20 Easy Basil Recipes That Make Use of the Fresh Herb
It's one of Ree's favorite garnishes!
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Summertime is the perfect opportunity to put fresh basil to good use! Just ask Ree Drummond who considers basil to be one of her favorite herbs. "I've been known to 'accidentally' over-plant basil in the summer, so we end up overrun with it by mid-July," she says, but not to worry, "It's a great problem to have!" Not only does Ree use basil in many of her summer recipes, but it's also the star ingredient in one of her favorite year-round sauces: pesto! "I make a bunch from fresh basil and freeze it in ice cube trays. Then, you just plunk the cubes into soups or sauces," Ree explains. Of course, this list of basil recipes includes plenty of ideas for pesto, but it also shows you tons of other ways to use fresh, flavorful basil, too!
From summer salads and BBQ side dishes to main courses and colorful cocktails, this list of basil recipes proves just how versatile the little herb can be. Pair fresh basil with juicy summer tomato recipes or mix it in to a lusciously creamy sauce for chicken. It also makes a delicious addition to creamed corn and Caprese pasta salad. Heck, you can even add basil to summer desserts, like the lemon-basil shortbread cookies, for a bright, herby, and delightfully surprising treat. Whether you're growing basil or just picking up a bunch from the store, there are so many basil recipes to choose from! Just be sure to read up on our tips for how to store fresh herbs, like basil.
Caprese Pasta Salad
The classic combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil combines with pasta and white balsamic vinaigrette for this flavorful side. It's perfect for cookouts, potlucks, or picnics in the park!
Get the Caprese Pasta Salad recipe.
Homemade Pesto
This homemade pesto is a breeze to whip up in just 15 minutes! And it's the perfect flavor-booster to have on hand for pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and so much more.
Get the Homemade Pesto recipe.
Creamed Corn
There's just something so summery about the combination of sweet corn and herby basil. It's even better when the ingredients are all fresh!
Get the Creamed Corn recipe.
Green Goddess Chicken Salad Dip
Part dip and part salad—this creative recipe is sure to become a new favorite! It gets its color and flavor from a creamy green goddess dressing made with basil, spinach, parsley, avocado, and parmesan cheese.
Pesto Caprese Panini
Store-bought basil pesto works just fine for this quick and easy lunch. Then again, homemade pesto is what Ree says "makes life worth living!"
Get Ree's Pesto Caprese Panini recipe.
Blueberry-Basil Limeade
This summertime mocktail has all the fresh flavors of the season: sweet blueberries, bright citrus, and herbaceous basil. Not to mention it's totally refreshing!
Get Ree's Blueberry-Basil Limeade recipe.
Rigatoni with Pesto Cream Sauce
Fresh pesto, heavy cream, and butter make this the most scrumptious pasta recipe we ever did see. The best part? You can serve it hot for dinner or cold as a pasta salad at your next BBQ.
Get Ree's Rigatoni with Pesto Cream Sauce recipe.
Chickpea Salad
Fresh basil adds a pop of flavor to this easy side salad. If you're making it ahead for a potluck, just be sure to leave the basil off until just before serving so it stays bright and green.
Get the Chickpea Salad recipe.
Bruschetta
The combination of juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and buttery crisp bread makes for an elegant appetizer, but it's also just a delicious snack! It's a recipe that you'll find yourself making again and again.
Get Ree's Bruschetta recipe.
Shrimp Pesto Pasta
If a quick and easy dinner is what you're after, this flavorful recipe made with homemade basil pesto, shrimp, and veggies is what you need. It's ready in less than 30 minutes!
Get Ree's Shrimp Pesto Pasta recipe.
Peaches and Cream Shortcake with Basil
Basil and peaches are the surprising duo you never knew you needed! And when served with tender shortcakes and fresh whipped cream, it's the ultimate summer dessert.
Strawberry, Basil, and Goat Cheese Salad
Beautiful, simple, and savory-sweet—this salad is a great way to show off your summer produce. It would also make a delicious addition to brunch or lunch.
Get the Strawberry, Basil, and Goat Cheese Salad recipe at Cookie and Kate.
Roasted Broccoli with Garlic-Basil Tahini Sauce
This creamy basil sauce is so good, you'll want to drizzle it over just about everything! We especially love the way it looks on this all-green roasted broccoli side.
Get the Roasted Broccoli with Garlic-Basil Tahini Sauce recipe at Platings and Pairings.
Kale Pesto and Cheese Stuffed Shells
Here's another fun way to prepare pesto using both kale and basil! It gets added to creamy ricotta cheese and corn in this summery pasta dish.
Get the Kale Pesto and Cheese Stuffed Shells recipe at Britney Breaks Bread.
Peach and Basil Whiskey Sour
Muddling fresh peaches and basil adds a fruity and herbal twist to this classic whiskey cocktail. We can just picture sitting outside on a warm summer night sipping on this drink.
Get the Peach and Basil Whiskey Sour recipe at A Beautiful Mess.
Creamy Basil Chicken
Chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy basil sauce make this dish a stunning show-stopper. And since it comes together in 2- minutes, you'll impress your guests without too much effort.
Lemon Basil Shortbread Cookies
Lemon and basil go together like peanut butter and jelly. It's a combo that's zingy, herby, and bright—especially when baked into tender cookies for your next tea party.
Get the Lemon Basil Shortbread Cookies recipe at Sugar and Soul.
Roasted Tomato Basil Pasta
Slow roasting tomatoes makes them extra-juicy so they practically make their own sauce. Just add olive oil, basil, and toasted pine nuts to make the meal complete.
Blueberry Basil Moscow Mule
This cocktail starts with a super easy blueberry-basil simple syrup, then adds vodka, lime juice, ginger beer, and more blueberries and basil to garnish!
Get the Blueberry Basil Moscow Mule recipe at Spices in My DNA.
15-Minute Basil Chimichurri Shrimp
Pesto isn't the only sauce you can make with basil! Try using the herb for chimichurri, too! It's the perfect topping for these quick shrimp skewers.
Get the 15-Minute Basil Chimichurri Shrimp recipe at A Sassy Spoon.
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