fantastic and flavorful meal for your family.
This dish is simple, delicious and a perfect weeknight meal that doesn’t take too long to make. Serve this with a bright salad or lemon rice for a complete tasty meal.
Get the Recipe @ themediterraneandish
26. Basil Ice Cream
How about enjoying ice cream with the goodness of Basil? It may sound different, but this healthy ice cream will make you a fan of its rich taste and texture.
Basil Ice Cream will take you straight back to Italy. There is something magical about the combination which makes you fall in love with this ice cream flavor.
Get the Recipe @ abeautifulplate
27. White Bean Artichoke Basil Toasts
You all will love this versatile White Bean Artichoke Basil Toasts recipe! You can use it as a tasty dip with chips, or as an open-faced sandwich for lunch or dinner.
This summer ingredient recipe comes together in just 10 minutes, and it’s delicious every time.
28. Grilled Garlic Basil Chicken Breasts
These Grilled Garlic Basil Chicken Breasts are flavorful and absolutely delicious. Chicken breast is quickly marinated in a blend of fresh basil, garlic and olive oil before being grilled to perfection.
This healthy and tasty grilled chicken recipe is perfect for your weeknight dinner, BBQ’s or outdoor parties.
29. Caprese Breakfast Casserole
This Caprese Breakfast Casserole is simple, with no fuss, and it’s a bit of a spin on a typical American breakfast casserole.
The dish is made with whisked eggs with fresh basil, mozzarella, tomatoes, onions, and garlic sautéed in olive oil.
This turns out to be an extremely delicious and filling breakfast casserole for your loved ones.
Get the Recipe @ twopeasandtheirpod
30. Basil Mayo
Mayonnaise is a great condiment, but have you ever added Basil to it? Well, you are in for a treat because this Basil Mayonnaise, which is super simple and made with only 3 ingredients, packs a mighty punch.
It’s a perfect way to add extra flavor to any sandwich or wrap.
Get the Recipe @ theviewfromgreatisland
31. Strawberry, Basil and Goat Cheese Panini
There aren’t too many foods that are quicker to prepare than cheese sandwiches. This Strawberry, Basil and Goat Cheese Panini makes a super delicious sandwich for the whole family.
You all will love the crispy bread with the fresh and mild goat cheese, the sweet strawberries, fresh basil and the sour balsamic vinegar. The flavors blend together beautifully.
Get the Recipe @ cookieandkate
32. Creamy Basil Dressing
A crowd pleasing dressing that’s super fast and easy to make? Yes! This Creamy Basil Dressing is the perfect salad dressing, dip or sauce for any meal.
Bright, vibrant and packed with flavor, this dressing is extremely delicious and goes great on just about anything.
Get the Recipe @ favfamilyrecipes
33. Lemon Basil Chicken
This Lemon Basil Chicken recipe is crazy juicy from an easy marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, basil, baby spinach, garlic, and onion!
It’s super easy and super flavorful and perfect to toss on rice, pasta, salad, wraps etc. You will love having this Lemon Basil Chicken on hand.
34. Garlic Basil Barramundi Skillet with Tomato Butter Sauce
This Garlic Basil Barramundi Skillet with Tomato Butter Sauce recipe is so easy and absolutely delicious. Plus, it gets ready in just 30 minutes.
This recipe has all the fresh and flavorful summer ingredients, and is an effortless dinner for your whole family. Perfect one skillet dish for a weeknight dinner.
35. Lemon Basil Shortbread Cookies
Lemon and Basil is a delicious flavor combination that’s traditionally used in savory foods. It’s bright, fresh, herby and slightly sweet.
These shortbread cookies put that combo into desert form, and the result is amazing. Great way to wrap up our list of fresh basil recipes!
Get the Recipe @ abeautifulplate
What a great collection of ways to use fresh basil! Go beyond the usual suspects, and get full use of the versatility of this amazing herb.
Check out these other great recipe collections!
Pasta Recipes
Italian Recipes
Pizza Recipes
Salad Recipes
Summer Dinner Idea
Summer Desserts
Green Bean Recipes
How to Use Fresh Basil (35 Great Uses)
We’ve compiled this great list of Fresh Basil Recipes so that you can make the most of this gorgeous herb. For starters, try this easy pesto sauce:
Ingredients
- 2 cups basil
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 1/4 cup Parmigiano cheese (or other hard cheese)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp coarse salt
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Rinse basil and remove leaves from stem. Peel garlic.
- Add basil leaves, garlic cloves, cheese, salt and pine nuts to blender or food processor. Pulse a few times until ingredients are blended into a coarse mixture.
- Drizzle in olive oil and pulse blender until all ingredients are well mixed. If needed, scrape sides of blender to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
- Add lemon juice and again pulse.
- Taste and adjust salt, garlic and cheese to your taste.
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