Ever found yourself staring at a bunch of fresh basil, wondering what else you can do with it besides making pesto?
Been there, done that, got the t-shirt.
It’s safe to say that I’ve got some ideas for you.
Culinary Creations with Basil
Basil-Infused Olive Oil for Dressings & Marinades
Infuse olive oil with fresh basil for a flavorful twist. Combine a handful of basil leaves with a cup of olive oil. Let it sit for a day, then strain. Drizzle over salads or use it to marinate chicken or veggies.
Roasted Garlic & Basil Hummus
Add roasted garlic & basil to your hummus for a delicious update. Blend chickpeas, a couple of roasted garlic cloves, fresh basil leaves, tahini, lemon juice, & olive oil. Enjoy with pita bread or as a veggie dip.
Refreshing Basil & Watermelon Salad
Mix fresh basil with watermelon for a cool summer dish. Toss cubed watermelon with basil leaves, crumbled feta cheese, & a splash of balsamic glaze. It’s a perfect side for any barbecue.
Creamy Basil & Avocado Pasta Sauce
Upgrade pasta night with a creamy basil-avocado sauce. Blend ripe avocado, fresh basil, garlic, lemon juice, & a bit of olive oil. Toss with your favorite pasta for a quick, healthy meal.
Basil Lime Sorbet
Make a refreshing basil lime sorbet. Puree fresh basil, lime juice, sugar, & water. Freeze until firm. This sorbet’s a perfect palate cleanser or light dessert on a hot day.
Classic French Ratatouille with a Basil Twist
Add fresh basil to your classic French ratatouille. Layer eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, & tomatoes. Sprinkle basil leaves between the layers for an aromatic, flavorful dish.
Basil-Mint Layered Smoothie
Blend basil into a mint smoothie for a herbaceous twist. Layer a mint smoothie with a basil puree made from basil leaves, Greek yogurt, &honey. It’s a refreshing & healthy start to your day.
Spicy Basil & Cheddar Scones
Bake spicy basil & cheddar scones for a savory treat. Mix fresh basil, shredded cheddar cheese, & a pinch of chili flakes into your scone dough. Bake until golden & enjoy with soup or on their own.
Beverages Featuring Basil
Basil can turn an ordinary drink into a flavorful experience. Try these creative ways to enjoy basil in your beverages.
Basil & Berry Infusion for Water
Combine fresh basil leaves with mixed berries in your water for a refreshing twist. Let it steep for a couple of hours. You’ll love the subtle sweetness & vibrant color.
Classic Basil Mojito
Muddle basil leaves with lime & sugar. Add rum & soda water. This basil-spin on the mojito gives a fragrant & herbaceous touch.
Herbal Basil Tea
Steep fresh basil leaves in hot water for about 5-7 minutes. Add honey or lemon to taste. This relaxing tea is perfect for unwinding.
Basil-Infused Hot Chocolate
Add finely chopped basil to your milk or milk alternative while heating. Strain before mixing with cocoa & sweetener. Basil brings an unexpected warmth to this cozy drink.
Gin & Sparkling Basil Lemonade
Mix gin with homemade sparkling basil lemonade. Shake well, & pour over ice. Garnish with a fresh basil leaf. This bubbly cocktail is great for gatherings.
Snacks & Small Plates with Fresh Basil
Explore the endless possibilities of fresh basil with these mouthwatering snacks & small plates. Perfect for gatherings or a light bite at home, these recipes are sure to impress.
Caprese Stuffed Mushrooms
Combine juicy cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, & fresh basil to stuff large mushroom caps. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for an extra burst of flavor. This twist on the classic Caprese salad adds a deliciously earthy touch.
Prosciutto Wrapped Melon with Basil
Take thin slices of cantaloupe or honeydew & wrap them with prosciutto. Tuck a fresh basil leaf inside each wrap for a fragrant & savory surprise. This sweet & salty combo makes an irresistible snack.
Fried Basil Leaves as an Appetizer
Fry fresh basil leaves in hot oil until they’re crispy. Sprinkle with sea salt for a crunchy & flavorful snack. These basil chips make a unique & addictive appetizer.
Basil-Goat Cheese Stuffed Sweet Peppers
Stuff miniature sweet peppers with a mixture of goat cheese, minced garlic, & finely chopped basil. Bake until the peppers are soft & the cheese is golden. This creamy & herby snack is both delicious & visually appealing.
Main Courses Enhanced by Basil
Explore how fresh basil can take your main dishes to the next level. Here are some tasty ideas:
Thai Basil & Beef Stir-Fry
Transform your stir-fry with fresh Thai basil, giving it an aromatic flavor. Sauté beef with garlic, chili, & onions, then mix in soy sauce & fish sauce. Add a generous handful of Thai basil leaves just before serving to elevate the dish with a burst of flavor.
Mediterranean Basil & Lamb Meatballs
Boost your lamb meatballs by mixing in chopped fresh basil. Combine ground lamb with minced garlic, breadcrumbs, & Parmesan cheese. Bake or pan-fry the meatballs until golden, then serve with a basil-infused tomato sauce for a Mediterranean twist.
Basil-Enhanced Vegetable Lasagna
Elevate your vegetable lasagna by layering in fresh basil leaves. Spread a basil pesto mix between layers of pasta, ricotta cheese, zucchini, & bell peppers. The basil adds a fragrant aroma & rich taste that pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of the cheese.
Pizza with Sundried Tomato & Basil
Upgrade your homemade pizza by topping it with sundried tomatoes & fresh basil. Spread tomato sauce on the pizza crust, add mozzarella cheese, & arrange the sundried tomatoes. Once baked, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top for a refreshing, herbaceous finish.
Indonesia-Inspired Basil & Coconut Chicken
Spice up your chicken dish with an Indonesian flair. Sauté chicken pieces with ginger, garlic, & onions, then simmer in coconut milk. Add fresh basil leaves towards the end of cooking for a fragrant, comforting meal that’s sure to impress.
Basil in Sweets & Desserts
Fresh basil isn’t just for savory dishes—it can create amazing sweets & desserts too. Dive into these luscious & inventive treats.
Basil & Peach Frozen Yogurt
Blend fresh basil with ripe peaches & Greek yogurt. The herb adds a refreshing twist to the fruity flavor. Freeze the mixture, stirring every 30 minutes until you get that perfect, creamy texture.
Chocolate & Basil Brioche
Incorporate chopped basil into your chocolate brioche dough for a sophisticated touch. The subtle basil notes pair beautifully with rich chocolate, making for a fragrant & decadent bite.
Vanilla-Basil Poached Pears
Poach pears in a simple syrup infused with vanilla & fresh basil. The basil adds a herbal complexity to the sweet vanilla, transforming a classic dessert into something extraordinary.
Strawberry & Basil Shortcakes
Add some finely chopped basil into your shortcake dough. Layer the cakes with macerated strawberries & a dollop of whipped cream. The basil gives an unexpected but delightful twist to the traditional summer dessert.
Lemon Basil Bundt Cake
Mix lemon zest & finely chopped basil into your Bundt cake batter. The bright lemon flavor marries perfectly with the fresh basil, creating a moist, aromatic cake that’s sure to impress.
Innovative Uses of Basil
Basil’s not just for cooking. These creative uses let you enjoy this versatile herb in totally unique ways.
Basil Seed Jellies for Dessert
Prepare basil seeds into jellies for an exotic dessert twist. Soak basil seeds in water until they swell up, creating a gel-like texture. Mix them with fruit juices or desserts like panna cotta for added texture & a hint of herbal flavor. Basil seeds, similar to chia seeds, offer a fun & nutritious addition to your sweet treats.
Dried Basil Salt
Create dried basil salt for a flavorful seasoning. Start by drying fresh basil leaves until they’re crispy. Crush them into a fine powder & mix with sea salt. Use your basil salt on everything from scrambled eggs to roasted veggies, adding a burst of herbaceous taste to your favorite dishes.
Basil Oil for Beauty Treatments
Infuse basil into oil for beauty treatments. Fill a jar with fresh basil leaves, then top with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil. Let the mixture sit for a couple of weeks, shaking it occasionally. Strain & use the basil-infused oil for a soothing massage, a rejuvenating hair treatment, or add it to your bath for a refreshing soak.
Homemade Basil & Lavender Candles
Make your own basil & lavender candles for a calming aroma. Melt soy wax & mix in essential oils of basil & lavender. Pour the mixture into a jar with a wick & let it cool. Light your homemade candle for a relaxing environment with the combined soothing scents of basil & lavender.
